Why did you pursue Supply Chain & Sales Engineering Technology as a minor?
I pursued Supply Chain as a minor because I believe the combination of Economics and Supply Chain would provide me with a holistic approach to problem solving, giving me insights into how efficiencies in the international supply chain contribute to the value of a business. In addition it has provided me with a global perspective on economic systems, international trade, and market dynamics, as supply chain plays a big role in coordinating these global market activities.
Describe why the ebbs and flows of efficiencies within the global supply chain impact the field of Economics:
Changes in global supply chains greatly impact international economies and businesses. When supply chains operate smoothly, organizations benefit from cost savings and increased efficiency, and effective inventory management ensures that businesses have the right amount of goods available at the right time, further enhancing their productivity and profitability. Resourceful supply chains also contribute to productivity gains and innovation, and along with advancements in transportation and communication technologies, faster and more reliable deliveries are enhanced, facilitating business operations and stimulating economic growth. When businesses can operate efficiently and further innovate, they then create more opportunities for growth and improvement, thus benefiting both the economy and society.
How can someone with knowledge and an understanding of the global supply chain apply that insight towards international economics?
The process of goods and services moving between countries is vitally important for understanding how the world economy works. It helps us see which countries are effective at producing certain goods and how they can profitably trade with one other. Knowing this helps us figure out if there are any problems in how countries engage in trade. Also, it helps us see if there are any risks and/or bottlenecks that could potentially disrupt trade between countries. Fluctuations in the goods that are traded can provide insight into larger-scale economic trends, which helps us predict what might happen in the future and make better decisions. By understanding international trade in a holistic sense, we can also see how different countries benefit from trading with each other and make rules to make trading fairer and better for everyone involved. So in summary, knowing how goods move around the world (the global supply chain) helps governments and businesses make smart decisions in the global economy to enhance their citizens’ welfare.
What are some classroom reflections that stand out:
IET 214, Introduction to Supply Chain Management Technology: This class was my very first introduction to supply chain. I really did not know what to expect and I was not sure if I was even going to pursue it as a minor. But this class brought me out of my shell, and I embraced the collaborative spirit in this class. We were assigned groups to study the global supply chain of a multinational automobile organization, and that especially was a core memory for me. My team members were all in the same majors while I was the odd one out, but I never felt that way. We would work through homework questions as a group and share our learning experiences from our majors and what brought us to the class in the first place. Based on that class, I learned about what new opportunities I could take on. That was the year that I joined a team hosting a summit that invited a variety of companies from Rolls Royce to General Motors, for us to network and learn more about what these companies have to offer. I was able to accomplish all this by just being present in that class!
Advice for future students:
Future students should embrace interdisciplinary learning so that they can better understand how supply chain management intersects with whatever discipline they choose to study. Practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, and even competitions will also provide valuable insights into how exactly this minor fits into your careers. Also, building a professional network and staying flexible to adapt to changes will enhance their career prospects in their chosen field of study.
Future goals and endeavors:
My goal is to be able to contribute something meaningful and endeavor to help solve world economic issues. I hope to start in a consulting role right after graduation and work with non-profit organizations.
Favorite memories as a Purdue student:
A lot of my favorite memories as a Purdue student are in the student organizations that I am affiliated with. I was privileged to be a part of a club called GT-SCALA which hosted a summit where we as members were very hands-on. We were able to interact with a lot of influential people and learn from their success stories. I was also privileged to go to New Orleans on a research tour with the Black Cultural Center at Purdue. It was an opportunity to learn about historical African-American culture in different parts of the United States. We were able to go on the trip at a very cheap rate. Many fond memories were created on that trip as well as valuable learning experiences.
