Joe Horen ’19 | University of Portland

Joe Horen ’19

Warehouse Supply Chain Intern at PepsiCo/Frito-Lay

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Joe Horen“My internship responsibilities included developing and managing a system for pallet return while utilizing standard operating procedures and inventory control systems. I also completed a cross-functional job shadow to understand the operations of the full supply chain. At the end of my internship, I presented my summer project and experiences at a company-wide event in Dallas, Texas. I applied for this internship because I had an interest in manufacturing and I was able to meet supply chain leaders at career fairs on campus. This internship was a great opportunity to see how such a large global cooperation operates and how different departments work and collaborate together.

For other students who want an internship, I would advise them to go out, meet people, and network with professionals. The face to face interaction can help make a candidate stand out and can help build someone’s confidence before an interview. I believe internships are a great way to get a taste of  real world experiences before graduation. From this internship, I discovered how much I enjoy the challenges behind supply chain. The balance of teamwork, technical, and leadership skills is what I am looking for in my future career. After I graduate, I plan on returning to the Pepsi plant as a supply chain associate.”