In turn with Maiya Woodward

After reading our interview with rising senior Maiya Woodward of Stephens City, Virginia, you will be impressed not only by her but by how the College of Business is helping her connect the dots. She recently interned with DHL Supply Chain, and as she tells us, her experiences at the College of Business aided her internship.

First, here’s a little more about Woodward. She’s pursuing a BSBA with a double concentration in management information systems and finance. She’s a sister in Phi Mu, Lambda Iota Chapter, the public relations chair of ECU’s Association of Information Technology Professionals, a member of Women in Business, and Future Business Leaders of America. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and going to the beach.

How did you learn about this internship opportunity? What were your responsibilities?

I learned about this internship on Handshake.  My internship for DHL supply chain was located at their GlaxoSmithKline site in Richmond, VA, where I was an operations intern. At my site, we distribute medication, flu vaccines, components, etc. My responsibilities included but were not limited to integrating documents into tablet software, establishing training protocol for DHL software transition, redesigning and reducing supply inventory ordering process by 15%, assisting the GM with closing of end-of-month books, interviewing potential new hires, and working on the distribution center floor.

How have you applied what you learned in your classwork to this position?

This internship has helped me connect dots from certain vocabulary or topics taught in various courses in the COB.

What was the most challenging thing you experienced during your internship, and how has what you learned in the COB help you overcome it?

The most challenging part of my internship was the Capstone Project. All DHL Supply Chain interns come together at the DHL headquarters in Westerville, Ohio, to present a project in front of the company’s top leadership and business partners. My group had the pleasure of presenting on conversion from lead-acid to lithium-ion batteries in their forklifts. The entire project was a challenge because my group had to work together completely via Zoom because we were from different states. The COB and ECU, in general, have always taught me to overcome any challenge, and I knew I was there representing not only myself and my work ethic but ECU as well, which ultimately lead me to success.

How did you apply what you learned in BUSI 1200, 2200, 3200, or 4200 to your internship?

All the BUSI courses helped me in the internship. I had a great resume when I walked in the door on day one. I knew how to dress professionally and how to carry myself in front of business professionals. I knew how to act properly at a formal business meal, and I had all the proper manners.

What has this internship taught you about responsibility?

I have learned so much about being responsible and carrying myself in the best capacity from the management team at the GSK-Richmond site, including managing time for meetings, conference calls, projects due, and just generally working in the distribution center.

How will this internship benefit you?

I never knew or had even thought of working in a warehouse setting until now. I love seeing all the moving parts and knowing that we are an essential part of everyday life at DHL.  When you are a DHL intern, upon completion, there is an opportunity for a full-time offer post-graduation.

Why would you recommend a business student take advantage of an internship opportunity?

You never know what opportunities can do for you. They shed so much light on what you do and don’t want in a workplace or even in a career field. I never thought of going into the supply chain/ logistics field until this internship. In conclusion, you never know until you try.

• Categories:
• Finance
• Management Information Systems