From receptionist to automotive supply chain leader

After graduating high school, Erica Workman secured a job as a receptionist at a mortgage lender. Over the next seven years, she climbed the ranks and earned a bachelor’s in business administration sponsored by her company. To continue her upward trajectory, Workman considered enrolling in a master’s program.

“I thought I was gonna be doing mortgages until I retired,” she recalled. “But that wasn't the case.”

That’s because Workman’s career journey took an unexpected turn during the 2008 housing crisis. Her employer closed, and Workman lost her job. When the economy improved, Workman began looking for a career in different fields and landed a role in the automotive coating division at BASF, a global conglomerate.

“I had to start back from the bottom in an administrative role, but, pretty quickly, I just worked my way up and landed a position in the supply chain,” she explained. “I’ve been there ever since.”

A master’s in supply chain management

Supply chain management was a new field for Workman. She learned as much as she could on the job and thrived, eventually becoming a supply chain planner. But Workman also knew that she wanted more knowledge and skills in this area to propel her career to new heights. She began to look into master’s degree programs in supply chain management.

“I wanted to go to a reputable university close to home that had a good supply chain program. And that's when I learned about Wayne State’s programs,” she explained. “They came highly recommended by my peers in my workplace, and Wayne State is familiar with BASF corporation and vice versa.”

Workman looked into the different graduate programs at Wayne State University’s Mike Ilitch School of Business in Detroit and learned about the executive master of science in automotive supply chain management.

“What sealed the deal for me at Wayne State was the simple fact that they had a supply chain program specifically geared toward the automotive industry,” she said enthusiastically. “I thought, ‘Absolutely.’”

Navigating Wayne State's Ilitch School of Business

Workman began her automotive supply chain management M.S. program in the fall of 2022. At first, she felt apprehensive about returning to a university campus after a long break from school.

“I thought, ‘Can I do this?’ Technology has changed, and many students in the classroom are fresh out of college,” Workman expressed. “I don't know if I’m cut out for all of this.”

But after her first week of classes, Workman realized she would be fine. The students in her courses were of all ages and backgrounds. Some were like her, having already established careers and families.

Recently, she joined the Global Supply Chain Management Association (GSCMA), a student-led organization for supply chain students. Undergraduate and graduate students meet to hear from guest speakers, join career workshops and network.

As for the program itself, Workman said she has been more than satisfied by the breadth and depth of the courses. She’s learning the theory and the applied practical knowledge she needs for her career specific to the automotive industry. Workman especially appreciates the program's focus on equipping students with the skills and insights directly applicable to real-world scenarios, ensuring a well-rounded and relevant education.

"A lot of my professors have worked in the industry, so they have experiences that they can bring into the classroom setting,” she said. “Also, the small class sizes allow for more interaction from the professors as well as the students themselves.”

Workman also appreciates the flexibility of the automotive supply chain management program. As a part-time student, she wanted to finish the program in two years.

“I didn’t have to prolong any of my classes or semesters because I just reached out, and the faculty was willing to work with me to find alternative solutions or replacement classes so I could graduate within my desired timeframe,” she said.

Workman was able to better balance her classes and career by taking advantage of online course options available through her in-person program.

“My class load has been very manageable,” she said confidently. “I work full time, I have a young family and it's definitely been doable.”

Workman has thrived in her courses. As a top global supply chain student, she received an invitation to a reception for future supply chain leaders in recognition of her hard work.

“We had the opportunity to interact with the Faculty Advisory Board members, alumni and corporate partners. Overall, it was a great networking experience, and I was super thankful to have the opportunity to attend.”

Advancing her career in automotive supply chain management

Workman believes her EMS in automotive supply chain management has prepared her for the next stage in her career.

“My goal at this point is to stay with BASF within the automotive coatings division. It’s really just been my passion,” she said enthusiastically. “I really want to take on more responsibility, whether that’s a management or a director level. I feel as though having a master’s degree that’s well-recognized like Wayne State’s is only going to help.”

While her journey to a master’s may have taken her longer than she expected, Workman believes it was at the perfect time.

“Life happens, and before I could go back to school, I started my family and everything else,” she said, looking back. “But now, I'm working in the industry, and I have a different perspective and appreciation. I’m so happy doing this to not only further my career but also as a personal goal — it just means so much to me all the way around.”