Supply Chain Student Parlayed Case Study Competition into Full-time Job at GM

Written by Bailey Smith, College of Business Communications Intern

Supply chain senior, Conrad Murphy, had the opportunity to participate in the General Motors / Wayne State Supply Chain Case Competition as a member of the team representing BGSU in 2018. This prestigious competition attracts schools with the top supply chain programs from around the world. Teams review a case study and deliver a solution in front of a panel of judges.

Although his team didn’t win the competition, he had the chance to speak with recruiters from General Motors at a job fair during the competition and was offered an internship. Following completion of his position as the global purchasing & supply chain EXCEL intern, Murphy accepted a full-time position with GM before graduating in December 2019.

Murphy explains how his college education prepared him for his career. “BGSU’s College of Business helped prepare me for internships by providing me great resources such as the Business Career Accelerator. I went to several workshops that assisted me in understanding the process of getting an internship and becoming comfortable with the interview process.” Murphy also credits the BGSU supply chain management faculty and coursework for preparing him.

As a freshman, Murphy became involved in the Supply Chain Management Association and later held leadership positions such as vice president. “The SCMA helps students begin their supply chain careers by bringing in employers, holding professional development meetings and providing students with the opportunity to participate in events like the GM / Wayne State Case Competition,” says Murphy. He also earned a Certificate of Professional Development presented by the BGSU Supply Chain Management Institute.

Leaving BGSU, Murphy is ready to drive his career forward with his new position, Global Purchasing & Supply Chain TRACK program at General Motors.