Over the summer many BHP students spent their time in internships, learning more about what they want to do after graduation, and what will be expected of them when they join the workforce. For the next six days we will be spotlighting some of our students’ internship experiences, and helping current students learn more about how these students landed their summer internships.
Senior Samantha Darnell is a triple major in BHP, Supply Chain Management, and Spanish. We spoke with her about her summer internship at H-E-B, a supermarket chain with over 315 stores in Texas and northern Mexico.
How did you find out about your internship?
I learned about H-E-B’s internship program at the McCombs corporate sponsorship dinner two years ago. I had received the HEB scholarship in food distribution and met HEB representatives at that function who told me about the opportunity.
What do you think set you apart from other candidates and led to you getting the position over other candidates?
I believe I was selected due to the nature of my interest in food, my understanding of H-E-B’s role in that industry, and my desire to learn about their supply chain, specifically. My particular interest in the food industry lies in the opportunity for grocery stores and efficient food distribution to help eradicate our nation’s food deserts. H-E-B is the perfect example of a large retailer that commits to doing what is right for the communities it serves while maintaining impressive financial results. It can only achieve these results with an efficient supply chain operation which is a main reason I was drawn to the company. During the interview process, I made my specific interest in grocery very clear so they could understand that this position, for me, would be more than just an internship I needed for credit.
What were you doing for your internship?
I was working in supply chain, specifically the Forecast and Replenishment Department. My specific project involved analyzing the multi-echelon transfer process, essentially the transfer of products among H-E-B’s regional warehouses. I was studying the overall process, identifying opportunities, and modeling inventory and cost implications. Ultimately, I presented my recommendations to senior leadership.
What did you enjoy most from the experience?
I was really impressed with the openness of H-E-B’s partners and, frankly, their willingness to help and to teach. If I wanted to tour the bakery plant or the export warehouse, all it took was an email and I was welcomed with open arms. During the summer I visited multiple warehouses, manufacturing facilities, stores, and went on a truck ride. These experiences were so valuable because they helped me to understand how the different parts of the supply chain fit together and allowed me to see my project work in action.
What were the key takeaways for you?
One of the most important takeaways from this position is that I now know I made the right decision about studying Supply Chain. Selecting your other business major is often a leap of faith but, thank goodness, this summer has shown me I chose correctly. Another key takeaway is simply the complexity of a retail supply chain. Even though H-E-B “only” operates in Texas and Mexico, beginning to understand the inner workings of their supply chain and comprehend the magnitude of the operation has 1) made me appreciate every item I see on a shelf while I’m grocery shopping and, 2) reinforced the value of studying supply chain. The supply chain world is only going to grow in size and complexity and this internship has allowed me to see that first-hand.
How do you think this internship will help you with your future career goals?
This internship has positioned me well for the real world. I can now say that I have actual supply chain experience and have my project results to back it up. I can also say confidently that for at least the near future, I want to continue with supply chain in the food industry. I always knew that getting food from one place to another wasn’t easy but I now understand to a greater extent how hard, and important, it actually is. Affordable, accessible, safe, and high quality food is difficult to continually provide your customers, but difficult pursuits are often quite rewarding.