CONNIE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Product Development Assistant at Macy’s

Matthew Mei is an up-and-coming supply chain professional who recently graduated at the top of his class with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management from the Rutgers School of Business in Newark, NJ. Upon graduation, Matthew joined  Macy’s, a well-known U.S. based department store, where he brings fresh insight and a new perspective to the supply chain workforce as a Product Development Assistant.

“The most rewarding part of what I do is seeing the entire journey of a product – all the way from its initial concept to arrival on store shelves. It is a full circle experience. I get to work alongside great teams to refine and perfect products into something that the customer enjoys and loves.” said Matthew.

His job entails working on the sourcing and procurement side of the supply chain. He communicates daily with cross functional partners from design, buying, overseas offices, and external suppliers; to address challenges and manage contracts from the point of ordering all the way until the product arrives at a Macy’s warehouse.

His interest for working in procurement and sourcing grew over time. From a young age, Matthew has had a fascination in learning about how things are made, this lifelong interest ultimately led him to pursuing degree, and now career within supply chain management.

“I am glad that my career path led me to where I am today,” said Matthew, “Everyday there is something new and I am constantly learning and growing.”

Because of his outstanding reputation as a student and his keen interest in pursuing a career in supply chain and logistics, Matthew was recommended by Professor Warren Cohen, Assistant Professor of Professional Practice at the Rutgers School of Business in Newark, to participate in the CII Scholarship Program. Matthew was selected and was awarded a scholarship at the 2022 Newark Connie Award Scholarship Reception, which helped support his decision to pursue this career. Professor Cohen and the CII scholarship had a profound impact on Matthew.

Like many students considering life after university, he had his reservations about job prospects post-graduation. Professor Cohen’s guidance helped Matthew determine where he wanted to take his career.

“Professor Cohen introduced me to CII and what CII does. He taught my intro course for supply chain, and I spoke with him after one of my first classes. Asking questions about his thoughts on the future of supply chain management, his responses have had a massive influence on my career direction.”

Matthew’s time at Rutgers in the Supply Chain Management Program has been an invaluable experience for him. Rutgers specifically tailors their curriculum to prepare students for pursuing careers in this growing industry. Matthew believes that this preparation as well as Rutgers’ internship opportunities have given him a leg up and helped him to understand the intricacies of how this field operates.

“I would advise anyone who is passionate about supply chain management to learn about its various aspects and functions. It’s a massive field with ample opportunities and covers a broad range of job functions,” said Matthew, “While in school, explore those aspects by taking different classes, applying for internships and networking with industry professionals.”

In his current role as a Product Development Assistant, Matthew gets a front row seat of seeing each phase of the supply chain from start to finish. He has found his niche within supply chain management and is looking forward to a long career in the industry.