The Johnson & Johnson Co-Op Experience

The Johnson & Johnson co-op experience is one of the most highlighted opportunities in Rutgers Business School. Many faculty members and students rave about the chance to participate in a six month long job with such a strong pharmaceutical company, especially in the area of Supply Chain. Before starting this position, I never would have thought I would end up at this company – it was never on my list of attainable goals. However, as I look back at these last six months, I can affirmatively say this experience have far exceeded my expectations. I have learned so much at this company, specifically in my roles, which have helped me grow both professionally and personally. My improved skills and overall impression that I am leaving with the …show more content…
By learning and using a supply chain-wide technology strategy that supports multiple levels of decision making and gives a clear view of the flow of products, services, and information, I was able to run reports on things such as order cut research and product allocation consumption. Utilizing a valuable enterprise resource planning system helped me analyze the flow of inventory from end to end (Make to Deliver). Honing in on the Deliver pillar within my group gave me expertise in the interconnection of all different departments who collectively played a key role in the successful movement of consumer products. Being able to leverage operational knowledge, logistical elements found in Distribution and the Regional Transportation Organization (RTO), and customer components found in Retail Customer Logistics (RCL) enhanced my understanding of the bigger picture. My unique role in Customer Operations - Franchise Integration benefitted me a great deal as our team serves as the communicative link between the individual franchises and other departments within CLS. I had opportunity to talk with and learn from Distribution, Transportation, Manufacturing, Planning, Customer Logistics, and Customer Solutions. Essentially, not only did I get to understand how supply chain works, but I also understand now how it meshes with the other portions of the business to make a company maintain …show more content…
I have learned important components of key business systems that are commonly used in supply chain functions, such as Microsoft Excel and SAP. I have learned how to manipulate data to portray business stories (as my supervisor likes to call them). I have increased my knowledge of Excel formulas and ways to interpret and analyze data. Additionally, I have learned operational and logistical functions. CLS has given me a broad awareness of how the “Deliver” pillar of the supply chain model, and this knowledge will help me understand how business is done in- and outside this arena. On the other hand, my soft skills have improved for which I am very grateful. From leading department-wide trainings on lean and Microsoft One Note to hosting and coordinating a personal branding roundtable for the entire fall co-op class, I have honed my presentation skills. On that same note, I have also gained immense leadership abilities and confidence through projects and challenging work. An important capability I have also enhanced through this experience was my management of time and prioritization. The need for organization in email management, my Outlook calendar, and documentation will help with my classes next semester, as well as throughout