Much has been written about the fact that the Millennial Generation will make up 50% of the workforce by 2020. How to attract and retain Millennial professionals is becoming an increasingly important challenge for procurement leaders as large numbers of baby boomers retire by the day.
In the first part of today’s episode, I connect with M.L. Peck (of the Institute for Supply Management – ISM) and Donna Cicale (of ThomasNet). We talk about the challenge of attracting Millennials into the supply chain and procurement profession, and the 30 Under 30 program that ISM and ThomasNet developed to showcase talented and emerging leaders.
In the second part of the interview, I sit down with Amy Georgi, a Program Manager responsible for Procurement M&A at Fluke Electronics. Amy is the current Megawatt Winner of the 30 Under 30 Program. Firstly, Amy and I talk about procurement’s role in facilitating M&A in a manufacturing environment. We then transition into a key pillar of motivation and job satisfaction for Millennial professionals – the ability to have flexibility in their work locations. From personal experience, this is something the solicits passionate perspectives that vary wildly! In our conversation, Amy shares tips for procurement leaders faced with employees who want and value location independence, and for professionals on how to stay in touch with the home office when working remotely.
“Baby boomers are retiring at a very fast rate, and there is not enough Millennials to back fill those positions. Millennials are the key to our professions future and we need to do more to bring them into the fold and keep them with us – the need is really very urgent.”
In this episode, you will learn:
The importance of attracting Millennial professionals into the procurement and supply chain profession.
The origin story for the 30 Under 30 program.
How to nominate candidates for consideration in the 2016 30 Under 30 program.
Why Amy Georgi pursued a career in procurement and supply chain.
The role of procurement in facilitating M&A in a manufacturing environment.
Why location independence is important to Millennial professionals.
Considerations for procurement leaders when a professional is interested in working remotely.
Tips for professionals in maintaining contact with HQ and continuing your career progression when working remotely.
Advice from Amy for anyone considering a procurement or supply chain career.
