When people think about the supply industry, they often picture a warehouse, a loading dock or a delivery truck. Those jobs are part of the industry, but they are far from the whole story.

For people considering a career change, that limited picture can make the industry easy to overlook. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about what it is like to build a career in the supply industry.

Myth #1: Most supply industry jobs are warehouse jobs.

Warehousing is an important part of the industry, but it is only one part of a much larger operation. Supply companies need people in sales, purchasing, customer service, logistics, inventory, transportation, operations, technology, accounting and management.

A customer may see a product arrive at their business, but there can be dozens of people involved in getting it there. Many of those careers have little to do with working inside a warehouse.

Myth #2: You need to have supply industry experience to get started.

Industry knowledge is valuable, but it is not the only thing employers look for. Many skills developed in other careers can transfer into supply industry roles.

Sales experience can translate into customer-facing positions. Project management can apply to operations. Experience in construction or manufacturing can provide valuable product and industry knowledge. Military experience can translate into logistics, leadership and operations. Customer service experience can be useful in sales and account management.

Learning a new industry takes time, but changing industries does not mean starting with no experience at all.

Myth #3: You need a four-year degree.

Education requirements vary significantly depending on the role. Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree, while others place greater emphasis on technical training, certifications, industry knowledge or hands-on experience.

There are opportunities for people coming from two-year programs, trade schools and other forms of training. There are also roles where experience and demonstrated ability can be just as important as formal education.

The right question is not whether you have a four-year degree. It is which type of career you want and what qualifications that career requires.

Myth #4: The industry is only for people who want to work with their hands.

There are certainly hands-on careers in the supply industry, but there are also plenty of positions centered around communication, analysis, sales, technology and leadership.

Some people spend their days working directly with products and equipment. Others spend most of their time working with customers, suppliers, data or employees. The variety of roles means there are opportunities for different interests and strengths.

Myth #5: There is not much room to move up.

A first job in the industry does not necessarily determine where your career ends up. Supply companies rely on experienced people who understand their customers, products and operations, which can create opportunities to take on additional responsibility over time.

Someone might begin in customer service and move into sales. An employee in operations may progress into management. Someone who starts in a technical role could eventually lead a service department or another part of the business.

Career paths vary by company and role, but the industry includes positions at many levels.

Myth #6: Your experience from another industry will not matter.

This may be the biggest misconception for someone considering a second career.

Changing industries does not erase the skills you have spent years developing. If you know how to manage customers, solve problems, lead people, organize complex work or make decisions under pressure, those skills can be valuable in a supply industry environment.

You may need to learn new products and processes, but you are not necessarily starting from scratch.

The supply industry is broad enough to accommodate many different backgrounds, interests and career goals. There are technical roles, customer-facing roles, operational roles, management positions and many others that support the movement of products from manufacturers to the businesses and customers who need them.

For anyone considering a career change, that is worth knowing. The supply industry is not one job or one type of workplace. It is a collection of industries, companies and careers connected by the work of getting products where they need to go.

The more you look beyond the warehouse, the more career possibilities you may find.

See the opportunities for yourself.

Forget the myths. Discover real career opportunities with Supply Industry member companies—whatever your background, education or goals. Use our hiring map to see who’s hiring near you—and find where your skills and ambitions could take you next.

Explore the Hiring Map at SupplyIndustryCareers.com →