Supply Chain

The supply chain industry, also referred to as operations and logistics, refers to the process organizations rely on to make the right amount and quality of products and deliver them to the correct customers according to schedule. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, supply chain management is the planning and management of all activities for sourcing and procurement, conversion and logistics management activities.

The supply chain process includes sourcing raw materials, product development, production, marketing, transporting products and then distributing the products to customers. It is critical to oversee the supply chain from beginning to end in order to make recommendations to improve efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction. Supply chain management involves:

• Inbound & outbound transportation management​
• Fleet management​
• Warehousing​
• Materials handling​
• Order fulfillment​

• Logistics network design​
• Inventory management​
• Supply / demand planning​
• Management of third-party service providers

Reliable, efficient and cost-effective supply chains are critical for the success of many businesses and companies. Operations and logistics professionals are employed within manufacturing, federal government, companies and enterprises, wholesale trade and professional, scientific and technical services.​

Transportation, inventory management, procurement, and warehousing remain core components of the field, with professionals often analyzing operations end‑to‑end to identify inefficiencies and improve performance. Logisticians and operations professionals may also oversee supplier relationships, design distribution networks, and develop strategies to optimize cost, speed, and service levels.​

Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics are increasingly integrated into supply chain operations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and decision‑making. Rather than replacing core functions, AI tools are used to enhance planning, forecasting, and operational execution across supply chains.​

Employers increasingly seek candidates who can work with enterprise systems (ERP, WMS, TMS) and demonstrate familiarity with analytics tools and process improvement methodologies. Digital fluency—combined with strong problem‑solving and communication skills—is becoming a key differentiator in the field. ​

While automation is expanding in areas such as warehousing and transportation, human oversight remains essential. Supply chain professionals continue to play a critical role in coordinating across functions, managing supplier relationships, and making strategic decisions that technology alone cannot fully replace. ​

​Industry summary sourced from FirstHand Vault Guide.

RECRUITING TIMELINE

Depending on the type of employer and the role, recruitment timelines vary. Governmental organizations, large companies, and manufacturers recruit most heavily in the fall for positions starting in the spring or summer. Opportunities still exist beyond the fall but are often more niche opportunities with smaller companies. Additionally, companies will hire throughout the year depending on the needs and demands of their projects or government contracts.

Seek opportunities to connect with employers at fall events such as the fall Engineering Career Fair, as well as at employer table talks, employer-in-residence, Ask Alumni Anything chats and student organization meetings. Search for posted opportunities on Handshake and other sources referenced below.

Internships + Co-ops

With sample hiring organizations and companies recruiting through

• Engineering Career Fairs & Industry Days
• Handshake job platform

Meet with an Engineering Career Coach for more information about accessing opportunities + strategizing your search for co-ops, internships, research, and more.

ALUMNI IN THE INDUSTRY

• Annie Dorsey, '21 Industrial & Systems | Senior Manager, Merch Transformation | Walmart
• Caroline Allen, '21 Industrial & Systems | Manager, Interconnected Strategy | The Home Depot
• Christy "Stacey" Ogletree, '88 Industrial & Systems | Lead Process Engineer | Chick-Fil-A
• Hayden Gray, '20 Industrial & Systems | Performance Engineer | DHL Supply Chain
• Kassi Keiper, '18 Industrial & Systems | Senior Product Manager, AMZL Energy | Amazon
• Jay Hruby, '21 Biosystems | Sustainability Senior Engineer | PepsiCo
• Jessica Wurst, '18 Industrial & Systems | Senior Industrial Engineer | Walt Disney Company
• Katelyn Rheinlander, '13 Biosystems | Warehouse Performance Manager | PepsiCo
• Thomas Holtslander, '18 & '19 Industrial & Systems | Advanced Analytics Manager | UPS
• Xiaoyan Wei, '15 Industrial & Systems & MBA | Senior Business Intelligence Engineer | Amazon

You can access alumni such as these to learn about career paths, skills for the industry, and build your network through LinkedIn. Create an account and build your profile, then search for Auburn alumni by major, company, location, or other criteria on the Auburn University LinkedIn page. Chat with an Engineering Career Coach on strategies for networking and reaching out to connect.