When it comes to being involved on BYU campus, Allison Oberle has been there, done that. She graduated in 2015 from the global supply chain program. During her time at BYU, she worked on the women’s initiative of GSC, served as VP of Women’s Outreach, led as co-president of the Global Supply Chain Association her senior year, and worked in the Global Management Center. She also danced competitively on BYU’s international folk dancing team for three consecutive years, traveling for months at a time. She now works for Sun Products Cooperation in Salt Lake City as a customer supply chain specialist.
We talked to her about her experience at BYU and what she’s doing now.
Why did you choose to study global supply chain?
Allison: I felt that it fit my personality best. It was described to me as something for highly organized people. I love that with GSC you can see something go from start to finish. I wanted to do something where I could make a difference. The decisions I make impact products getting to the store the next day. I can go through and manage my orders to get my truck out and then I can go to Costco and see my product on the shelf. That’s where I feel like my job is rewarding.
How did Marriott School help prepare you for your career?
A: Because of my involvement in the Marriott School, I left with a very large network of people I stay in touch with, especially professors.
My interaction with my peers and group projects was the most helpful in learning how to work with others even if we didn’t get along. What I learned and how my teachers taught made me feel prepared when I left.
When I graduated I didn’t feel any sort of regret because I felt I had accomplished everything I set out to accomplish.
What should Marriott School students be sure not to miss?
A: An international experience would be my top “don’t miss” at BYU. A lot of people think that an LDS mission counts, but I don’t. A lot of people say it is too expensive, but you have to think of it as an investment in yourself to become better.
During my European business study abroad program, we visited a business called Alsco in Salt Lake City, Germany, and Italy. Even though it was the same company in all three countries, you could see how different it was run because of the location. You learn a lot about how businesses are run in other places. That’s why I think it is so important to have these experiences, because it’s something you can’t learn in a classroom. You have to see it hands on.
What does a typical day at Sun Products look like?
A: No two days are really the same. As far as a typical day, we run some reports and have to process orders, but that’s where the similarities end. Challenges I face include port strikes, weather problems, and production issues. I have to manage my orders and make sure the customers are getting what they need.
What are your future plans?
A: I’m thinking about an MBA. A big part of supply chain is continuous improvement in the workplace, but I think it’s something we can apply to our personal lives as well. I try to continually improve, whether it’s progressing in the workplace or continuing your education.
Here’s a throwback to the days Oberle spent promoting the GSC program:
