5 Lessons Learned in My First Week as a Supply Chain Intern

Embarking on a supply chain management internship at Rejoicy was both exciting and nerve-wracking. The first week of my internship was a whirlwind of experiences and lessons that left an indelible mark on my journey. In just a few days, I learned the critical importance of communication, the value of saying yes to new opportunities, the need to challenge myself, the rewards of going above and beyond, and the unexpected joy of having fun in the workplace. In this article, I will share my initial experiences and the invaluable lessons I gained during that pivotal first week at Rejoicy .

1. Communication is Key

During my first week, I was immersed in a whirlwind of meetings, discussions, and emails. I quickly learned that clear, concise, and timely communication was vital. Slack has been an extremely valuable tool that I have been using for the first time. This will be important in my career as the intricate web of supply chain operations requires seamless communication among various stakeholders, from suppliers and distributors to internal teams and customers.

Communication is not just about talking but also about active listening. Understanding the needs, concerns, and objectives of different parties involved in the supply chain process is vital for success. Transparent and timely communication builds trust, facilitates efficient problem-solving, and ensures the smooth flow of goods and information. In the fast-paced world of supply chain management, the ability to convey ideas clearly and empathetically emerged as a crucial skill.

2. Say Yes to New Opportunities

The second lesson that became evident during my first week was the power of saying yes. Rejoicy fostered a culture of openness to new challenges and opportunities, encouraging interns like me to step out of our comfort zones.

I have such a unique opportunity to work for a startup. There are so many hats I get to wear and things I get to try. Saying yes to as much as possible and getting exposure to new things will be something I try and continue as the semester goes on. This past week I got to do new things such as create a website, start a TikTok shop, and even join Edwin Ortiz as he went to speak at Bentonville High School, the place I graduated from.

Saying yes during my first week set a precedent for my internship. It allowed me to take on diverse tasks, learn new skills, and develop a sense of adaptability that would serve me well in the ever-evolving world of supply chain management.

3. Challenge Yourself

As the days of my internship progressed, I realized that Rejoicy was a place that encouraged personal and professional growth through challenges. The third lesson I learned was to embrace challenges with an open heart and a curious mind.

Growth and learning arise from challenges. The supply chain world is inherently complex and dynamic, presenting an array of obstacles to navigate. Rather than shying away from these challenges, I must learn to embrace them wholeheartedly. There will be situations and projects I do not fully understand for the rest of my life; I have to embrace them, learn from them, and grow.

4. Go Above and Beyond

This is a personal value of mine and I can see it firsthand in watching how my supervisor operates. Doing the bare minimum will only get me so far in life. When I am given projects I want to do the absolute best I can to stand out. In the industry as a whole, we will have competitors. Consumers have a need they want met in a product or service. By going above and beyond, we can have a competitive advantage.

5. Have Fun

Amid the demanding and fast-paced environment of supply chain management, the importance of having fun in the workplace became evident during my internship at Rejoicy. While the work can be challenging and often requires long hours, I am learning to have fun and soak up the time I have with the company. A positive work environment fosters creativity, collaboration, and overall well-being.

My first week as a supply chain management intern at Rejoicy was a whirlwind of experiences and lessons. These five principles—communication, saying yes, embracing challenges, going above and beyond, and having fun—became the pillars of my internship journey.

I am excited for this semester, and things are only getting started!

#Thisishowweintern #Waltonsupplychain #Supplychain #VIPIntern

Brian Fugate

Jason Riley

J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas