Gaining New Skills: Enhance Your Graduate Experience with an On-Campus Job
Master of Supply Chain Management graduate students apply supply chain skills to transform their on-campus jobs into professional growth opportunities
Written by: Julia Potapoff, contributing writer, Foster School of Business
As an international student, many questions come to mind as you start your graduate program at the University of Washington Foster School of Business in Seattle: What can I do during the day if classes are in the evenings? How can I progress professionally if I have work restrictions on a student visa? Will I look good in the University of Washington’s purple and gold merchandise?
To put you at ease, we can assure you that everyone looks good in purple and that there are many ways to get involved on campus. In addition to participating in clubs, committees, and case competitions, one of the most popular routes students take is applying for on-campus jobs. For some, an on-campus job is just a way to pass their time or earn extra money. However, for those who use a little creativity and a lot of determination, an on-campus job can become a way to level up and gain practical supply chain experience in the process.
Landing an on-campus job
Nishant Shah, a graduate student in the Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program at the Foster School, is a prime example of someone determined to get the most out of his one-year degree program.
In the Summer of 2024, Nishant attended a career event where he connected with many booths in search of a great opportunity. That’s where he met Kathryn Larson, Director of Operations at the UW Autism Center. Kathryn was looking for someone to streamline processes, and Nishant, as a supply chain student, saw an opportunity to apply his classroom skills in a role that would also grow his arsenal of marketable skills.
There is no shortage of skills that Nishant is gaining from his on-campus job. In his part-time role, Nishant prepares detailed financial reports for the center, ensuring accurate budgeting and financial management, supporting the smooth transition between cost centers, and helping refine processes for improved efficiency — all of which he says “look great on my resume!” Through his proactive approach and willingness to embrace new challenges, Nishant landed an on-campus job that aligns with his career aspirations and offers him invaluable skills beyond the classroom.
Navigating new work cultures
Nishant’s on-campus job is also an opportunity to collaborate with different management and work styles. Previously having full-time work experience in India, Nishant’s Student Assistant role has been a valuable lesson in adjusting to a completely different work culture, with his supervisor supporting his adjustment. “Kathryn is very experienced and patient and guides me through every situation.”
The biggest hurdle to overcome has been adapting to a work environment that strongly emphasizes self-reliance. In Nishant’s past work experience, he grew accustomed to a work style where regularly reaching out to ask for more tasks was a marker of interest and ambition. In his on-campus job, Nishant found that demonstrating initiative means more than just seeking tasks; it’s about being proactive, pitching ideas, and working independently. This shift has taught him that adapting to a new work culture is not only about acquiring new skills but also about learning how to operate effectively within a different set of expectations. Even though he’s had to adapt to “some vast cultural differences,” having the early experience of adapting to an American work environment is a priceless experience if he decides to job hunt in the U.S.
Climbing the Café Ladder
Hrishikesh Saikia is a fellow Master of Supply Chain Management student who actively sought ways to add to his professional development through his on-campus job. Hrishikesh started as a barista at an on-campus café before going to his manager to discuss ways to grow in his role. “I told her that I wanted to take on more responsibility, and if any role would allow me to use what I was learning in the MSCM program, I’d definitely apply for it.”
Luckily for Hrishikesh, the department was undergoing transitions and was looking for more student workers and someone who could help oversee them. He was able to step into some additional responsibilities, training new workers, leading communication with team members, processing invoices, and occasionally addressing customer concerns. Weeks of proven effort and efficiency led to Hrishikesh’s official promotion to Student Coordinator.
Unlocking new skills
Working during the day and attending classes in the evenings, Hrishikesh kept himself busy with seven cafes to oversee. “Every week, I go to the cafés and take inventory of all the merchandise. Based on the inventory, we plan our orders with multiple suppliers, and I work directly with vendors if products are running low.”
In addition to the technical skills that are imperative to his role, Hrishikesh is equally grateful for the soft skills gained during his time in the Master of Supply Chain Management program. “Interacting with customers is one of the trickiest parts of my job, especially since English is not my native language. [The class] Negotiations for Supply Chain Management has really helped with learning how to negotiate in difficult situations and my communication skills have definitely improved since I started the program.”
After a few weeks in his new role, Hrishikesh heard the general managers talking about ways to improve the efficiency of the café’s delivery system. He jumped at the opportunity to transform his role into yet another hands-on learning experience. “It was right in my ballpark and would give me the chance to apply what I learned in the MSCM program to a real-world project.”
Hrishikesh asked if he could brainstorm a more efficient delivery system and gathered a team of housing and food services workers who’d be just as eager to innovate an outdated system. In the mix, there are math, data science, business analytics, and computer science majors from different backgrounds who are collaborating on how to best execute this project. “We call it a cycle of mutual benefits: the café gains an efficient delivery system, and we gain real-world experience.”
At the outset, an on-campus barista job seemed like just a way to keep himself busy and meet new people. However, Hrishikesh turned a part-time job into a real growth opportunity through his initiative. Beyond building up his resume with practical experiences, Hrishikesh has continued progressing professionally despite the limitations of his F-1 visa, which restricts international students to on-campus work opportunities.
Words of wisdom
As students who went out of their way to create their own growth opportunities, Nishant and Hrishikesh encourage incoming students to embrace the job options on campus.
“My advice is to keep an open mind about every experience and opportunity,” Hrishikesh shares. “Maybe some people will think that housing and dining is not a glamorous job, but I’ve met many great people and had amazing experiences in this role.”
Hrishikesh’s experience not only enhanced his technical and soft skills, but also gave him the confidence to take initiative and drive change. Nishant’s proven ability to adapt to new work styles sets him up for success in any professional environment he might encounter post-graduation.
As two students in the same graduate program, their on-campus work experiences aren’t identical because there is no one-size-fits-all approach to professional development and growth. Their joint experiences serve as a reminder that the secret to maximizing your educational experience is seizing the opportunities around you and making the most of them. With the right mindset, you can turn any role into a stepping stone for greater success.
Click HERE to learn more about the Master of Supply Chain Management program.
