Examining Perspectives Beyond the Orange Sphere
At the annual DISCOVER Summit, students from underrepresented backgrounds gained valuable insights into the world of supply chain engineering. Held in Philadelphia, the event offered a refreshing change for one attendee, who found it to be a rewarding experience.
The DISCOVER Summit is more than just an academic enrichment event. It's a platform for students to learn about opportunities and diversity initiatives at different companies, network with professionals, and hear about the importance of general chemical engineering skills over 'hard' skills.
During the event, students had a chance to network with professionals and ask them about their experiences. The networking lunch was the most rewarding part of the day for one attendee, who felt more confident about the skills they have been learning throughout their time at Princeton after listening to professionals speak.
The DISCOVER Summit included a career information fair where students could ask questions about opportunities at each company. Representatives from Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, and Bristol Myers, amongst others, spoke at the event.
Engineers in the supply chain sector focus on the overall supply, logistics, and operations aspects of a company to maximize production efficiency. The event included a specialized session where students heard about what supply chains look like at different companies.
Attending academic conferences like the DISCOVER Summit offers students significant career opportunities, networking advantages, and insights into diversity initiatives in supply chain engineering. Students can learn about certifications and professional development options, such as from bodies like the Institute for Supply Management, that enhance qualifications for supply chain roles.
The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) provides funding for off-campus academic conferences. The DISCOVER Summit is held to promote these opportunities and diversity initiatives, encouraging participation from underrepresented groups and promoting workforce development.
The DISCOVER Summit and similar events often emphasize diversity and inclusion within the supply chain field, helping to build awareness of diversity’s critical role in innovation and problem-solving in supply chain engineering. This focus aligns with efforts to broaden participation and equity in manufacturing and technical disciplines.
Breaking the Princeton bubble can be challenging, but attending outside academic enrichment events can provide a new perspective. The DISCOVER Summit is just one example of how students can expand their horizons and gain valuable experiences beyond the campus.
The DISCOVER Summit not only serves as an academic enrichment event but also fosters learning about diverse career paths in supply chain engineering, such as independent work or undergraduate research. It encourages lifelong learning by providing insights into education-and-self-development opportunities like online education and professional development options like certifications from the Institute for Supply Management. Additionally, it promotes independent work through networking with professionals, offering a chance to learn from their experiences and apply those learnings to one's own career.
