Developing with Dell Technologies: Kira's Experience in Dell's Supply Chain Development Program
Kira W. | Senior Analyst, Supply Chain Development Program | Texas, United States
Originally Published: July 5th, 2024.
Howdy! My name is Kira, and I am finishing up my first year in the Supply Chain Development Program (SCDP). I graduated from Texas A&M with a double major in Management Information Systems and Business Honors, with a minor in Russian Language. Outside of work, I spend my time with a Catholic Young Adult community, working out at Orange Theory Fitness and planning my next international trip! Fun fact: my dog and I were sprayed by a skunk TWICE this year.
What is the Supply Chain Development Program? How does it set up its members for successful careers?
There are two rotation programs for recent college graduates in Global Operations: The Supply Chain Development Program and the Supply Chain Immersion Program. Both SCDP and SCIP emphasize early career experience and development through role rotations. We are set up for success with personal, executive-level mentorship, professional, functional trainings and real case studies within Dell’s current supply chain. Recent grads in SCDP have one-year role rotations in three different Global Ops teams (i.e., Operations, Logistics and Procurement) to gain breadth of experience. Recent grads in SCIP have two, 18-month rotations within a specific Global Ops team to gain depth of experience. Members of both programs attend trainings, social activities and volunteer events together.
What was one of the most impactful moments of your SCDP experience?
One of my most impactful SCDP experiences was participating in a three-day manufacturing simulation. Each Year 1 in the program participates during the SCDP Conference, and it was a challenging three days full of learning firsthand about running a factory. I learned more about my collaboration style, how to drive decisions with urgency and the importance of relying on my teammates to execute on deliverables. The simulation is an incredible learning experience and working through tense situations together bonded us as a cohort. It is a favorite tradition among many members of the program.
How has the program fostered a sense of community and collaboration between participants, and how might this benefit new members?
Of everything that SCDP offers, including career development trainings and mentorship, I am most grateful for the community of recent grads, executives and mentors. SCDPs and SCIPs sit near each other in the office, walk to the office Starbucks together and hang out outside of work. One of my favorite SCDP traditions is celebrating a Friendsgiving dinner with your cohort before people leave town for the holidays. Additionally, as part of my role, I regularly collaborate cross-functionally with other members of SCDP. We work together to understand each other’s different supply chain perspectives to choose a solution that meets business needs. Having friends in SCDP and SCIP makes learning from peers accessible and working in the office enjoyable.
What inspired you to apply for the Dell SCDP program, and how has it impacted your career?
Through my two Services Sales internships at Dell, I learned that I wanted a different career path, so I reached out to a friend interning in Dell’s Global Ops organization. She helped me network within Global Ops, and I was immediately impressed with how the leaders emphasized early career development within the organization. Dell’s supply chain is one of the company’s competitive advantages, and I was excited to contribute to the core operations. Having three different supply chain roles in three years will broaden my understanding of how my decisions impact the business and will set me up to become a well-informed leader.
Would you recommend the program to other graduates?
For those looking for a global tech company that emphasizes professional development, then Dell is the company for you! There is so much to learn within Dell’s incredibly complex supply chain that a college textbook simply cannot contain. In my experience, everyone on my team and on adjacent teams has been open to answering my questions and brainstorming solutions to issues I come across. Through SCDP and my current rotation, I feel supported, challenged (in a good way!) and confident that my work contributes to the success of the company.
To learn more about life at Dell, visit Our Stories.
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