For over 25 years, the Future Leaders Program (FLP) has been a highlight of CSCMP EDGE. Each year, CSCMP invites 60-70 undergraduate and graduate students in supply chain management disciplines to attend the conference to gain real-world experience in the field and provide behind the scenes support to our staff of 27 and 3,000 attendees.
The Future Leaders are required to spend 50% of their time fulfilling their duties while the other 50% they can attend sessions of their choice, network with attendees and experience EDGE as a registered attendee. This is a valuable opportunity for participants as they connect with peers from around the globe and gain education from seasoned professionals.
Historically, the FLP has been deeply connected with CSCMP’s Roundtables as they leverage their partnerships with local universities and schools to identify potential Future Leaders. CSCMP Roundtables not only help to manage the involvement of the Future Leaders for EDGE onsite logistics, they also deploy their own Future Leaders sponsorship program/contest to determine the best student candidates to participate in the program.
Establishing a strong relationship with our Future Leaders from the beginning of their careers is especially important for CSCMP as we help foster their growth with supply chain management and logistics.
Future Leaders are sponsored by the submitting Roundtable. The RT is responsible for paying their student’s membership, travel and stipend. CSCMP covers the cost of EDGE registration, hotel accommodations, meals and uniform polo shirts.
Future Leaders are granted full exposure to attend EDGE-related events outside of their required work hours. These opportunities exist for the Future Leaders:
Pre-Conference Workshop: On Saturday, Future Leaders participate in a workshop where they learn from the Young Professionals Committee about best networking practices, how to engage with recruiters and how to maximize their EDGE experience.
Future Leaders Career Fair: CSCMP hosts a career fair to connect students with employers who are recruiting potential employees. Future Leaders are encouraged to attend and interview with top companies such as Amazon, JDA Software and SEKO Logistics.
Networking Opportunities: Future Leaders have access to the 3,000 attendees from all industries, backgrounds, companies and career levels. Future Leaders can connect with budding and seasoned professionals to start fostering fruitful professional relationships.
Conference Logistics Experience: CSCMP HQ is comprised of 27 staff members and the Future Leaders are an integral component in helping us host a successful conference for 3,000 attendees. Future Leaders get an insider look and experience firsthand the logistical aspect of a large-scale conference. As an extension of the CSCMP staff, Future Leaders help execute and problem-solve delivering 100+ educational sessions.
Future Leaders Reception: This reception is meant to bring young professionals and student attendees together for networking and fun. Attendees have the chance to meet and mingle with CSCMP’s Board of Directors in a casual setting.
The Chair collaborates with CSCMP HQ and Vice Chair(s) to manage the overall program. The Chair oversees that Future Leaders intake runs as smoothly as possible. Pre-conference, the Chair and Vice Chair work on creating the daily schedules for the Team Captains and Future Leaders to ensure all assigned onsite duties are carried out satisfactorily. The Chair serve a 2-year term.
Dave Maddox
President Atlanta Roundtable, CSCMP
Senior Vice President, Sales Supply Chain
nVision Global
Irfan Agha
Program Manager
Amazon.com
Fred Koeck
Sales Manager
Derby Supply Chain Solutions
To formally apply for the FLP, each student will need to fill out the online application form, including the following:
“Working closely with the Future Leaders Program has allowed me to truly see the talent that the University systems are producing globally. The Future Leaders are bright, inquisitive, think out of the box and bring new creative ways of working in the supply chain space. The future workforce is in great need of these Future Leaders in order to replace those that are leaving and or retiring within Supply Chain.”
Dave Maddox
FLP Chair & President Atlanta Roundtable
Senior Vice President, Sales Supply Chain
nVision Global
“I’ve been a Team Leader for the EDGE conference for two years. I enjoy spending time meeting and talking with the Future Leaders. As a Team Leader, it gives me a chance to give back to students who are about to start their careers. I like to share and pass on some of my life learning experiences as a 30-year old working professional.”
Yung Oh
FLP Team Leader