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Emily's Advice and Lessons Learned in Supply Chain

Emily Mihm | Advisor, Project/Program Management | Texas, United States

Originally Published: December 5, 2024

My name is Emily Mihm, and I’m in my third year of the Supply Chain Development Program (SCDP) at Dell Technologies. I went to the University of Texas (hook 'em!) and majored in Environmental Science, which is where I discovered my interest in incorporating sustainable practices into the supply chain. I did a supply chain internship focused on sustainability during my junior year, and that led me to SCDP at Dell—one of the best decisions I’ve made!

   

Since starting at Dell full-time, I’ve completed rotations in logistics and procurement. Right now, I’m in my final rotation in supply chain planning as a scrum master for one of our product modernization teams. We’re working on improving sales forecasting, experimenting with AI tools to enhance future sales predictions and collaborating with demand planning stakeholders to show them how AI can level up their processes.

Emily standing with her SCDP project team

Being curious is a gift and it drives innovation, collaboration and team unity. When team members ask questions and challenge each other, issues are resolved faster, new solutions are found and strong foundational relationships are built.

Emily M.

Advisor, Project/Program Management 

Emily traveling with her mom in Japan

Career Growth and Development

One of my favorite things about working for Dell is the opportunity for learning and career growth in the rotational programs. In the Global Operations organization, we have the Supply Chain Development Program (SCDP) and the Supply Chain Immersion Program (SCIP) for recent grads—and both programs offer training, leadership exposure and incredible conferences where we get to learn more about the entire supply chain. I feel very grateful to have picked up incredible mentors and advisors throughout my time in the program, and they have helped guide me through making important decisions and offering support when I feel stuck. Not only have I gained mentors, but I have also gained incredible friends through my SCDP cohort. 

   

Specifically, in the product management space where I work, there are countless opportunities for career growth. Dell is at the forefront of integrating AI into our supply chain and teams are working to create a "frictionless" supply chain. It’s exciting to be a part of that change! 

   

A Day in My Life

Working on an agile team, we have a very collaborative and structured working style which I enjoy.  My day starts with a team standup, where I facilitate the meeting, gather updates and address any blockers that might be affecting the team. Afterward, I dive into data analysis for the sales forecasts we’re working on, often meeting with stakeholders to review progress. I spend time researching various forecasting methods and collaborating with our data science team to learn about their approaches.

   

I also manage our team’s backlog in Jira, ensuring that our user stories are prioritized correctly and that we’re on track with our product goals. Outside of my core responsibilities, I am heavily involved with recruiting efforts at the University of Texas, attending events at the McCombs School of Business and handling administrative tasks related to our recruiting program.

   

My Advice

One piece of advice that I have found very helpful is also very simple—stay curious and ask questions! I love to learn and always feel like I have a thousand questions bubbling up every single day. Being early in your career, it can sometimes feel intimidating to ask questions, but I have been reminded that being curious is a gift and it drives innovation, collaboration and team unity. When team members ask questions and challenge each other, issues are resolved faster, new solutions are found and strong foundational relationships are built.

Lessons Learned in my Career Journey

Since starting my career two years ago, I’ve grown in ways I never could have imagined! These are some of the most valuable skills I’ve picked up along the way:

   

  • Taking Feedback Gracefully: While not a traditional “skill,” I’ve learned the importance of receiving feedback with gratitude and an open mind. I trust that the people around me want to see me succeed, and I view their insights as opportunities to grow. At the same time, I’ve learned to recognize and embrace my own strengths, like my positivity and enthusiasm which are unique assets I bring to the table.

   

  • Adaptability: The supply chain is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Projects can shift direction at any moment, and the only constant is change. I’ve learned to embrace this dynamic nature, which has helped me stay resilient and open to new challenges!

    

  • Building Relationships and Asking for Help: Building connections has always come naturally to me, but I’ve also realized the value of learning from others and asking questions. The people around you are often your greatest resource, and knowing when and how to lean on your peers is an invaluable skill.

    

  • Developing Technical Skills: On the technical side, I’ve gained proficiency in tools like PowerBI and Tableau, and I’m currently diving into Structured Query Language (SQL). Working on a data science team has exposed me to a wide range of new tools and technologies, which I’m eager to continue exploring.

    

Keeping a "Work-Life" Balance

There are so many things I love to do outside of work, and I am grateful for the balance I have working at Dell to live a full life outside of work. I am an extrovert to my core—and the things I do after work typically revolve around spending time with people. I love to travel, play tennis with friends, learn new songs on the piano, cheer on the Longhorns and the Green Bay Packers, go on walks and read lots of books. I am very involved at my church, and I am currently participating in an intensive theology program and a small group bible study with some of my closest friends.

    

I also love to be involved in the community; I volunteer tutor AISD students on Mondays and mentor college students through an organization called YoungLife. I also coached a Pre-K soccer team in the spring which was so much fun! My greatest joy comes from being with others and caring for people, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to do that both inside and outside of work.

   

   

Next, read about Lauren's role in Product Offer Management.

Emily hiking with her best friend, Cassidy, from SCDP
Emily getting a server tour during the SCDP Conference Emily traveling to the Toyota factory for SCDP Conference with her cohort

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