Amanda Kirk

  Degree:   Bachelor of Science
  Major:     Applied Economics

  Years in the field:  1
  Current job title:    Supply Chain
                                 Executive-In-Training   
  Organization:         Target Corporation

  How did you find this job?
  The summer before my Senior year of college I
  interned with Target Corporation.  I was an intern at the
  Rogers SuperTarget in their grocery area.  I loved
  working for Target and found my current position at a
  career fair on the U of MN campus in the fall of 2005. I
  met a recruiter and developed a strong connection.We
  stayed in touch through e-mail until I interviewed for
  my current position.

Previous job titles and organizations:
        Target Corporation, Executive Perishables Intern 
        St. Paul Campus Career Center, Peer Advisor 
        Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company, Lodge Guide     

Please describe your job:
My position, Supply Chain Executive-in-Training, is a year-long rotational program that experiences various aspects of Target's Supply Chain. I have a home base team and report to the supervisor in that area. I spend approximately 6 months of the year in my home base. The other 6 months are spent in other functional/operational areas of Target's supply chain.  This also includes two days in a Target Store and two weeks in a Target Distribution Center. I spend most of my time working on projects for various teams within Target's supply chain. The purpose of my job is to learn for a year and develop relationships.

What from your undergraduate educational experience was most helpful in preparing you for this career?
My current career was not an area which I anticipated going into.  However, I had some overall strong educational experiences.  My undergraduate experience taught me a lot about being independent and making decisions that impact your future.  Going to class teaches discipline (because you have to go to work if you want to keep your job).  Being involved on campus and having a job during college also taught me a lot about work ethic, working on a team, being professional, being creative, and also welcoming new experiences.

What is the biggest misconception about this occupation or field?
As stated before, I didn't expect going into this field.  I didn't know what any distribution/supply chain/logistics misconceptions were. However, it is more fun, interesting, and intricate, than I thought it would be.

What advice do you have for current students?
Start your job search early and keep an open mind.  Visit your career center to get help. Also...   
        -Learn how to learn 
        -Be curious 
        -Ask questions 
        -Develop your communication and relationship skills 
        -Get experiences working on a team 
        -Job shadow 
        -Talk to others experienced in your field of interest 
        -Challenge yourself