With a deep understanding of the burgeoning opportunities within the industry, DHL Supply Chain recently funded a scholarship supporting UCR School of Business undergraduate students earning degrees with a concentration in operations and supply chain management.

“In order to attract and retain top talent, it is important that DHL Supply Chain exposes students to the supply chain and logistics field as early as possible,” says Caitlin Ballow, director of College Recruitment Programs, DHL Supply Chain. “By partnering with educational institutions, we can share real-world knowledge that will help improve curriculums and ensure students are equipped with the right skills and knowledge to allow for a more seamless transition into the world of work.”

Over the course of five years, this DHL Supply Chain Future Leaders Fund, in the total amount of $25,000, will provide two annual scholarships of up to $2,500 each to third-year students. Each recipient will also be involved in leadership activities on campus, have some employment experience in any industry, and demonstrate financial need.

“We are very pleased to partner with DHL Supply Chain and extraordinarily grateful for their generosity in funding this scholarship,” says UCR School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang. “DHL is the world’s leading logistics company and a No. 1-ranked ‘World’s Best Workplaces’ by Fortune Magazine. With more than 400,000 employees around the world, DHL is an exceptional example of industry leadership and opportunity for our students.”

According to Ballow, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of supply chain managers will grow 7% from 2020 to 2030—faster than the average for all occupations. “Students in the field can expect a fulfilling career with many opportunities for advancement as the field is interdisciplinary,” adds Ballow. “Operations and supply chain management draws on a variety of disciplines, including business, economics, engineering, and information technology.

“Every business, no matter what industry it is in, needs to have an efficient and effective operations and supply chain system. This makes operations and supply chain professionals in high demand and gives them a lot of influence within their organizations.”