Preparing for life after graduation in the work world was the goal for ODI students who took a trip to ALDI's corporate offices in Springfield in early March as part of a new Career Services program.
Students were introduced to several directors and managers around ALDI's facilities and warehouses, offering them the chance to ask questions about a potential path after graduation and to help prepare for careers in the field.
Briana Markham, director of operations for ALDI's Springfield Ohio Division and 2000 alumna of Ohio State, greatly enjoyed the opportunity to share the company's work with students. “As a graduate from the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State, I was fortunate enough to join ALDI as a district manager after graduation,” Markham said. “I know that we have an excellent career opportunity for graduates, and ALDI also realizes that OSU [graduates] are excellent candidates. I enjoy connecting with students from Ohio State and sharing my passion about what we do at ALDI.”
One student on the career exploration, Young Scholar and fifth-year in strategic communication Vonnie Reid-Scott, said she enjoyed the tours of the warehouses and offices as she searches for places to work after commencement this May. Preparing for prospects after graduation can be difficult, and she felt the trip was an insightful look at a business and a chance to practice professional development and networking skills. “I'm glad the office has these [trips]. It's nice to have opportunities to go outside of the school and get to explore them kind of like hands on,” Reid-Scott said.
As Reid-Scott — like many other students — consider options in her field of study, these trips offer a deeper look. She felt the trip was incredibly informative and the ALDI staff welcomed the students, seeing the company in a way typically only available to employees. In addition, the group spoke with a district manager for more individualized experiences. “I really think I want to go into sales, either for retail or healthcare, [and] it's definitely a position that I would consider,” Reid-Scott said. “I'm still feeling out of my job opportunities and I thought [seeing] ALDI would [give] insight to a company — maybe something that I could do once I graduate, and I really enjoyed it.”