What are the Benefits of Interning in Supply Chain?

I have successfully completed 6 months as a Transportation Strategy Intern, and throughout my time at Tyson Foods I have not only learned an invaluable amount about the Supply Chain industry, but I have also witnessed an extensive amount of personal growth. Prior to my internship I was uncertain about how much of an impact it would have on me and my future pursuits, however, I quickly realized that it would come to have a much larger influence than I ever could have imagined. While I cannot speak for roles in other industries, I can confidently say an internship in the Supply Chain industry is extremely beneficial for those trying to enter the field, and I want to dedicate this article to explain how it has helped me so far.

As stated in my previous article, Supply Chain management is the design and management of flows of goods and services. It is an industry that touches a wide range of mechanisms such as planning, procurement, production, logistics, and returns. As a Supply Chain major, I have taken many classes covering these topics in great depth, providing me with a strong foundational knowledge of the industry. Despite everything I have learned throughout my studies, being able to work on real life Supply Chain scenarios that Tyson faces provides me with a different perspective and drives me to apply what I have learned in class directly to my work. The ability to pursue hands-on work has not only solidified but also expanded my grasp of Supply Chain and has most definitely prepared me for entry into the workforce.

In addition to engaging in hands-on work, my internship also allowed me to develop a plethora of skills. The first being my critical thinking abilities. Supply Chain is a constantly evolving industry where no two days are the same. This led to me working on a variety of new projects and daily tasks that were often under strict deadlines. These projects, while they were stressful, proved to be very beneficial in the long run both for the company and myself. They caused me to think on my feet and helped develop crucial problem solving skills. Furthermore, my internship also helped refine my collaboration skills. I continue to work on a team of 10-12 individuals, allowing me to learn how to efficiently and effectively communicate with others via email, e-chat, or in person. It has shown me the importance of helping, relying, and learning from others, all while trying to balance personal workloads. I found teamwork to be the most important skill for an intern to develop as no project produced by my team was done by one individual, but rather the entirety of the team. Another major skill that I have seen improvement in throughout my time at Tyson is my confidence. While this might not seem like a typical “skill,” the confidence I have gained throughout my internship has prompted me to not only be a better employee, but also a better student. The transition from college to full-time employment can be very nerve wracking, however, through my internship I have been able to eliminate these nerves and enter the workforce with a valuable skill set already established.

Even though I am only six months into my role, I can confidently say my internship has been an invaluable experience. Throughout my time at Tyson I have enhanced my understanding of Supply Chain topics, developed skills for future success, and had a lot of fun in the process. I can't wait to see what the future holds and am extremely grateful for those who have helped me throughout this process. For anyone considering a Supply Chain internship, or any internship in general, I cannot recommend it enough. It may be scary at first, but the connections and skills you will gain from it are immeasurable.