By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
KEARNEY – Zarina Flaherty didn’t arrive at the University of Nebraska at Kearney knowing she would study supply chain management.
Her initial plan actually looked much different.
“I originally came into college wanting to be a physician assistant,” she explained. “However, I wasn’t fully sure that I wanted to do that for the rest of my life.”
That uncertainty ultimately steered her toward a field that reshaped her academic and career paths.
A senior from McCool Junction, Flaherty is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in supply chain management and a minor in industrial distribution. She’ll graduate in May.
Flaherty’s focus shifted early in her UNK career, when she began exploring business during her freshman year. It was an introductory business course – and a guest lecture – that opened her eyes to a new possibility.
“I was in my Intro to Business class during the second semester of freshman year when Dr. Greg Benson came and spoke to the class about SCM,” she said. “He offered a scholarship, and I figured it sounded interesting so why not try it. Little did I know that choosing SCM would be one of the best decisions I have ever made.”
The discipline’s complexity and flexibility immediately drew her in.
“I would describe SCM as a constant puzzle,” Flaherty said. “It involves purchasing, planning, transportation, warehousing and everything in between. All the pieces working together to get things from Point A to Point B.”
That analytical approach has become one of her favorite parts of the major. She values the way supply chain management encourages adaptability and creative thinking.
“I enjoy all the problem solving that comes with supply chain and how if something doesn’t seem like the right fit, I have so many different avenues I can try,” Flaherty said. “There is a lot of flexibility.”
She’s gained a broad view of the field through hands-on experiences both inside and outside the classroom, including two internships that allowed her to see different sides of the profession.
Her first internship was a summer position with Cash-Wa Distributing, a Kearney-based food service distributor. The job placed her in multiple departments, offering a well-rounded introduction to the industry.
“I did everything from assisting purchasing, transportation and sales to even unloading delivery trucks,” she said. “This rotation program was a great way for me to figure out what my interests were within supply chain.”
Her second internship – and current position – is with Parker Hannifin in Kearney, a manufacturing facility that specializes in filtration products and services. She’s worked there for more than a year, focusing primarily on purchasing.
“At Parker, I am given many challenges that push me to constantly grow,” Flaherty said. “I feel confident diving into these problems to look for a solution because I know that I have tons of support that I can rely on if I may need it.”
Those real-world experiences, along with the structure of UNK’s program, have prepared her for life after graduation. While she’s still exploring her options, Flaherty hopes to pursue a career in supply chain management, ideally in a purchasing role.
Beyond coursework and internships, Flaherty is also involved on campus through the Supply Chain Management Organization and Women in Supply Chain, student-led groups that connect members with peers, faculty and industry partners.
“The SCM program at UNK truly feels like a family,” she said. “I have so much support, not only from the professors but also my classmates and the companies that contribute to our program. The work we do truly sets you up for success.”
Flaherty often encourages other students to consider supply chain management, especially those still looking for the right fit.
“I believe that supply chain management is a program that welcomes everyone,” she said. “There are so many different careers within supply chain that you can truly try things out and figure out what is the best area for you.”
PHOTOS BY ERIKA PRITCHARD, UNK COMMUNICATIONS
