Devyn Nelson ’25 BSBA Leverages Summer Internship at Caterpillar to Hone Critical Operations Skills

The Business Management Major is home to students like Devyn Nelson '25 BSBA (Management, Operations and Supply Chain, Entrepreneurship), who just wrapped up an incredible summer as a Business Operations Intern at Caterpillar. 

Nelson spent the summer working with the Resource Industries Strategy team, diving deep into projects focused on value quantification, project management and process auditing. These experiences helped her sharpen skills in Excel, PowerPoint, value proposition, and project management.

Hometown:

Auburn Washington

Undergraduate School and Degree: 

Eller College of Management

Business Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship 

Where are you currently working? 

During the school year I work at the Campus recreation center as a lifeguard, aquatics supervisor and CPR instructor. I also work as a head preceptor in the management department. In my precepting role I manage a team of 20 to grade assignments for two classes and help run the D2L. 

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?

The achievement I am most proud of in my professional career to date is landing my post grad job offer with Caterpillar. Going into my senior year with a job already secured that I am super excited about is a great feeling. 

Why did you choose Eller’s Management and Organizations (M&O) program?

I have always wanted to become a manager. I like the ability to learn different segments of management through my Eller classes. I have taken classes on international and healthcare management and have been able to expand my knowledge greatly because of the management and organizations program. I also liked how much Eller prepare you for professional success post-graduation. 

What was your favorite part of being in an M&O program?

My favorite part of being in the M&O program is the people. I have been able to meet many amazing M&O students and work with them on team projects. I have also been able to work with some of the staff in the M&O department in my role as a preceptor and they have been a big help to me. 

Tell us about your recent internship.

This summer, I was a Business Operations Intern for Caterpillar Inc. I was based in the Tucson office working for a Resource Industries Strategy team. I started the week after school was over by flying to Peoria, Illinois for intern orientation where I networked with other incredible interns and learned about Caterpillar. During my internship, I worked on three major projects focused on value quantification, project management, and process auditing. Through this experience, I improved my Excel, PowerPoint value proposition, and project management skills. I was able to network with an amazing group of interns and Caterpillar employees. I met Caterpillar at the Eller Career Fair in the Fall. I spoke with the recruiter for 20 minutes then I had an in-person interview the next week. After that interview, I had an online interview with my boss for the summer. During my internship, I had the opportunity to apply and interview for Caterpillar's Leadership Technical Development Program on the supply chain management track where I will be starting full-time after graduation in May. This program is a three-year rotational program where I will get to learn roles in three different areas of Caterpillar’s supply chain. My experiences in Eller helped me to obtain my internship and my job. 

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an M&O program?

My best piece of advice to an applicant to thrive in an M&O program is to take every opportunity presented to you and get involved. I have been part of the Eller Management Association since my freshman year and I have worked as a management preceptor since my sophomore year. Both of these opportunities within M&O were outside of the classroom but helped me to expand my management skills and knowledge. Finding experiences to pair with the knowledge you learn in classes sets you up for success. 

How has your education helped you in your current job or internship?

My education has helped provide me the foundation to be successful in my internships. I have gained Excel, PowerPoint, presentation and business strategy skills needed. My education has given me a base of knowledge to pull from. 

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?

My long-term professional goal is to be an operations manager. 

Hopefully becoming a chief operating officer one day.