Macomb alum turns military experience into global supply chain career path
Thursday, October 22, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Veteran and alum William Shepherd plans to turn his military experience into a career through Macomb’s global supply chain program.
- The global supply chain field is expected to grow 17% within the next decade, according to U.S. Dept. of Labor.
After serving in the U.S. Marines in aviation supply, William Shepherd enrolled in Macomb’s Global Supply Chain Management program to turn his military experience into a career.
William recently earned his associate degree from Macomb and is planning to transfer to the University of Michigan–Flint to pursue a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management.
His background in logistics, sales, and accounting seemed like a natural fit for this booming field, he said.
“Supply chain is about working with people from different backgrounds and locations around the world,” he said. “There’s a lot of opportunities out there.”
The field combines logistics, transportation, purchasing, inventory management, data analysis and communication to ensure the delivery of goods.
Professionals in the industry work with manufacturers, suppliers and customers to help businesses forecast demand, solve problems and keep products moving.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in the field is expected to grow by 17% over the next decade, creating demand for professionals who can:
As supply chains become more advanced and interconnected, employers continue to seek skilled workers who can help organizations adapt to changing economic conditions and keep goods moving.
William hopes to combine his military background with his education to his advantage after he’s earned his bachelor’s degree.
“A Department of Defense role would be my first choice, but I’m open to opportunities wherever they lead,” he said. “I’m excited – this is a natural fit for both my background and interests.”
William recently earned his associate degree from Macomb and is planning to transfer to the University of Michigan–Flint to pursue a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management.
His background in logistics, sales, and accounting seemed like a natural fit for this booming field, he said.
“Supply chain is about working with people from different backgrounds and locations around the world,” he said. “There’s a lot of opportunities out there.”
What is global supply chain management?
Global supply chain management focuses on coordinating the flow of products, materials and information from suppliers to customers around the world.The field combines logistics, transportation, purchasing, inventory management, data analysis and communication to ensure the delivery of goods.
Professionals in the industry work with manufacturers, suppliers and customers to help businesses forecast demand, solve problems and keep products moving.
What are the opportunities in the field?
Global supply chain management offers strong career opportunities as businesses increasingly rely on complex international networks to move products around the world.According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in the field is expected to grow by 17% over the next decade, creating demand for professionals who can:
- Manage logistics
- Analyze data
- Forecast demand
- Coordinate operations across global markets
As supply chains become more advanced and interconnected, employers continue to seek skilled workers who can help organizations adapt to changing economic conditions and keep goods moving.
William hopes to combine his military background with his education to his advantage after he’s earned his bachelor’s degree.
“A Department of Defense role would be my first choice, but I’m open to opportunities wherever they lead,” he said. “I’m excited – this is a natural fit for both my background and interests.”