After earning a degree in advertising in the Phillippines and spending years working in sales, customer service, and business development, Marikit Dela Cruz was looking to enhance her skills specifically in the area of supply chain management.
Herzing’s program was available online, which made it easier to fit both work and study into her schedule. So she took a chance and enrolled.
By the time she graduated in March 2023, she had already secured a job as a purchasing assistant with the very same company where she’d done her internship!
We caught up with Marikit to find out what she thought of her Herzing experience and what advice she would pass on to other students.
Here’s her story.
Q. Marikit, could you share a bit about your background and what you were doing before Herzing?
Marikit: Before I enrolled at Herzing College, I was employed in sales and business development as a kitchen and bath design consultant.
I decided to return to school because I wanted to further my education and acquire new skills that would enhance my career. I realized that having a college education could open more opportunities for me in my industry.
Additionally, I am always interested in learning new things and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies in my field. Going back to school seemed like the best way to achieve these goals.
Q. What inspired you to choose the supply chain management and logistics program?
Marikit: I was inspired to enrol in the supply chain management program because of my growing interest in the interconnectedness of global economies and industries. I realized the significant role that supply chain management plays in business success.
My previous job in sales and business development also exposed me to aspects of logistics and supply chain, which increased my curiosity. I wanted to delve deeper and understand the strategies, technologies, and methodologies used in this field.
Q. How was the instructor, course material, and general vibe in class?
Marikit: The instructors were highly knowledgeable and engaging. They did an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand. The course material was comprehensive and well-structured, providing a deep understanding of the subject matter.
The general vibe in class was positive and stimulating. Everyone was actively involved in discussions, which made the learning experience even more enriching.
Q. Can you describe some of the skills you developed in the program?
Marikit: I learned how to manage and optimize supply chains, which involves coordinating various logistics, from sourcing raw materials to delivering the final product to the customer. I gained a deep understanding of inventory management techniques and learned to understand the forecasting to predict supply and demand trends.
The program also enhanced my problem-solving abilities, helping me understand how to address common challenges in supply chain management such as reducing costs, improving efficiency, and managing risks. I also improved my analytical skills, learning to understand data to make informed decisions.
Plus, I honed my communication and teamwork abilities. The program emphasized the importance of collaboration and clear communication in a successful supply chain.
These are just a few of the many skills I developed during the program, all of which I believe will be incredibly beneficial in my future career.
Q. What was the toughest part of the program?
Marikit: For me, the toughest part was the transportation module. It involved understanding the complexities of various modes of transportation, route optimization, and regulatory compliance. The module also required me to analyze real-world scenarios and solve intricate transportation problems. Moreover, I had to develop a good grasp of the cost structures and legal aspects related to transportation, which were quite challenging.
Q. What was the best part of the training?
Marikit: One of the highlights was the weekly Teams discussions. These sessions provided an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with classmates and the instructor, fostering a collaborative learning environment. We could explore course topics, gain diverse perspectives, and build professional connections.
Q. Tell us about your internship. Where did you work and what kinds of things did you do?
Marikit: I had the opportunity to work at MacDon Industries, a prominent organization in the manufacturing industry. I worked closely with the purchasing, procurement, and logistics team. I was involved in developing the MRP standard operations procedure.
Overall, my internship provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects of supply chain and logistics management. I was able to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, enhance my problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to the company’s day-to-day operations.
At the end of my internship, I was offered a term position as a purchasing assistant in the supply chain management department.
Q. Congratulations on getting hired straight out of your internship! What does your new role involve?
Marikit: I am responsible for supporting the purchasing team in various tasks related to procurement and supply chain management. This includes assisting with supplier communication, investigating invoice discrepancies, ensuring timely receipt of materials, analyzing data, and writing reports on discrepancies.
Additionally, I actively contribute to the Kaizen process (i.e. continuous improvement), aiming to reduce past-due invoices.
Working at MacDon Industries has provided me with valuable experience in the field of purchasing and has allowed me to further develop my skills in supply chain management.
Q. What advice would you give someone who was considering this training?
Marikit: Take the time to thoroughly research the program you are considering. Look into the curriculum, course offerings, and any specialized tracks or concentrations available. Ensure that it aligns with your career goals and interests.
Herzing’s supply chain management and logistics diploma is an excellent choice. It will provide you with the necessary knowledge, practical skills, and industry exposure to excel in this dynamic and in-demand profession.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT AND LOGISTICS PROGRAM
Herzing College’s 12-month supply chain management and logistics program is delivered entirely online and includes a six-week internship. It’s endorsed by Supply Chain Canada, the nation’s leading association of supply chain management professionals.
Click below to get full program details and chat live with an admissions advisor. We’re here to help!
