In this episode of Demand Planner Career, we dive into the breakthrough steps that help analysts transition into their first demand planning job without getting stuck on tools and meetings. Many arrive with strong Excel skills but face challenges when ERP systems and S&OP meetings demand clear explanations of demand shifts. Learn practical ways to map Excel processes to ERP fields, prepare concise summaries for leadership, and build habits that turn entry-level roles into steady career progress.

Key takeaways:
- Export, clean, and import sample data into ERP trials to bridge the Excel-to-system gap.
- Meet sales contacts early to align forecasts with promotions and use historical data for adjustments.
- List assumptions on one page before meetings and explain the "why" behind numbers for greater credibility.
- Track errors in a simple log, compare plans to actuals weekly, and test uploads with old data before going live.
- Choose certificates based on target job descriptions, start with entry-level options, and join local user groups for real-world fixes.

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].
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In this episode of Demand Planner Career, Finch explores how analysts and coordinators can bridge the gap between basic spreadsheet skills and the advanced expectations of hiring teams in 2026. From mastering clean data handoffs to confidently flagging forecast misses in team reviews, this main episode delivers practical steps to stand out in interviews and early job performance. Listeners learn to map product categories, analyze past misses, and turn insights into concise one-page updates that drive better decisions. The discussion also covers tracking personal accuracy logs, testing external indicators on a small scale, and building cross-functional relationships for early signals on demand changes.

Key takeaways:
- Practice one focused data handoff and two forecast-miss examples this month to build interview confidence.
- Start a simple variance log to identify patterns and strengthen future applications.
- Test one external indicator quarterly before expanding processes.

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].
Support the show: https://www.spreaker.com/podca...

In this episode, we dive into the practical essentials for landing and thriving in your first demand planner role. From transitioning out of everyday Excel spreadsheets into ERP systems, to surviving your initial S&OP meetings and selecting the right entry-level certification, this guide focuses on real-world habits rather than complex forecasting models. Learn how to map your existing data, master core transaction screens, prepare concise meeting contributions, and evaluate certs that align with your daily tasks. These foundational steps help reduce early stress and build steady routines for long-term success.

Key takeaways:
- Map Excel data to ERP fields and double-check entries to avoid downstream errors
- Prepare three specific items for S&OP meetings to contribute confidently in under two minutes
- Choose one targeted certification by matching its syllabus to your weekly tasks and peer insights

📩 Have questions or want to share your experience? Reach out at [email protected].
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