5 Reflections from my First 2 Weeks at J.B. Hunt as a Supply Chain Intern

What a great first two weeks at J.B. Hunt! I have been so lucky to experience this time with the best coworkers, fellow interns, and managers. Coming out of the beginning of my internship for this summer, I have reflected on some key lessons I have learned.?

1. Ask questions and for help when you need it!

The first reflection I have is to ask questions when you feel confused and ask for help when you’re doing anything new! The people at your new internship are more than willing to answer any questions, and I can promise you that someone else on your team is wondering the same thing. I know I can record specific questions that my fellow interns asked during training that I am benefited from. J.B. Hunt especially does a great job of training leaders to be patient and open in these situations.?

2. Make connections with other interns and those on your team!

my next reflection was to make connections with the people on your team, and in your intern group! This one is especially important to me, because I find so much life in relationships around me. I have been able to get to know her interns and I have been working with so far on another level because we are intentional about having lunch together and addressing any questions that any of us by have. I also have gotten to know my team (shoutout Customer Experience Team Lawson!) and I am so thankful for that. The energy that they are able to bring to the workplace has shown me importance of a fresh new attitude every day to have excitement for the job. These connections are especially important in the world of supply chain management, which I am still learning more and more!

3. Be a self starter and take up for yourself to get more hands on experience!?

My next reflection from the first two weeks of my internship was to take up for yourself and be a self starter. When I am referring to this, I am saying to get out of your comfort zone and ask for more tasks to create a more hands-on experience, so that you can be a better and quicker learner in your work environment. I found that the times I was most engaged and excited about my new job was when I was able to attempt things independently.?

4. Be prepared & have goals!

An important aspect of being in your new job is to be prepared and have goals for each and every day! In order to be prepared, you have to understand the expectations of your job and create ways that you are more prepared for what is coming. When it comes to having goals, you can create goals that are short-term and long-term goals: these will carry you throughout each week of your internship, but also through the entire length of the summer! I have made goals for myself that are both personal but also professional, and they have encouraged me to learn more about the transportation industry and supply chain management. They will also remind you of why you are there and give you the drive to finish each and every day.??

5. Be ready for your expectations to change!

My final reflection from the first two weeks of my internship at JB Hunt is to be prepared for your expectations to change! Whether this is something small like what you will be eating for lunch each day or something big like the tasks you do each day, you should be expecting these things to change so you can learn new lessons every day. The fact that I am prepared for any changes has made me understand even deeper the supply chain industry because of its ever-changing nature in the market. So, make sure that, even as your reality may differ from your expectations, you are grateful for where you are. Thankfulness is the easiest way to remind yourself why you love your job and of your purpose there!?

I hope these reflections have taught someone a little more of how to enter their transition into a new job or internship. I can’t wait to see where the next couple months take me here at J.B. Hunt!?