32. Finishing my masters in Supply Chain and Global Logistics (UK) - Advice on next steps...
I need honest advice.
My situation:
32 years old
Finishing my MSc in Supply Chain & Logistics (UK uni) this September. (All distinctions, so far).
Right now: Unpaid sourcing apprenticeship in China. Raw materials, imports & exports, factories, negotiations. But they can't hire me after.
Before this: banking, risk & governance for 8+ years. I then had a year-long role as a supplier analyst (sadly, no opportunity to make it permanent), and fell in love with the role/ and the work in general. The more I learned about the supply chain industry, the more it resonated with me. Especially now that I am doing sourcing.
So I am using the degree to pivot.
What I've tried: LinkedIn and company websites. For a lot of different roles, keywords, "purchasing, sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management'
What I'm asking:
What job titles should I actually search for?
Where else should I look?
Further education, maybe? Working with raw materials has highlighted a gap in my knowledge and experience that I'm working hard to sort. So I'm thinking maybe a certificate to make it even more formal. Looking at a 6-month semiconductor supply chain course or something in Chemical Engineering. Give me more knowledge on these industries, if I am going to be sourcing for them. Helpful or a waste of time?
Geography: in China now. Open to the UK, China, and elsewhere. Just need a paid role.
Bottom line:
Once the degree ends, I need to work. No more unpaid gigs. No more gaps.
If you've broken into SCM from another field, or started late (30s), tell me how you did it. Thank you in advance!