Supply Chain Management
- Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
Biography
Hello, I'm Zachary Matthews, a Junior at the University of Tennessee majoring in Supply Chain Management. Originally from Ashburn, Virginia, my journey has been shaped by hard work and a commitment to maximizing opportunities.
Growing up playing various sports and being involved in extracurriculars helped me develop essential skills such as:
- Leadership
- Effective Communication
- Critical problem-solving
I was initially torn between studying engineering or business. After careful consideration and receiving valuable advice, I chose Supply Chain Management due to its alignment with my skills. I enjoy working in an “organized chaos” environment where I have the freedom to problem-solve creatively. I work best when no two days are the same and there are always opportunities for improvement. Additionally, I wanted a career path that offers a variety of jobs, allowing me to gain experience across many areas.
The Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program (Heath IBEP) caught my interest as it combined elements of both fields I am passionate about. I noticed that many supply chain executives had engineering backgrounds while attending site visits through the Council of Supply Chain Management Program. Heath IBEP has equipped me with valuable experience in communicating effectively with engineers, a skill that will be crucial as I collaborate with technical teams throughout my career.
Through this program, I secured internships that have significantly contributed to my professional growth:
- Transportation internship at NFI Industries after freshman year
- Procurement internship at Smurfit Westrock after sophomore year
I am passionate about optimizing the supply chain and solving process inefficiencies. Post-graduation goals include:
- Joining a company where I can make a positive impact in the department
- Utilizing the skills acquired through Heath IBEP and internships
I'm always eager to grow my network and connect with fellow professionals in the field. Feel free to reach out via email or LinkedIn, I'd love to continue the conversation! Thank you for taking the time to learn about me, and I look forward to hearing from you.
