Building Connections, Opening Doors: Supply Chain Students Meet Industry Mentors

For Weber State University supply chain management students, the possibilities of their future became a little bigger on Wednesday morning.

On Sept. 24, students gathered in the Skyroom of the Student Union Building for the Supply Chain Management Mentor Match Roundtables – Breakfast with Board Members, an opportunity to connect with alumni, industry professionals and members of the Supply Chain Management Advisory Board.

The morning began with breakfast and remarks from Ben Neve, director of the Moyes Supply Chain Center, who emphasized the importance of meaningful connections between students and alumni mentors—and the difference those relationships can make throughout a student’s education and career.

Students then joined mentors and board members at roundtables, where they could ask questions, seek career advice, learn about different areas of supply chain and begin building professional relationships. Every few minutes, students rotated to a new table, giving them the opportunity to meet professionals from a variety of industries and learn about the many directions a supply chain career can take.

And that variety was one of the biggest takeaways for students.

“I was surprised by how many different industries are involved in supply chain,” said supply chain student Kol Whithead. “If I go into procurement, which is what I want to do, I could start in one field and eventually end up in something completely different. I really like the variety of options that are available.”

For Zach Anderson, who is currently taking his first supply chain course and has not yet chosen a major, the event provided a chance to meet professionals working in a field he is just beginning to explore.

“I came out of curiosity and for the opportunity,” Anderson said. “I’d never met a supply chain professional before today. I wanted to meet someone who’s actually working in the field.”

He left with a broader understanding of the profession—and a new appreciation for the people willing to help students find their place in it.

“There are so many professionals who are willing to make connections and mentor students,” Anderson said. “The fact that they’re willing to do that is really great.”

That willingness to invest in students was evident throughout the morning. Nancy Tomon, administrative specialist for the Supply Chain Management Department, noted that the department’s students are among its greatest strengths—and that its alumni are deeply invested in seeing them succeed.

The strong turnout and enthusiasm surrounding this year’s event reflected that shared commitment. Students left the roundtables with new contacts, new perspectives and a better understanding of the opportunities available to them.

For Rhett Flink, the chance to meet professionals from such a wide range of industries was especially valuable.

“Being able to meet people from such a wide diversity of fields, all of which need the same supply chain skill set, is amazing,” Flink said. “And getting to meet them this early, while you’re still in your education, is a great experience.”

The connections made during the morning continued almost immediately.

Following the roundtables, members of the Supply Chain Management Advisory Board stayed at the Student Union for their board meeting, while students headed to the Wattis Building for Weber State’s annual Business Career Fair. There, they put their new networking skills to work, meeting with more than 30 businesses interested in hiring WeberBiz students—including students pursuing careers in supply chain management.

From breakfast conversations to career-fair introductions, the day offered students a valuable reminder: supply chain is everywhere, and so are the opportunities to build a career in it.

Just as importantly, they discovered that they don't have to navigate those opportunities alone. With alumni, industry professionals and faculty invested in their success, Weber State’s supply chain students have a growing network of people ready to help them rise.