Mentors and memberships: Becoming an engineer and a leader

KALAMAZOO—Back from an internship at Hormel Foods, Rachel Millett reflects on her journey from undecided engineering student to focused, industrial engineering leader. To get there, she has pushed herself to explore new things and listen to advice from mentors.

“Growing up, I always had a knack for finding the quickest and most efficient way to do things,” says Millett, who participated in the WMU peer mentor program as a first-year student. “My peer mentor opened many doors for me and helped me find my passion in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering.”

She also participated in the college’s professional mentorship program, which connects students with engineering and applied sciences alumni.

“A personal, professional connection with alumni in the field has been an incredible tool for me to learn,” says Millett. “My first mentor, Jason Tedrow (B.S.E.’97), was an outstanding mentor, and our relationship continues to prosper as we both grow in our own professional lives.” Read about mentor Jason Tedrow, B.S.E.’97, president of InProduction, and his career.

And as someone who has had relatable experiences, her second mentor, Dr. Erik Grant, B.S.’97, provided Millett with a sounding board and advice when faced with decisions related to education or professional career preparation.

“Rachel has become much more focused and confident in her decision making,” says Grant. “She treats all endeavors with the same level of determination to achieve success.”

On the flip side to being mentored, Millett is also a campus leader.

As president of both the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and the Women’s Rugby Club and as an active member of WMU’s Supply Chain Management Association and Alpha Pi Mu Honor Society, she is not only developing her own skills she is providing other students with opportunities.

Now, with the excitement of graduation approaching, Millett continues her academic and experience-driven learning with a focus on her future. To get there, she has taken on two internships. In 2024, she worked at Hormel Foods as an industrial engineering intern. Her duties included multiple projects focused on cost savings, process improvements and ergonomics across diverse processes.

“Hormel Foods gave me an opportunity to improve my technical and personal skills which will serve me well going into my senior year,” says Millett.

She previously completed a material management internship at Autocam Medical Devices, where she assisted the purchasing department to assess inventory levels, developed strategies to optimize inventory levels, and enhanced a Kanban system with improved communication and visibility.

With explosive growth of jobs for industrial engineers, Millett’s interests focus on technology and the systems that need to improve and adapt as well as supply chain challenges.

“I am excited to get into industrial engineering or supply chain in a leadership role. I am able to keep my options open because my major prepares us for any industry.”