Steven Widger: Growth through connections

KALAMAZOO, MI—For Kalamazoo, Michigan native Steven Widger, his time at Western Michigan University has paved the way for his professional path. The senior studying supply chain management and business analytics at the Haworth College of Business has capitalized on resources and developed connections to help him achieve his goals. 

Having already completed two internships by the start of his final year at WMU Haworth, Widger acknowledges the influence the community has had on him.

“The professors at WMU Haworth, especially Dr. Sime Curkovic, are very knowledgeable in terms of current trends for employment, which has helped me make decisions for both internships and post-grad opportunities. Had it not been for one of my professors stressing the importance of a business analytics minor, I may have never taken those extra classes that have helped me get ahead and become a better candidate for jobs. This is just one example of how the faculty at the college can help you grow your professional skills.”

Connections with professors have been the most notable contributor to Widger’s sense of belonging at WMU Haworth. He says, “Not only will faculty members go the extra mile to set you up for academic and professional success, but many of the professors want to get to know you individually. Seeing their willingness to get you ready for career success makes coming to class every day meaningful; you can feel that they truly want you there.”

With the support and guidance of faculty, Widger was able to complete internships at both Epredia and BP. During his time at Epredia, Widger served as a production planning intern where he was responsible for running daily and weekly reports related to production rates and inventory. He also helped manage a supplier, where he was responsible for buying materials used in production and placing purchase orders. 

He most recently interned at BP, taking on the role of refinery optimization intern for fuels supply and midstream. With the motivation to take on BP’s complex refining operations, Widger was in charge of developing two PowerBI reports. One streamlined communication regarding scheduling data and the other tracked BP’s carbon credit obligations. He was also responsible for updating pricing information relating to the price of importing crude oils. 

 “Being able to have internship experiences while also taking classes has enhanced my understanding of the workforce and improved my skills in application. I’m excited about the opportunities that these internships and classes are providing me after graduation, and it’s greatly reduced the stress of searching for a job.”

After his graduation in spring 2025, Widger plans to return to BP as a full-time employee in their fuels supply and midstream rotational program.

“I’m thrilled to join the program, as I’ll have a variety of experiences within BP’s midstream operations. I’m looking forward to taking on complex work for the company and using the knowledge I’ve gained at WMU.”

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