Meet Delphine Ariguzo: Full-Time MBA Student and Procurement Intern at Humana

PREVIOUS CAREER AND CURRENT INTERNSHIP

Previous position before MBA:

• Title: Accountant
• Company: Milrose Consultants Inc.
• Location: New York City, NY

Summer Internship: 

• Title: Procurement Intern
• Company: Humana
• Location: Remote

HOW DID YOU SECURE YOUR INTERNSHIP?

I secured my internship during the pre-MBA recruiting season at the Consortium Conference. Before attending the conference, I received an email from the Humana recruiting team inviting me to apply for several open positions. They also invited me to a private dinner at the conference. While in Louisiana for the conference, I met and networked extensively with the Humana team. I had my first interview at the conference and then two final round interviews with different departments a few weeks after returning home. I was selected by the procurement department, and that's how I ended up interning with them over the summer.

WHAT WERE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES DURING THE INTERNSHIP?

During my internship, I held the role of a procurement intern. My responsibilities included:

• Assessed processes, developed and communicated change strategies, provided training and support, monitored progress, gathered feedback, and made adjustments to improve effectiveness.
• Documented workflows to identify inefficiencies, collaborated with teams to create detailed process maps, streamlined operations, and supported the implementation of new procedures.
• Analyzed procurement data to identify trends, cost-saving opportunities, and areas for improvement, working with large datasets and analytical tools.
• Assisted in managing supplier relationships, including negotiating contracts, evaluating vendor performance, and ensuring compliance with company policies.
• Coordinated procurement projects from planning to execution, setting timelines, assigning tasks, and ensuring milestones were met.
• Worked on initiatives to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, developing new procedures and recommending best practices.
• Collaborated with various departments, such as finance, operations, and legal, to ensure alignment and support for procurement initiatives.

Through these responsibilities, I gained valuable experience and contributed to the success of the procurement department.

WHAT DEPARTMENT WAS YOUR INTERNSHIP WITH?

The Procurement (Center for Enablement) department.

HOW DID YOUR MBA COURSEWORK PREPARE YOU FOR THIS INTERNSHIP?

My MBA coursework prepared me for this internship in several ways:

• Courses in finance and data analysis helped me develop strong analytical skills, which were essential for evaluating procurement strategies and making data-driven decisions.
• Classes in business strategy and operations management taught me how to think strategically about supply chain management and procurement processes, enabling me to contribute effectively to the team.
• Leadership and communication courses enhanced my ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and present ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Specialized courses related to healthcare, such as Business of Healthcare and Operations Management, provided me with an understanding of industry-specific challenges and best practices.

Overall, my MBA coursework equipped me with a comprehensive skill set that was directly applicable to my role in the procurement department.

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HOW DOES THE INTERNSHIP ALIGN WITH YOUR CAREER GOALS?

The internship aligns with my career goals in several significant ways:

• Working with Humana provided me with hands-on experience in the healthcare industry, which is the sector I aim to build my career in.
• The internship allowed me to apply and further develop my skills in procurement and strategic decision-making, all of which are crucial for my future career aspirations.
• Networking with professionals and leaders at Humana helped me build valuable connections that can support my career growth and provide opportunities for future collaboration.
• The experience confirmed my interest in procurement and operations management as a long-term career path, helping me focus my future efforts and education on this area.

Overall, the internship was a perfect fit for my career goals, providing relevant experience, skill development, and professional connections that will be instrumental in my career progression.

HOW DO YOU THINK THE INTERNSHIP WILL HELP YOU WITH YOUR MBA STUDIES OR FUTURE CAREER?

The internship will help me with my MBA studies and future career in several ways:

• It allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my MBA coursework to real-world situations, deepening my understanding and enhancing my learning experience.
• My hands-on experience in procurement and supply chain management sharpened my analytical, strategic, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for both my studies and future career.
• Gaining insider knowledge of the healthcare industry provided me with a clearer perspective on industry trends and challenges, which will be valuable for class discussions and future career decisions.
• Building relationships with professionals at Humana has expanded my network, providing mentors and contacts who can offer guidance and support throughout my career.
• Having this internship experience on my resume makes me a more competitive candidate for future job opportunities, demonstrating my ability to succeed in a professional setting.

Overall, the internship has provided me with practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections that will benefit my MBA studies and significantly advance my career.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?

My favorite part of my internship experience was kickstarting a project and seeing it through to launch. Specifically, I had the opportunity to lead a procurement optimization project aimed at improving our supply chain efficiency.

The project began with identifying key areas where we could reduce costs and streamline processes. I worked closely with my team to gather data and analyze current procurement practices. I developed a comprehensive project plan, outlining the steps needed to achieve our goals. This included setting milestones, assigning tasks, and establishing a timeline.

During the execution phase, I coordinated with various departments, facilitated meetings, and ensured everyone was on track. I also monitored progress and made necessary adjustments to keep the project moving forward. Finally, we reached the launch phase, where we implemented the new procurement strategies. Seeing the positive impact of our work, such as reduced costs and improved efficiency, was incredibly rewarding.

The experience taught me valuable lessons in project management, teamwork, and problem-solving. It was fulfilling to see our hard work come to fruition and make a tangible difference for the company. Overall, leading a project from initiation to launch was the highlight of my internship. It provided me with practical experience and a sense of accomplishment that will stay with me throughout my career.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS?

Here is my advice for prospective students:

• Building relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals is crucial. Attend conferences, join clubs, and make the most of networking opportunities to create a strong support system and open doors for future opportunities.
• Participate in extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles. These experiences will help you develop valuable skills and make your resume stand out.
• Pursue internships and practical experiences in your field of interest. These opportunities provide hands-on learning and can significantly enhance your understanding and career prospects.
• Balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments can be challenging. Develop effective time management skills and stay organized to ensure you can meet all your responsibilities.
• Do not hesitate to ask for help when necessary. Whether it's academic support, career advice, or personal guidance, reaching out to mentors, professors, and peers can make a significant difference.
• Be willing to explore new areas and take on challenges outside your comfort zone. This openness can lead to discovering new passions and opportunities you may not have considered.
• Use your time in school to develop not only academically but also personally. Engage in activities that promote personal growth, such as volunteering, attending workshops, and reflecting on your goals and values.

Delphine Ariguzo is a Full-Time MBA student in the Class of 2025.