CONNIE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING ANALYST at INTEL CORPORATION

2022 CII Scholarship recipient and now a Supply Chain Analyst at Intel Corporation, Samantha Chang Cartolin has been focused on furthering her education ever since emigrating from Lima, Peru. In fact, she established her career path in supply chain management at Rutgers University, which she admits was brought on by the recent supply chain disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Early on, she began her collegiate career at Passaic County College as a general business major. However, the pandemic swiftly changed her mind as she realized that the supply chains are too important and impacts everyone. As a result, she decided to transfer to Rutgers University and enroll in its Supply Chain Management Program.

"I remember taking a marketing class at Passaic County College where Professor Tom Cox talked about supply chain and how there were so many distinct paths. This was at the beginning of the pandemic, and it really drove home the fragility of the supply system and the need for basic necessities. It made me realize the significance of the global supply chain network which led me to transfer to Rutgers University as a supply chain management major. For me, the pandemic really highlighted the need for a more efficient and adaptable supply chain system," remarked Samantha.

As she learns more about supply networks, she is realizing the critical relationship between supply chain resilience and the consistent movement of goods around the world. She is seeing how an adaptive supply chain might directly alleviate disruptions and help to foresee future issues. She is also learning that you must be confident and be ready to make quick decisions because things are continually in motion.

“Rutgers University Supply Chain Management program is one of the best programs on the East Coast. As a result, I was set on Rutgers. I was excited to take classes about business logistics, procurement, and Six Sigma. Also, I met so many knowledgeable professors and it was interesting to learn more about supply chain and logistics. For me, learning is a true passion of mine,” said Samantha.

 Selected by Rutgers University to receive the CII Scholarship based on her grades, focus and drive, Samantha felt the school prepared her well for her chosen career. Nominating her for the CII Scholarship, Professor Warren Cohen played a key role in developing Samantha’s passion for supply chain.

"Working with a mentor like Professor Cohen, as well as the other faculty at Rutgers, really helped me direct, hone, and prepare for a future in supply chain management. It was an honor to be recognized by CII with a scholarship for my efforts. The formal acknowledgement at the CII scholarship reception gave me the opportunity to meet senior industry leaders and gave me even more confidence that I was on the right career path," Samantha remarked.

As a student at Rutgers, Samantha interned at DHL Supply Chain as an Operations Interns, where she learned the ropes and spurred her interest even more. Upon graduation at Rutgers, Samantha was hired by Intel to join its management trainee program as a Supply Chain Analyst. From there, she will rotate to other roles within procurement operations at Intel to broaden her expertise.

In her current position, Samantha works in Intel's procurement, focusing on supply chain transformation and collaboration. As the only U.S.-based leading-edge chipmaker. Intel's strategy requires a deep understanding of integrated process flows, opportunity mapping, and future direction in equipment and materials to meet market needs, budgets, and timeframes.

Since joining Intel, Samantha had to relocate from New Jersey to Arizona to be part of Intel’s procurement operations. The team's mandate is to execute its supply chain's cost, availability, quality, and sustainability targets in a high-volume manufacturing environment.

“Being at Intel means a lot to me and I think the most exciting part is that I'm a woman in supply chain. I am proud to be part of this outstanding organization as the opportunities for learning and growing at Intel are endless,” remarked Samantha.

According to Samantha, working in procurement means never having a routine day as new opportunities and challenges arise every day. Working as part of team, you also need to employ your interpersonal abilities in addition to your business and analytical talents.

“As part of Intel’s rotational management program, I have the unique opportunity to experience different roles and responsibilities. For instance, I'll continue in my current role through the end of 2023 before moving on to another one in the procurement department. This will enable me to learn first-hand Intel’s supply chain and procurement operations which will serve me well throughout my career,” remarked Samantha.

Thanks to her collaboration with fellow Intel team members, Samantha has gained a deeper understanding of international supply chains and how Intel operates within them. As a result, having greater insights into operational processes and procedures not only helps her expand her knowledge base, but it also helps her do her job better, enabling her to develop deeper proficiency.

“Supply chain management is an ideal career path; it utilizes my strengths and promotes daily learning. However, there still remains a lack of understanding about the field itself, leading to its underrepresentation as a college major, and this has to change,” added Samantha.

As a result, in order to attract top talent in supply chain management careers, the industry should increasingly invest in programs as well as educate schools on supply chain's value to global businesses. Additionally, it should recognize talent through scholarships and programs that open opportunities for growth.

Samantha firmly adheres to her personal credo, "live life and do not let life live you." She urges students, particularly women contemplating supply chain management professions, to seize the chances and take the risks that come their way. You never know when or how your career might take off, but she is certain that you must seize any opportunity that comes your way, including the CII Scholarship.

“My advice is to be present, speak up, and study hard for an exciting career in supply chain management. I believe I’m exactly where I need to be supported by educational training as well as a passion for pursuing opportunities at Intel which values my potential growth prospects. I’m ready to seize any and all opportunities that come my way,” Samantha concluded.

For Samantha, she is confident about her future ahead in supply chain management and is grateful for the opportunities that exist in the industry. She is especially thankful to CII for awarding her the scholarship, which demonstrated to her that the industry saw something exceptional and encouraged her to pursue her aspirations and make her mark.