College Experiences That Helped a Global Supply Manager at Relativity Space Succeed
Alexander attributes success to two procurement-focused internships at Shell and Becton Dickinson, leading to a procurement role at Niagara Bottling directly after graduation: "My two internships within... supply chain and procurement really set me up... for at least the beginning trajectory of my career." Furthermore, connections made at Niagara Bottling, some of whom became recruiters at SpaceX and Facebook, were critical in securing a senior role at SpaceX, proving the enduring value of professional relationships.
Internships, Procurement, Supply Chain, Networking, Entry-Level
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alexander Jassemidis
Global Supply Manager
Relativity Space
Arizona State University
Masters of Business Analytics, Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Industrial, Supply Chain Management
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Technology
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. Internships are critical for securing entry-level positions: Alexander's procurement-focused internships at Shell and Becton Dickinson were instrumental in landing his first job at Niagara Bottling after graduation.
2. Networking in early roles can open doors to future opportunities: Connections made at Niagara Bottling led to a recruiter contact who facilitated an interview at SpaceX, advancing Alexander's career.
3. Targeted internships in your field provide relevant experience: Alexander emphasizes that his supply chain and procurement internships specifically prepared him for the initial stages of his career.
Transcript
What did you do in college to set you up for success in your career?
That's a great question. I think my two internships in college definitely helped me get my first role. My internship at Shell was very procurement-focused, and my internship at Becton Dickinson was very procurement-focused as well.
So I was able to get an entry-level professional development program job with Niagara Bottling right after my bachelor's degree. This was based on my experience in my internships, specifically them being in procurement.
I was accepted into the procurement side of the development program. While in my first role, I made some connections on my team who ended up moving to SpaceX and Facebook, and we kept in touch. Since we worked very well together, one of them turned out to be a recruiter.
They helped me get an interview at SpaceX, at least to that first stage. That's what really helped me get my first, I guess, senior role at SpaceX. Making those connections from my first role at Niagara Bottling, but during college specifically, I think my two internships within supply chain and procurement really set me up for at least the beginning trajectory of my career, starting at Niagara Bottling.