How My Consulting Studio Experience Reinforced My Passion for Supply Chain Management

Fresh out of undergrad, the opportunity to collaborate with senior industry leaders and fellow supply chain enthusiasts on supply chain projects seemed like an invaluable chance for me to start my journey as a young professional before stepping into my first job.

In the middle of the fall term, I was presented with a list of potential company sponsors for the Consulting Studio, each offering intriguing projects for the upcoming semester. Among them, Whirlpool Corp.'s project on sustainable warehousing immediately captured my attention, as establishing and promoting sustainability in the supply chain has always been my aspiration. Fortunately, I am honored to have been selected for this project to work with Whirlpool on enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency within their distribution network. 

Since the start of 2024, my consulting teammates and I have been fully immersed in developing a comprehensive strategic plan for Whirlpool Corp. to reduce waste and optimize warehouse operations. In February, we conducted on-site visits to Whirlpool's facilities in Columbus, Ohio, and Joliet, Illinois. During our time on-site in both locations, we had the privilege of exploring the operational workflows of Whirlpool's warehouse and actively engaging with stakeholders to discuss waste management practices. From detailed discussions with frontline staff to observing day-to-day operations, every interaction provided invaluable insights for us to develop our strategies for sustainable warehousing practices.

One of the most memorable experiences during our visits was an interview I conducted with an on-site worker in Joliet. From the beginning of our conversation, it was clear that he shared a deep interest in sustainability and a strong commitment to improving waste management practices. The worker shared that when he first joined the Joliet site, there were only a few waste management measures in place. Determined to make a difference, he took it upon himself to implement improvements, gradually introducing new waste management practices to the site. Through his efforts, not only did he enhance operations within the site, but he also initiated training programs to educate fellow workers on these practices. Over time, the Joliet site's waste management practices evolved into a great model for other warehouses to study and follow. The conversation with this worker not only deepened my understanding of waste management but also inspired me to translate personal aspirations into tangible actions.

Promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain has always been my career aspiration. These experiences at Michigan Ross have reinforced my passion for driving positive change and highlighted how important sustainable practices are for building a stronger and more responsible business environment. I'm incredibly proud of the progress we've made thus far and eager to continue this journey toward a more sustainable future.