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This is something similar to how our inventory management system(IMS) looks.
Purpose
Purpose
For my engaged learning experience this year, I am working at IU Surplus. As a warehouse attendant, I am responsible for processing orders of transitional university materials; this can include items like furniture, lab equipment, desktops, office supplies, etc. As an attendant, I am in charge of keeping the warehouse organized, tidy, and easily accessible for clients who come through. I am also responsible for checking out clients of the university when they come through the warehouse to pick up items for their department. Over the course of the semester, I have learned how to use the inventory management system(IMS) and do data entry for our orders.
I chose this position because I was excited to see how the inside of a warehouse works! I am interested in having my own business, so it would be useful to know how to keep inventory, how to manage clients, and how to process incoming goods through the warehouse.
Prior Experience
Prior Experience
Admittedly, there is not much overlap between the courses I've taken and my work at Surplus. With that being said, I am constantly using and developing life experience in the warehouse. In ICORE, you learn how to function as a team; I think that is one thing that is really helpful when working at Surplus. Sure, there is plenty that you can do on your own, but there is a lot that you have to learn. At the same time, there are things that oftentimes require heavy lifting. Knowing how to be a team player and knowing when to ask for help is crucial! I think the biggest connection between my life and Surplus is the physicality of it all! I have moved a few times throughout my life, and I've helped other people move. That is some seriously demanding labor. For me, it is very rewarding, but it is still strenuous, nonetheless.
"Knowing how to be a team player and knowing when to ask for help is crucial!"
Here is a piece of lab equipment that was processed through the warehouse! Interesting cryochamber type-thing.
Community Connections
Community Connections
I work with lots of international graduate students! We mostly serve faculty and members of IU. The purpose of IU Surplus is to redistribute transitional items back through the school. We work to repurpose, recycle and reclaim items such as furniture, technology, and lab equipment. Affiliated members of IU are able to come to the warehouse to get items that they need for their department. Additionally, we have a website through GovDeals; this allows people who are not with the university to purchase items from Surplus. I work in the warehouse side of the operation, so I mostly log incoming items into our IMS, organize inventory, and check out members who come to buy items for their department.
New Lessons, New Skills
New Lessons, New Skills
What did I discover? This is a hard question for me to answer. I know I have learned a lot, but there isn't much that stands out to me. As of late, I have learned how to use our inventory management system and do data entry for our shipments! When we get deliveries from Stuart's, we have to log all of the incoming items into the IMS so we have some sense of what we keep in the warehouse. When we get these deliveries, we get a bill of lading; this has information such as delivery start/end times, who the driver was for the shipment, and the invoice number. These bills must be logged into a spreadsheet to keep track of what we're getting, who it's from, and when it was delivered.
When I first arrived at the warehouse, I met a man by the name of Mr. Jean Pierre. He is a regular client of the warehouse, and he is full of the coolest information. He's someone who knows a little bit about everything, so it seems. At our last auction, he was talking to me about my field of study. I told him how I wanted to eventually run my own business, and so he asked what I was studying. When I told him I am majoring in accounting, he basically called me stupid. He didn't understand why I wasn't studying botany or chemistry, since I have hoped to one day open a dispensary. Since then, I have occasionally asked myself if I am pursuing the right career field. He has opened my eyes to the possibilities of what I could be doing with my academics.
"When I told him I am majoring in accounting, he basically called me stupid."
The photo above is an example of what a Bill of Lading might typically look like.
Impacts!
Impacts!
Although I don't think I've had much impact on the community I serve, they have had an impact on me. The people I interact with on a day-to-day basis help to teach me a bit more about the university itself. My boss, in particular, has been a very formative mentor for me these past several months. He has experienced a lot in his years; he is constantly encouraging me to be the best I can be, to strive for more, and work to get the things out of life that I know I'm capable of.
After these past 6 years of school, I never wanted to go back to school. I never thought I would further my education past a bachelors degree. Lately, he has had me thinking on going to graduate school to get my Masters in Business. He thinks I could be a great leader in my industry if I put my mind to it. Although I have never seen myself as much of a leader, JLN and working at the warehouse makes me question my potential everyday. Could I do something great with my degree? Can I become a someone who works to solve common problems in the communities I live in? As time goes on, I am setting new goals for myself. I am discovering passions that were buried by my desires to be done with school. I'm grateful for the people I've met and the lessons they've taught me along the way.
Career Connections
Career Connections
As of now, I think I will continue to work at the warehouse until I graduate next May. This will help to further my knowledge of how to run a warehouse, which is helping to teach me how to run my own business. I think I will seek out a summer internship with a company that aligns with my values and will be useful in my field of study.
I have been thinking a lot about furthering my education past my bachelors. I think I will take a gap year and start working to get my Masters degree closer to home. I want to become proficient in the topics I have been studying and learn how to apply them in my daily life.
This is a photo I was able to take on the day of our last auction. I got to interact with lots of people that day and see a lot of our inventory get cleared out!
Summary
Summary
Overall, I have absolutely loved working at the warehouse. I am constantly being challenged by tasks, and I am constantly learning about how to do behind-the-scenes work of a business. I love being able to meet and interact with people from all over the university. Everyday at work is something a little bit different. I love being able to come to work and not know what to expect for the day.
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