When Fernando Garcia-Martinez started his master’s in Global Supply Chain Management (MSGSCM) at Portland State University, he didn’t expect his studies to lead him so quickly to a high-impact career. Now, the recent graduate is stepping into a Supply Chain Analyst role at Boeing in Portland, where he’ll help keep production running smoothly.
“I’ll be working with the Internal Supply Chain Management team,” Fernando explains. “My job is to make sure production stays on track, analyzing inventory, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring we have the right amount of materials to keep productivity and safety aligned.”
Discovering a Global Perspective
Fernando’s interest in supply chain management began during his undergraduate studies at PSU. After earning his degree in Supply and Logistics Management, he realized he wasn’t done learning.
“Life felt a little boring without schoolwork,” he laughs. “I joined an info session with Professor Daniel Wong, and he completely sold me on the graduate program. Even though I had my undergrad in supply chain, I felt there was still so much more to learn—especially about how business works on a global scale.”
That curiosity took flight during his grad program’s two-week study abroad in Vietnam, where students visit manufacturing sites and see firsthand how global production networks operate.
“Seeing how companies in Vietnam produce items that are shipped and used all over the world was eye-opening,” Fernando says. “It showed me just how interconnected global operations are. It gave me a whole new appreciation for the scale and complexity of supply chains.”
Deep Industry Connections
The MSGSCM program’s strong connection to industry leaders sets it apart. Students gain direct exposure to real-world supply chain challenges through guest speakers, company visits, and applied projects with regional and global partners.
“PSU’s program is deeply integrated with the supply chain community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond,” says Daniel Wong, Academic Director of the MSGSCM program. “You come to PSU to deepen your expertise, to expand your knowledge, and you walk away with a lifetime of friends, mentors, and an opportunity to launch your career.”
Lessons Beyond the Classroom
Fernando credits PSU professors for nurturing his understanding of supply chain management.
“During undergrad, I took Professor Derek Westfall’s BA 339 course,” he recalls. “He broke down complex concepts so I could really understand how supply chains work. That’s when I fell in love with problem-solving and improving systems.”
Support from PSU’s Career Services team also played a key role. Career Coach Alan Thayer helped Fernando refine his résumé and practice for interviews using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
“Alan walked me through my résumé line by line and helped me tell my story clearly and confidently,” Fernando says. “Boeing interviews rely heavily on the STAR method, so that preparation was crucial.”
From Class Projects to Career Skills
Although Fernando didn’t complete a formal internship, his coursework and field experiences gave him the tools he needed for a data-driven role.
“During our company visits in Vietnam, I was fascinated by dashboards tracking key performance indicators on giant screens,” he says. “That inspired me to develop those same skills using Excel, Tableau, and Power BI. Those skills are directly relevant to my work now.”
Building Connections That Last
For Fernando, one of the most valuable parts of PSU wasn’t just the academics—it was the people.
“In undergrad, I didn’t focus on building long-term connections,” he says. “In grad school, I made it a priority. PSU’s community is full of people who genuinely want to help you succeed. On the Vietnam trip, I met classmates who were senior managers and industry professionals—they reviewed my résumé, shared advice, and we’ve stayed in touch.”
He also appreciated how the program pushed him to expand his skill set. “Even in challenging classes, like Business Analytics with R programming, I walked away confident that I could pick up new tools. Every class was designed to help us succeed.”
Advice for Future Supply Chain Leaders
Fernando encourages students to reach out, build relationships, and stay curious.
“Use LinkedIn, send messages, and talk to PSU alumni—they want to help,” he says. “Apply for internships, connect with classmates and professors, and learn from people already in the industry. Those connections are what set you up for long-term success.”
Now, as he begins his new role, Fernando is excited to put everything he’s learned into practice.
“It’s rewarding to see everything come full circle,” he reflects. “From PSU to my career, it feels like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Building a Better Future Through Connection
Fernando’s story reflects what makes PSU’s Global Supply Chain Management program unique—its close ties to industry, collaborative community, and focus on practical, purpose-driven learning. Through those connections, PSU continues to prepare graduates who strengthen regional industries and make an impact in global business.