How to Become an NPI Global Supply Manager at a Fortune 100 Technology Company
Kyle's career journey emphasizes proactive networking, even as a freshman, attending career fairs and joining supply chain clubs, which led to a pivotal six-month co-op at a Fortune 500 company; this early experience, along with a subsequent rotational program, allowed Kyle to explore different supply chain roles, ultimately leading to a position at Microsoft via a contract-to-hire opportunity, highlighting the value of both internships and exploring different industries.
Networking, Career Development, Internships, Rotational Programs, Supply Chain Management
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kyle Worth
NPI Global Supply Manager
Fortune 100 Technology Company
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
Industrial, Supply Chain Management
Technology
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. The importance of early career preparation: Attending career fairs even as a freshman helped alleviate nervousness for future job searching.
2. The value of internships and rotational programs: Multiple internships, including a six-month co-op and a two-year rotational program, provided invaluable experience and helped clarify career interests within the broad field of supply chain management. Rotational programs are highlighted as excellent for exploring different aspects of a field before committing to a specific area.
3. Overcoming industry barriers: Using contract positions as a strategic way to enter a competitive industry (in this case, tech) is suggested as a viable method to gain experience and demonstrate skills before securing a full-time role.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
One of the keys to being successful after college is what you do in college. Everyone says internships are important, and they are, whether it sounds cliché or not.
One thing I did that seemed a little crazy at the time really helped me. My freshman year, I went to the finance career fair wearing a suit, even though I was a finance major. I had no intention of getting an internship and no experience. My goal was just to get comfortable talking to people in that setting.
By doing this, I took the nerve aspect out of it. I went up to tables and talked to people, even though I had no idea what I was talking about. This helped me get over my nervousness. So, when I was actually looking for an internship as a sophomore and junior, I was much less nervous than I was as a freshman.
This sounds simple, but having been in that atmosphere already made me feel much more comfortable when I went back. I also joined the SU supply chain club, S-C-M-A-I. They put on one of the best career fairs at SU, and they're known for their supply chain program.
I talked to a bunch of companies and ended up landing a co-op, which is a six-month internship. You do it over the summer and then take your fall semester off. I took off my senior fall semester, but I have no regrets. Those six months of experience at a Fortune 500 company, working on real projects, were priceless. The people there were great and really wanted to help us develop.
That co-op jumpstarted everything for me. The following summer, I got a three-month internship. Then, my final senior semester, I got another internship with United Technologies, which I was able to do during that semester.
Overall, I had three internships. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to get those experiences. You learn so much, meet valuable people, and gain an understanding of the corporate world before you're actually in it. This is incredibly helpful when you graduate and are trying to land your first job.
After interning in program management my senior year, I got into a rotational program with the same company, but at a different location. My next biggest recommendation is rotational programs. They are great, especially if you're unsure of what you want to do. Supply chain is vast, with areas like procurement, sourcing, operations, logistics, and material management.
When your major is just supply chain, you don't always know which path to pursue. A rotational program allows you to try different roles. Mine lasted two years, with three rotations in sourcing, operations, and material management. I got a taste of everything and realized I enjoyed all three, but I've mostly stayed in material management since then.
Rotational programs are fantastic for students. You gain a lot of experience, and the companies invest in developing you. This was another jumpstart for me. After the rotational program, I stayed with that company for about another year and a half.
Then, I wanted to try a smaller company, so I moved to a 50-60 person local business. I was only there for about a year; there was nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't the right fit for me.
After that, I got a contracting position at Microsoft. It was an 18-month contract, and around 15 months in, they offered me a full-time position. That's how I ended up where I am.
So, the third takeaway is: don't let the industry hold you back. I've worked in agriculture, aerospace, and now tech. Don't assume there are huge barriers to entry. Tech probably has one of the highest barriers, which is where contracting can be a great option.
Contracting allows you to showcase your skills over a period like 18 months. It's low risk because you're not a full-time employee with benefits, but you're still working full-time hours and getting paid well. It gives you a foot in the door. Without that contracting experience, I don't know if I would have landed a spot at Microsoft.
If you think something might hold you back, contracting can be an excellent option. It's not for everyone, but if you're trying to get your foot in the door in a new industry, company, or role, it's a good choice.