What does a supply chain management internship do?

Supply chain management (SCM) interns are responsible for performing various tasks related to SCM. The typical duties they perform include conducting quality audits, assisting with developing process controls, creating training documents, and providing assistance in the development and implementation of a material requirement planning system. As an SCM intern, you are expected to work closely with the supply chain manager to ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day operations of the supply chain. You are also expected to assist in analyzing data related to business operations.
Supply chain management internship responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real supply chain management internship resumes:
- Maintain supplier scorecard to understand KPIs & work with purchasing team to manage vendor relations.
- Learned how to manage communication of shipment status with steamship lines, forwarders and business department.
- Manage RFQ process for a critical high volume system and create a scorecard to evaluate quotes from the suppliers.
- Coordinate shipping for TL and LTL shipments.
- Assist in covering freight in the TMS system for clients across all sales teams.
- Assist with contacting transportation brokers and carriers for pick-up of outgoing FTL and LTL shipments.
- Analyze manufacturing planning for tracking supply of materials, order creation and execution to MRP demand.
- Evaluate inventory levels of ingredients to determine when future orders should be place based on MRP.
- Work with a business process analyst to document a business process for using KPIs dashboard correctly and efficiently.
- Create complex business reports by gathering requirements from business leaders, create SQL queries, and design reporting database.
- Collect order receipt data with SQL to be used as input for an inventory simulation tool create in MATLAB.
- Consolidate all this information into existing ERP system for quick and easy purchasing and regulate inventory
- Assess inventory needs and maintain consistent supply utilizing ERP software to determine future volume requirements.
- Consolidate and communicate process of return authorizations between carriers and warehouses using TMS and GERP systems.
- Shadow logistics and transportation managers, observing process for scheduling most efficient delivery routes and shipping methods.
Supply chain management internship skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Supply Chain Management Interns are proficient in Supply Chain, Chain Intern, and Logistics. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Supply Chain Management Interns that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Supply Chain, 22%
Analyzed logistics policies and procedures; Developed database using Access and Excel software; Developed PowerPoint presentations on Supply Chain operations.
- Chain Intern, 10%
Created productivity tracker and developed project timeline to keep both Demand and Supply Chain Interns on pace to hit predefined deadlines.
- Logistics, 10%
Created Excel report that automatically pulled data from CT Logistics and populated dashboard that displayed high level trends never before evaluated
- Chain Management, 6%
Translated business requirements into SAP best practice concepts for implementation in SAP Supply Chain Management Solutions.
- Customer Service, 5%
Participated in sales, customer service, and warehouse management with daily hands-on activities and mentoring from front-line professionals
- Continuous Improvement, 3%
Assisted in maintaining an atmosphere of continuous improvement and team environment, dedicated to achieving departmental goals.
Common skills that a supply chain management internship uses to do their job include "supply chain," "chain intern," and "logistics." You can find details on the most important supply chain management internship responsibilities below.
Customer service skills. Another skill commonly found on supply chain management internship job descriptions is "customer service skills." It can come up quite often in supply chain management internship duties, since "logisticians must know the needs of their customers in order to coordinate the movement of materials between suppliers and customers." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day supply chain management internship responsibilities: "utilized erp program facts to update bill of materials, kosher and organic certifications, and process customer returns. "
The three companies that hire the most supply chain management internships are:
- NFI23 supply chain management interns jobs
- Marten Transport15 supply chain management interns jobs
- Parker Hannifin15 supply chain management interns jobs
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Supply chain management internship vs. Inventory manager
An inventory manager is responsible for supervising the overall inventory operations, monitoring supplies and materials, and checking the accuracy of data reports from the inventory associates. Inventory managers' duties include validating stock levels using record software tools, determining the availability of stocks for purchase orders, inspecting the incoming and outgoing shipments, and addressing product concerns by communicating with suppliers and third-party vendors. An inventory manager must have excellent communication and leadership skills to handle the staff's performance and manage customers' inquiries and complaints.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a supply chain management internship are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "chain intern," "chain management," and "continuous improvement." On the other hand, a job as an inventory manager requires skills like "pet," "direct reports," "manage inventory," and "highlighted." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Inventory managers really shine in the retail industry with an average salary of $66,537. Comparatively, supply chain management interns tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $51,982.inventory managers tend to reach lower levels of education than supply chain management interns. In fact, inventory managers are 9.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain management internship vs. Inventory control manager
An inventory control manager is an individual who is responsible for directing all tasks related to inventory management of a company. They manage the allocation of materials, supplies, and finished goods as well as design strategies to minimize the cost or time to move goods. They are required to lead a team of storage or warehouse personnel to help them with the actual inventory count. Inventory control managers must also develop a business relationship with their suppliers or vendors.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, supply chain management internship responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "supply chain," "chain intern," "chain management," and "supply chain planning." Meanwhile, an inventory control manager has duties that require skills in areas such as "inventory control procedures," "sales floor," "team work," and "warehouse inventory." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Inventory control managers may earn a higher salary than supply chain management interns, but inventory control managers earn the most pay in the retail industry with an average salary of $59,685. On the other hand, supply chain management interns receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $51,982.inventory control managers earn lower levels of education than supply chain management interns in general. They're 8.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain management internship vs. Inventory management specialist
An inventory management specialist is responsible for maintaining the adequacy of stock supplies to support customers' needs. Inventory management specialists help develop inventory processes and strategies to keep the supplies organized and free of any defects while on storage. They also monitor inventory costs and process orders through various software tools, requiring them to have a working knowledge of computer systems and the ability to operate warehouse equipment and machinery on moving merchandise around the warehouse.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, supply chain management interns are more likely to have skills like "supply chain," "chain intern," "logistics," and "chain management." But a inventory management specialist is more likely to have skills like "inventory management system," "sales floor," "stock merchandise," and "safety standards."
Inventory management specialists make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $65,378. On the other hand, supply chain management interns are paid the highest salary in the finance industry, with average annual pay of $51,982.inventory management specialists typically earn lower educational levels compared to supply chain management interns. Specifically, they're 9.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Supply chain management internship vs. Logistics internship
In a logistics internship, an intern's duties depend on the directives of a supervising staff or manager. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around processing documentation, producing progress reports, maintaining records, updating databases, answering calls and correspondence, disseminating information, and running errands. They may also participate in coordinating deliveries, devise strategies to optimize processes according to schedules, liaise with clients, and participate in preparing presentations. Should there be any problems or concerns, it is essential to report to the manager right away.
Types of supply chain management internship
Updated January 8, 2025











