How can you gain Supplier Sourcing experience outside of your role?

In my personal experience, having initiated my career in Procurement relatively young, there are ways to expand your knowledge outside of the role itself. There are plenty of articles, websites, blogs, and books by renowned authors, with good content on the subject that inexperienced Procurement professionals can benefit from. In addition to that, there are various webinars, courses, and events on this subject that not only are great for gaining experience but also for expanding one's network in the industry.

To gain Supplier Sourcing experience outside of your role, consider networking with professionals in the field, attending industry events or webinars, and seeking out informational interviews with sourcing experts. Additionally, you can participate in online forums or communities related to sourcing to learn from others' experiences and stay updated on industry trends. Lastly, consider taking online courses or certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills in supplier sourcing.

To expand your supplier sourcing skills beyond your current role, explore resources like articles, blogs, and books by experts. Attend webinars, courses, and industry events for practical experience and networking. Network with sourcing professionals, engage in online communities, and consider certifications for further skill enhancement.

To gain supplier sourcing experience outside of your role, consider volunteering for cross-functional projects involving procurement or supplier management. Attend industry conferences, workshops, or webinars to learn about sourcing best practices and network with professionals. Offer to assist colleagues in their sourcing activities or take on side projects related to supplier evaluation or negotiation. Additionally, explore online courses or certifications in procurement to enhance your knowledge and skills.

I recommend actively seek out opportunities within and outside your organization to source suppliers for various needs, such as fundraising events or new product launches, also actively engage in sourcing suppliers for diverse products, services, and markets.

When looking for a course, you probably already have some contact or have some idea of what you are looking for, and online courses are a good option for you to start delving deeper into the field. There is a range of free courses on the internet that teach the basics of the industry; my suggestion is to start from there because there is always the risk of not being interested in the topic. Once you are sure that this is the desired area of activity, you can move on to more elaborate courses that will explore the subject further, and eventually even pursue a postgraduate degree in the field.

To demonstrate your supplier sourcing experience and draw more opportunities, craft a portfolio showcasing your achievements, skills, and projects. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn or personal websites to exhibit your background, education, certifications, awards, testimonials, and work samples. Highlight your unique value proposition, approach, and concrete results. A polished portfolio sets you apart, impresses potential employers or clients, and accelerates your career.

Show interest in learning and developing yourself. It's an area that requires contact with various sectors of companies and suppliers from areas that we often didn't even know existed, so it's necessary to always be open to learning new things and have the humility to admit when you don't know, but at the same time, you need to know how to demonstrate that you possess knowledge and that your decision is the best for the company. Diplomacy and resilience are required.