As a graduate of the University of South Carolina (USC)’s supply chain management program, Jess Vo focused her LinkedIn profile on numbers, improvements, and quality assurance. Yes, even for her time as a Starbucks barista.
The responsibilities of the part-time campus job read like a master class in optimizations: Delivered 200+ consistently high-quality beverages per shift. Reduced average service time by 15%. Increased order accuracy by 20%.
Some might choose to keep their latte-making days off their resume, but not Jess. It reflects her work ethic and adaptability, she says.
“Working at Starbucks taught me discipline, customer service, and how to stay calm under pressure,” said Jess. “Balancing busy shifts with academic work really strengthened my time management — something that’s helped me in every role since.”
Jess’s Journey to the University of South Carolina (USC)
An ability to adapt has served the Vietnam native well since coming to study in the USA in 2022. A native of Bien Hoa City, Jess originally wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in international business at USC’s prestigious Darla Moore School of Business, ranked #1 for that major by U.S. News & World Report (2024).
“It’s important for students to research major requirements early on to avoid unexpected surprises,” she said. “I was looking for a university that balanced academic rigor with strong student support, especially for international students.” USC appeared to be a great fit.
Unfortunately, she did not meet the foreign language requirement (French, Korean, or Spanish) for international business. So, she explored alternative majors and shifted to operations and supply chain management (SCM).
“It turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” she said. “Supply chain ended up being a better fit, and it’s a STEM-designated major at USC, where you can have three-year Optional Practical Training. The program at USC is nationally ranked, high in demand, and well-structured with hands-on learning opportunities. I’ve never regretted the switch.”
From day one, USC felt like home to Jess. “The campus is absolutely beautiful. I loved spending time in the Horseshoe, which is a peaceful and historic area at the heart of campus,” she said. She quickly acclimated, thanks to student support groups and plenty of organized activities with her cohort.
“I enjoyed going to football and basketball games; the Gamecock spirit is so strong, and they’re so fun,” she said. “While Columbia might not be a big city, the campus experience makes up for it. It’s vibrant, engaging, and full of opportunities to connect and grow.”
Developing Leadership Skills
Jess admits she adapted quickly to life on campus, and didn’t experience much culture shock or homesickness. On the other hand, the process of finding a campus job, and eventually an internship, was a bit intimidating.
“What really helped was reaching out to upperclassmen, my mentors, and my professors,” she says. “They provided guidance, encouragement, and real feedback.”
Their top advice? Network and make connections. She leaned in and started attending career fairs, networking events, and workshops. “Those small steps added up over time and made a big difference,” she says.
Soon, those small steps were leadership stepping stones. Semester after semester, Jess added to her resume: becoming a teaching assistant, joining a major-specific networking group, getting an internship, getting another internship, and leading a capstone project.
During high school in Bien Hoa City, Jess tutored younger students in math and science — so becoming a supplemental instruction (SI) leader at USC was a natural fit. In her role as a teacher’s assistant, she hosted review sessions for two of her program’s business math courses and supported fellow students in their preparation for assignments and exams. “The role sharpened my public speaking, teaching, and time management skills,” said Jess. “One thing I vividly remember is that even after I stopped teaching, students would still recognize me on campus and tell me how well they did on the final exam. It was incredibly rewarding and heartwarming to know I made a lasting impact.”
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From Classroom Projects to Career Opportunities
During her sophomore year, Jess joined the Society of Supply Chain Operations Excellence (SCOPE), a USC student organization aimed at providing career opportunities for supply chain majors. “SCOPE was a game-changer,” said Jess. She attended weekly networking meetings, workshops, topic panels, and career fairs hosted by major organizations like Boeing and Mercedes-Benz.
The Darla Moore School of Business does an amazing job connecting students with real-world opportunities.” — Jess, Vietnam, BSBA, Operations and Supply Chain Management, class of 2025
As part of a capstone project, Jess earned her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. The rigorous program teaches problem-solving skills by applying the Six Sigma methodology to an existing real-world company initiative. Typically, the program is attended by employer-sponsored workers — Jess achieved her Six Sigma Green Belt as a university senior for her team’s logistics project at Alpek Polyester USA. “That was a major milestone. [Lean Six Sigma] is especially valued in the supply chain world,” she said. “The experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and helped me truly understand the practical side of what I had initially thought were just theoretical classroom concepts.”
Final Steps — and New Beginnings
Her hard work paid off. Jess earned the Graduation with Leadership Distinction in Global Learning award for her achievements in cross-cultural engagement, community involvement, and student mentoring.
“These experiences helped me reflect on my growth and communicate my journey in a meaningful way,” she said proudly.
An internship at Direct ChassisLink, a top company in the trucking and transportation equipment space, led to a job offer after graduating in the spring of 2025. She now lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, and works as a maintenance and repair support analyst for the company.
Eventually, she would like to pursue a supply chain position in the fashion and beauty world, as these are two of her personal passions. “I hope to [work] behind the scenes to improve logistics, sustainability, and product flow in industries I love.”
Jess’s Advice for International Students
How successful you are at university can be owed to any number of things — a serious commitment to study, engaged professors, networking opportunities, available support systems, access to internships, and even the friends you make during those first few weeks on campus.
Jess would add one crucial must to the list: your mindset. Her top piece of advice is to be proactive in making connections on campus right from the start. “Reach out to professors, go to office hours, join clubs, and use campus resources,” she said. “Build your network early, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Every challenge you overcome builds resilience for your future.”
She also recommends leveraging your international student status — embrace it as an advantage, not a detriment.
“Your voice and perspective are valuable,” she continued. “Don’t let language or cultural barriers stop you from participating. Never shy away from experiences — raise your hand at public events, step outside your comfort zone, and make space for lifelong memories. Grow with confidence and make the most of every opportunity.”
Even if it’s taking latte orders at the local coffee shop.
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