WORKfORCE DeVELOPMENT INTERN - WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

A CII INTERNSHIP: SEALING THE DEAL

One of the most important selections a young adult makes is where they attend college. Of the many factors that go into this process, job placement and career industry are oftentimes overlooked. CII has always been committed to educating the next generation of industry leaders and understands the importance of introducing college students to the logistics, maritime, and supply chain industries.

The greatest experience a college student can receive is a fully paid internship that allows a “test drive” into a certain industry. Zach Parilla, a civilian student at The State University of New York Maritime College was one of the early participants of The CII’s Workforce Development Internship Program (2018). The program was designed for students interested in working in the supply chain industries. Through application, students were matched with companies willing to offer internships to learn their side of the business. Zach Parilla was able to realize his passion for freight and logistics through an internship provided by CII at Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). MSC has been the largest container shipping line since 2021 and the company operates in all major ports of the world. At MSC he was welcomed by Allen Clifford, MSC Vice President and former CII President and Mike Divirgilio, an industry icon and former CII President who acted as Zach’s mentor.

CII’s June Chin interviewed Zach Parilla, in this interview they discuss the impact of the CII’S Workforce Development Internship Program.

 Zach : “Working in the Operations Department at MSC really solidified my desire to remain in the supply chain industry. I was dealing with the many moving parts that make up logistics, so even though I didn't decide to stay on as a full-time employee with MSC, the internship experience 100% helped me to understand my strengths and motivated me to go out and find a role that would best suit me. With Mike's help and 10 months of training with MSC I knew I had the foundation to build a career. This is how I ended up at Transfix, where I presently work.” Transfix is helping usher in a new era in intelligent, modern logistics with a unique blend of expertise and technology.

 Zach : “Many people ask how I got into this career choice, this is not an industry that many people are familiar with unless they know somebody in the industry. Though, in the last few years, particularly since the COVID 19 pandemic, supply chain and logistics have come to the forefront of everyone's attention because it has affected so many people's lives. Supply chain crisis has also now become a regular talking point for media outlets. The many complications that make up this industry are now becoming more well known.”

CII’s June Chin : “Even for me being in this industry, it took me a long time to understand, and I'm still learning the ins and outs of each piece of the supply chain. So what made you know that this was the career choice that you wanted?”

Zach : “CII got me my start, the institute helped me break into this industry, but I think the reason why I stay is because it's super fulfilling. When I was in college I didn't know if I wanted to jump into the maritime space. I was at SUNY, so I was getting the maritime background, but you know, people make different decisions with their degrees all the time. Helping move certain products during the COVID 19 pandemic made me feel as if I was doing something to help the country.”

Zach especially feels that being at Transfix.

“(Transfix) is an American-based company; we're only moving freight throughout the United States, so there is that good feeling when, you know, you're moving PPE or different supplies from DC’s, warehouses, fulfillment centers, etc. Back in 2018, when I was starting, the supply chain felt like it was kind of this niche sector business, and I think I always appreciated that I was working where few people know exactly what you do. You know, when I say operations to some of my friends, they don't fully understand what I do. I have to explain it to them,” he laughed

Zach Parilla is a graduate of The State University of New York Maritime College and possesses a B.S. in International Transportation & Trade and a M.S. in Transportation Management. Zach Parilla was a participant in The CII’s Workforce Development Internship Program in 2018. Through the internship program Zach was able to work with MSC for 10 months in their Operations Department he then moved onto the Operations Department at Transfix where he is currently an Account Specialist. Zach is working towards a commission in the United States Coast Guard Reserve through the Selected Reserve Direct Commission Program while continuing his industry career with Transfix.