Guest Profile:

Michael Castellani, Transportation and Logistics Analyst, Constellation Brands

Former Experience: Conagra Foods

Studied Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University

Things to keep in mind for people who want to work in supply chain:

“[Supply chain] is really all about forming partnerships”

“[Opportunities] for big savings in supply chain and… I think it is really good to be able to put your name to big savings”

Analytical skills are essential to a successful career in supply chain

Demand planning is a skillset that anyone serious about supply chain should have

Insights:

No two days are the same in transportation, as there are a ton of variables

Transportation budget is typically the second or third largest at a company

Transportation offers a big opportunity for savings at a company, which is where supply chain employees can provide value

Work closely with forecasting and warehousing teams, as well as freight partners

Critically important for lines of communication to be open amongst an analyst and their partners, as there is a domino effect of all decisions

Day-to-day management of relationships with truck drivers and freight partners falls into entry level positions

Starting salary is an important consideration for taking a job, but should not be the only reason why you should take a job

Demand planning has massive impact on the entire supply chain and has impact on all partners

Even when you are new at a company, everyone wants you to succeed

Learning the day-to-day functions of the job early in your career provides a baseline of knowledge that can be leveraged in all future roles

Rapid Fire-Round:

What Michael wanted to be when he was a kid: Tennis player

Best resource for career-related information: Career center at your college

What helps Michael when he has a bad day at work: Going for a run, and enjoying a Corona after work

Michael’s favorite product/brand his company makes: Ballast Point

Best part of Michael’s work day today: Boss came back from a vacation and had a bunch of work to present

Advice:

Talk to as many people as possible to explore career options

Always say “yes” to any projects because you never know where those projects will lead and what opportunities they will present

Why should someone want to be in supply chain

No two days are the same

It is a fun career that involves visiting partners and facilities

Supply chain is a relationship oriented field

Have questions or want to learn more? Get in touch with Michael Castellani.