The Top 3 Ways to get the Most out of your Supply Chain Internship

To the new intern, a summer internship can feel like an overwhelming experience. I can testify that when I started my first internship in the field of supply chain management, it seemed like everyone around me knew so much and I knew so little. While this may very well be the case, there is no reason to fear this formative career experience! As much as these opportunities benefit the intern, they also bring much value to the company. (https://careercentral.pitt.edu/blog/2023/08/09/what-are-the-benefits-of-interns-and-why-do-companies-hire-them/#:~:text=Internships%20allow%20companies%20to%20invest,that%20go%20beyond%20administrative%20duties) Having a summer and a half of internship experience under my belt, I can say that there are a few key tips to remember before getting to work. One trait that helped me as an intern the past couple of years has been to stay open minded about the work I have done. Another is to be comfortable being in uncomfortable situations. Lastly, being open to guidance and help from coworkers can make a world of a difference for those entering the professional supply chain field for the first time. By taking these three lessons into consideration, an internship can be much less intimidating for those new to the experience.

The supply chain industry is very diverse, with a great variety of roles to choose from. Due to this variety, supply chain interns often find themselves stuck working on projects that do not fulfill their exact desires as a supply chain professional. Although I would not recommend for an intern to devote their entire summer to tasks they find unfulfilling, there is value in witnessing a vast range of work throughout the job. I have found that by keeping an open mind, I eventually enjoyed some tasks that I did not find appealing at first.? If nothing else, this type of work can give a more complete understanding of this field.

Beginning an internship, especially in a different location than one is used to can be a stressful and uncomfortable situation. As an Illinois native, I could not have imagined living in the Western US for the entirety of the summer. However, with new experiences also comes new knowledge and abilities. By challenging myself and opening up to the unknown, I have evolved into a more resilient person and a more capable professional. Another example of pushing myself into the unknown this summer came when my team took a trip to another Northrop Grumman (NG) office in Alabama. (https://www.northropgrumman.com/careers/northrop-grumman-in-huntsville-alabama) Though I had only worked at the company for less than a month, when offered the experience, I immediately accepted. This trip allowed me to build deeper connections with my team and see how other NG locations function. When faced with a unique and intimidating challenge, I encourage supply chain students to use it to their advantage in this growing competitive industry.?

As a supply chain intern this summer who is relatively new to the field, there was much for me to learn right away. Due to my lack of knowledge, the only way for me to find my groove and understand my work was to ask for help when necessary. I have seen that more often than not, full-time employees are happy to assist interns, as many of them were once interns themselves! Without actively seeking knowledge, especially at the beginning of the internship, an intern will not find success. Due to the limited amount of time available over the summer, staying inquisitive can be a major key to getting the most out of your experience.

Though everyone’s internship journey will look different, the 3 tips mentioned above can be a great starting point for those unsure about how to make the most out of their summer. They have helped me find success in this ever-expanding field of supply chain management. The most important thing is to enjoy your internship, as the opportunity to intern is a great privilege that some students can only dream of. There is much to learn, many people to meet, and so many opportunities to grow as not only a professional, but as a person. I truly hope that others have great internship experiences, just as I have these past two years!