Become a mentor to a supply chain student

’Tis the season of giving back.

I am on the board at the Supply Chain Management Institute at the University of San Diego and every year the Institute leadership encourages each of us to take a student to mentor. This is a wonderful way to give back.

I’ve had a long successful career with worldwide travels and some of the most important breakthrough thinking ideas in supply chain management. The opportunity to mentor a student gives me a chance to share all of my experiences, knowledge, and strategies with someone considering a career in global supply chains.

The students I have mentored over the years have been eager to learn. They ask probing questions about jobs and opportunities in the supply chain as well as industries where I have worked and consulted. They want to know about my career growth and background, and how I managed my own career over time. I share a lot about my personal history—the ups and downs, the successes and the failures.

Very often, I can connect a student with other industry professionals in areas they are interested in learning more about. This year, my student mentee, Sophia, is interested in pursuing sustainability in conjunction with supply chains and reshoring, and I have been able to connect her with sustainability professionals that I know.

We also practice interviewing and building skills in how to put your best foot forward in an interview. I tell them about my experience interviewing people and being interviewed—what went well and what didn’t go so well.

A few times, I’ve had students who are already working or have work experience. We’ve talked through corporate politics and working environments. They have asked for my advice on how to handle difficult situations.

The most gratifying part of being a mentor is watching a student grow and think about their future. Reach out to your university or any university with a supply chain program and volunteer to be a mentor. Most universities have structured mentorship programs. It only takes a few hours of your time per month, but it makes a world of difference to a student.

Mentoring is a lovely way of giving back. Happy New Year.

SC
MR