Building a Supply Chain Career Through Real-World Experience

What is great about your co-op?

I was a genuine part of the team. Instead of being assigned a minor intern project or busywork, I was trained in the same job everyone else was doing. My internship involved a lot of managing relationships with suppliers, and they weren't afraid to let me represent the company to outside parties. It was made clear from the outset that they were looking for a permanent full-time employee, and the internship was treated like an extended onboarding period. The team was also great to work with. Everyone was friendly and willing to take the time to bring me up to speed on things.

In what ways has Saunders/RIT prepared you for the job market?

The Supply Chain major is very well aligned with the skills that are needed in real-world supply chain jobs. My internship was in subcontract management at a defense contractor. It involved managing supplier relationships, negotiating contract terms, dealing with government compliance and import/export regulations, and project management. All of those are things I've learned about at RIT.

My internship, and the following job offer, came directly from an interview at the RIT career fair. That's probably the single most useful job-hunting resource I've ever seen.

Why did you decide to attend Saunders College of Business at RIT?

I wanted to attend a school in Rochester and get a degree that would let me establish a long-term career locally. I mainly looked into RIT and the University of Rochester, the two most well-regarded universities in this area. After some research and conversations with faculty members, I decided that the Supply Chain program at RIT was the best fit for my existing skills and where I wanted to take my career in the future.

What do you feel is the most distinctive advantage gained from your Saunders experience?

There are a few things. The career fair is definitely one of them. I was able to land a job with my most preferred employer after a single interview. I don't know of any other way to shortcut the job hunting process like that.

The education itself is also a strong advantage. I've learned a lot in my time here, and am a much more capable and well-rounded professional than I was before attending. The RIT name carries a lot of weight with Rochester employers, and for good reason.

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