Supply chain students attend premiere auto industry event

Jamar Glanton and Rahsmi Shivnani , undergraduate global supply chain management majors, attended the prestigious 47th Annual Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminar (CAR MBS) held early in August at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan.

John Taylor, chair of the marketing and global supply chain management department, invited the students to be the business school’s student representatives at the conference, which hosted over 900 auto industry, government and academic leaders from around the country. Featuring the CAR MBS Student Program, the event offered future supply chain professionals like Glanton and Shivnani access to an array of panel discussions on emerging trends in the auto industry as well as the chance to attend numerous networking opportunities.

“I had heard about the event from a friend who works in the automotive industry, but did not think I would ever have the opportunity to attend,” said Glanton. Already active in the field, he just completed a summer internship in GM’s Global Purchasing and Supply Chain department and received a GM Foundation Scholarship at the School of Business Administration’s 2012 Annual Recognition and Awards Program.

“I learned a great deal about the automotive industry, its suppliers and how they are all linked together and depend on each other. I even had the opportunity to meet Alicia Boler-Davis, the U.S. vice president of customer experience and vice president of global quality for General Motors. The event was just an incredible experience.”

Rahsmi Shivnani, a junior honors student and recipient of the 2012 GM Global Supply Chain scholarship, also appreciated the invitation to attend. “The major is so broad because it includes logistics, procurement, operations and so on. Right now I am exploring all sectors, and the opportunity to attend the CAR Student Program built up my enthusiasm about the automotive industry,” she said.

“It was a highly educational experience. The demonstration of the advances in automotive technology was interesting. It was neat to see where our cars can be heading. Plus, it was a great forum to connect with the movers and shakers of the automotive industry, as well as interested students,” said Shivnani.

Learn more about the School of Business Administration’s global supply chain management major here. Learn more about CAR here.
 

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