Business major celebrates New Year by landing supply chain job with DHL

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2. Business major celebrates New Year by landing supply chain job with DHL

Still months away from graduating, Aviel Kuhn already has a full-time job awaiting her once she walks the commencement stage in May.

The business management major leveraged several professional networking opportunities and the robust AACSB-accredited curriculum of the Zeigler College of Business to not only land a job before graduation but the job she wanted with the company she preferred.

"I was drawn to this opportunity because of DHL's innovative approach to supply chain solutions and their reputation as a global leader in logistics," said Kuhn, a senior business management major at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg. "When searching for a job, I prioritized companies that offered hands-on experience, opportunities for professional growth, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies in supply chain management."

DHL's strong connection with Bloomsburg was an influential factor in her decision, Kuhn said.

The logistics company headquartered in Germany is among regular employers in attendance at campus career expos, often multiple times each semester. Additionally, its Wilkes-Barre warehouse regularly hosts supply chain class off-campus visits. Both opportunities Kuhn took full advantage of, as well as landing a DHL internship last summer.

"I was able to connect with DHL representatives and gain insights into their culture and internship program, which ultimately made me feel confident about pursuing this role," Kuhn said. "I was thankful enough to receive a full-time offer at the end of my internship."

Her internship was the latest in a series of Professional U concepts Kuhn took advantage of at Bloomsburg. Her active involvement on campus, which began the first semester of her freshman year, played a major role in not just preparedness for her job search but confidence as well.

"It's been incredibly beneficial in landing this role and preparing for success at DHL," Kuhn said. "Through organizations like the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), I've gained leadership experience, networked with industry professionals, and even participated in case competitions that tested my problem-solving skills."

Those Professional U activities strengthened Kuhn's resume and gave her practical teamwork and decision-making experience. Both of which are crucial in a dynamic work environment like DHL, she said.

"My involvement and leadership in clubs helped me strengthen and utilize my communication skills and apply them effectively in professional settings," said Kuhn, citing examples like coordinating with teams, presenting ideas, and building relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.

As an operations supervisor, Kuhn's role at DHL will involve analyzing and optimizing logistics processes, leveraging the existing automation systems to enhance efficiency and drive down costs.

"My core responsibilities will include monitoring and refining workflows, such as staging and loading operations, and ensuring that our automated solutions, like autonomous robots, are utilized to their full potential," Kuhn said. "I'll also collaborate closely with team members, analysts, and vendors to troubleshoot issues, streamline processes, and propose strategies that align with DHL's operational goals while addressing site-specific challenges, such as space constraints and labor dynamics."

According to Kuhn, many aspects of her future work tie directly back to what she studied in Bloomsburg's business management and supply chain programs.

"Courses like Supply Chain Operations and Logistics gave me a strong foundation in process optimization, data analysis, and workflow efficiency," Kuhn said. "The concepts of lean manufacturing and just-in-time processes I've learned are especially relevant when analyzing warehouse staging and loading practices."

She added, "Classes like Leadership and Organizational Behavior prepared me to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and communicate proposed changes to clients."

Outside the classroom, Kuhn leveraged many of the opportunities provided by the Zeigler Institute for Professional Development (ZIPD) - ZCOB's specific version of Professional U.

"From resume workshops to mock interviews, ZIPD gave me the tools and confidence to stand out in a competitive applicant pool," Kuhn said. "The program also emphasized professionalism and adaptability, which have been critical during my transition into this role. Participating in ZIPD events helped me better understand what employers look for, allowing me to tailor my skills and experiences to meet those expectations."

Packaging all the student involvement and professional development opportunities with her coursework, including pursuing a minor, put Kuhn ahead of the game in marketing herself for a job well before graduation.

"What makes the business management and supply chain management program (here) so impactful is its emphasis on blending theory with practical application," Kun said. "Professors encourage us to think critically and apply what we've learned to real-world scenarios, whether through case studies, internships, or group projects."

She added, "The supply chain management program stands out for its focus on emerging technologies and industry trends, which has helped me stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field. The faculty's dedication to student success and the program's integration with professional organizations like ASCM make it highly effective and relevant."

Categories:

• Management
• Professional U
• Supply Chain Management
• Zeigler College of Business

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