Students Gain Real-World Business Experience Through Participation in Supply Chain Scholarship Contest
Students in Raritan Valley Community College’s Department of Business & Public Service Supply Chain Management program recently participated in a Scholarship Contest that offered them the opportunity to learn firsthand what it’s like to work in the supply chain industry.
ABCO Systems, a Carlstadt-based, a material handling integrator company, created the contest with Capacity LLC, a third-party logistics company. The initiative, supported by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), was designed to empower the next generation of supply chain professionals by providing students with real-world project experience and the opportunity to win a scholarship.
The contest, which was launched last May, concluded with an awards ceremony in late January. The $2,000 scholarship was awarded to RVCC student Maira Mendonca of Pittstown for the “Best Material Handling Solution.” A native of Brazil, Mendonca is a student in RVCC’s Associate of Applied Science, Business Management – Supply Chain Option program.
“Participating in the case study was a true test of developing confidence in my abilities, deepening my supply chain knowledge, and enhancing my communication skills. I gained valuable insights into hands-on experience in warehouse operations, process optimization, and material handling,” Mendonca said of her contest experience.
Open to RVCC students interested in material handling, logistics, and supply chain management, the Scholarship Contest invited participants to tackle the challenge of improving efficiency in business-to-business warehouse operations for one of Capacity LLC’s NJ facilities. The project offered students a hands-on opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-life industry problems, proposing practical solutions for operational optimization.
As part of the contest, students visited Capacity LLC's facility, immersing themselves in the operational intricacies of a leading, third-party logistics company. The experience offered them the opportunity to witness material handling, automation, and storage processes firsthand, interact with industry professionals, and propose innovative solutions using cutting-edge technologies.
“This project provides students with a valuable chance to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world logistics challenges. The site visit offers a unique perspective, enriching their understanding and preparing them for future careers in the field,” said Seth Weisberg, CEO, ABCO Systems.
“ABCO Systems and Capacity LLC's collaboration with RVCC’s Business & Public Service department exemplifies the commitment of industry leaders to the education and professional development of our students. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to provide practical learning experiences,” added RVCC Adjunct Professor Keith Spero.
The students who participated in the Scholarship Contest were awarded service learning credit through The Pray Family Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement at RVCC. The contest highlights ABCO Systems' commitment to community service. By actively engaging students in real industry challenges, ABCO Systems hopes to actively contribute to the educational and professional development of RVCC students, fostering a collaborative learning environment and offering very attractive career paths for future professionals. In addition, these hands-on projects are offered as learning incentives to expand participation in RVCC’s supply chain management programs.
To view Maira Mendonca’s Scholarship Presentation from the recent awards ceremony, visit https://rvcc.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=b4ef76c2-5567-435f-9e21-b100016d3f3e.
Partnering with area industry leaders, RVCC’s Business & Public Service department offers three programs focusing on Supply Chain Management: a Supply Chain Management Option in Business Administration, Associate of Science; a Supply Chain Management Option in Business Management, Associate of Applied Science; and a fully online Supply Chain Management, Certificate of Completion.
For additional information, contact Associate Professor of Business Tracy Rimple, Chair, Business & Public Service department, at tracy.rimple@raritanval.edu or visit https://www.raritanval.edu/academic-programs/academic-departments/business-and-public-service.
RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 5, 2024
Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383
PR #61
