Bronco Spotlight: Alexander Boyd
Operations/Manufacturing Engineering Emerging Leader at Transcontinental Packaging
I will be participating in a rotational program that will have me relocate four times every six months throughout the U.S. while developing my skills in four different positions. Those four roles will be within Process Improvement, Manufacturing Support, Supply Chain Support, and Front Line Supervisory. During this time I will have a mentor within leadership who will help guide and give me advice as well.
If you had a campus job or internship, how did they impact your career development?
During my time at Western I have had two summer internships with Fiat Chrysler Automotive, a supervisor position with General Motors, first Mate position with Infinity and Ovation Yachts, and I also worked with the Athletic Facilities at Western Michigan University. The biggest take away from my past positions that has helped me is understanding the dynamics of people. That may come as a surprise, but I learned a lot about how different people find job enrichment, management techniques, and the cultures within those areas. Those experiences will help me to become an effective leader one day within an organization.
What activities, resources, or people helped you prepare for your career?
Staying active within intramural sports, attending my NSBE organization, and being engaged with class friends has helped a ton for me. Dr. Betsy Aller and Dr. David Meade have also been very supportive through my college career, and it has been nice building a student to professor relationship.
Which of your skills had the biggest impact on your success?
My resilience and persistence as an individual has had the biggest impact for my success. I have failed many classes during my college career and found it at times very difficult to keep pursuing my dream of one day graduating. It has taken me seven years to graduate and has ultimately been a excellent journey of understanding my purpose while perusing my education.
What advice do you have for others pursuing a career similar to yours?
The best advice I have for anyone perusing a career similar to mine is to not get discouraged. A saying that has become pivotal in my life is this, “You got an opportunity to make a dream become a reality – and when you do, you just got to take advantage of it.”- Eric Thomas. This is the advice that was given to me three years ago when I was deciding if I should continue with college or drop out. I ultimately made my choice and I hope you will too!