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Dustin, Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee: Advize Career Interview
A career path starting in the arts ultimately lead to supply chain coordination at the International Rescue Committee, involving a journey of nonprofit work, an MBA, and management consulting.
The role focuses on streamlining collaboration, optimizing processes, and meeting critical needs while valuing continuous learning, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose.
A day involves orchestrating diverse activities and problem-solving, highlighting the importance of strategy implementation, collaboration, and positive work culture.
The greatest joys stem from helping those in need and team collaboration, while the biggest challenge lies in resource scarcity.
The humanitarian sector provides inspiration and satisfaction, rewarding those who are pragmatic, resilient, adaptable, and inspiring.
Entering the field requires building genuine relationships and finding mentors, starting with internships and prioritizing learning.
Saying no to misaligned opportunities and investing in education as well as the community can also support success.
A particularly impactful experience was co-learning with a diverse student body, highlighting the value of collaboration and community.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Dustin Weil
Supply Chain Coordinator
International Rescue Committee
University of Minnesota
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Humanities
Nonprofit
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient
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Career Path of a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee
Dustin's career path to Supply Chain Coordinator at an international NGO involved an initial study of the arts, followed by nonprofit work that revealed the importance of purpose and collaborative problem-solving, leading to an MBA in supply chain management and data analytics, and a subsequent role as a management consultant. Finding a need to get back to core activities that made life meaningful, they returned to the nonprofit sector, valuing "learning through experimentation" and seeking work with a "strong sense of purpose" that allows for resilience and a beneficial impact on the world.
Main Responsibilities of a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee
As a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee, the role is akin to being an "orchestra" conductor, focusing on streamlining collaboration and balancing supply and demand. This involves managing upstream relationships with donors and vendors, optimizing procurement processes, ensuring quality and fair payment terms, efficient inventory management, and ultimately understanding and meeting the critical needs of refugees and people in crisis, acknowledging the trade-offs necessary to allocate resources effectively.
A Day In The Life Of A Supply Chain Coordinator At International Rescue Committee
A day for a Supply Chain Coordinator at the International Rescue Committee involves "orchestrating or conducting many different activities, involving many different people" by answering calls, training staff, solving problems, and working to improve operations. Dustin emphasizes the importance of also beginning each day with personal time for exercise, reflection, and general preparation to ensure optimal performance during work hours, noting that, "if I don't do that, I feel that my performance is poor generally later in the day".
Most Important Skills for a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee
For a Supply Chain Coordinator role at the International Rescue Committee, Dustin highlights four key skill areas: strategy implementation, requiring the ability to "understand the big picture," problem-solving through questioning and data analysis, collaboration built on listening, respect, and communication, and fostering a positive work culture focused on continuous learning and resilience, ultimately to invest "in the long-term wellbeing of various stakeholders." Dustin emphasizes that these skill sets are not mutually exclusive but rather interconnected, reflecting the holistic nature of the role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee
Dustin, as a Supply Chain Coordinator at the International Rescue Committee, most enjoys the sense of purpose derived from helping those in need, noting that "it helps people who need help", and the privilege of working within "a really excellent high performing team." Additionally, Dustin values the role's encouragement of continuous learning and personal development in response to the ambiguity and volatility inherent in their daily work, appreciating that "every day is different."
Challenges Of A Supply Chain Coordinator At International Rescue Committee
Dustin's biggest challenge as a Supply Chain Coordinator at the International Rescue Committee is operating in a "relatively resource starved environment" where limited funding, time, skilled personnel, attention, and physical space compound to make work "really, really difficult," especially considering the high stakes involving people's lives and livelihoods. To combat this, Dustin emphasizes the importance of investing in a supportive and resilient workplace so that the team can stay strong and keep going over time.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Humanitarian Sector as a Supply Chain Coordinator
Dustin enjoys working in the humanitarian sector of the Supply Chain industry because the work is "interesting, challenging, [and] important," providing a sense of inspiration and passion not always found in other fields. The career professional states, "even if there was no pay, [they] would still show up and do [their] job," highlighting the deep satisfaction derived from the role at the International Rescue Committee.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Humanitarian Work, According To A Supply Chain Coordinator At International Rescue Committee
Dustin suggests that while many are drawn to humanitarian work out of compassion and a desire for meaning, those who "persist" possess pragmatism, resilience, and adaptability to setbacks, and the individuals who "thrive long term" combine these qualities with strategic thinking and the ability to inspire others towards a shared vision for real-world impact, highlighting a necessary blend of idealism and practicality for sustained success in the field. To thrive long-term, inspirational qualities are needed "so that you can motivate other people to rally around a, a shared vision in a way that will have real world impact."
What A Supply Chain Coordinator At International Rescue Committee Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Nonprofit Industry
Dustin emphasizes that entering the nonprofit sector with a desire to do something meaningful requires more than just qualifications and efficient task performance; cultivating "genuine symbiotic relationships" built on mutual commitment and trust is paramount. Dustin believes that without a supportive network, even with the right qualifications and performance, one is "unlikely to be happy" or achieve meaningful success.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Supply Chain Coordinators at International Rescue Committee
For those interested in humanitarian work and social impact, Dustin suggests that even if it's not exactly the focus initially envisioned, "doing paid and unpaid internships with local nonprofits" or seeking entry-level temporary assignments are great ways to start, as is prioritizing learning and finding mentors invested in professional growth over immediately seeking high-level executive roles because "even if you did, it would be very difficult for you to, to be effective" without prior introspection and practical experience.
Career Lesson From a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee
Dustin from the International Rescue Committee learned that "it is important to be able to say no to an opportunity that is not right" as saying yes to too many things that didn't align with core values and goals led to trade-offs and a diffusion of focus; understanding that "we don't have endless time" is critical for making choices that honor one's true self and desired accomplishments.
College Experiences That Helped a Supply Chain Coordinator at International Rescue Committee Succeed
To set oneself up for career success, Dustin suggests truly investing in education beyond "checking off boxes" to better understand oneself and the world, developing effective work habits. Moreover, Dustin encourages students to "be a net contributor to your communities" by helping classmates and investing in scholarship and education more generally, actions that pay dividends long-term.
Supply Chain Coordinator At International Rescue Committee
Dustin found the most impactful experience at WP Carey to be co-learning with a diverse and excellent cohort of classmates, emphasizing the value of collaboration and even friction in the learning process; indeed, Dustin characterized being surrounded by such a student body as "being a little tiny flower planted in a beautiful garden." The enduring friendships formed further cemented the experience as a "gift" in Dustin's academic journey.
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