Meet Ben Smith ’26, a supply chain management and finance major interested in tackling business challenges analytically and operationally. From case studies to boatyard internships, he’s turning classroom skills into real-world impact.
How I Found My Path at UNH
I started as a marketing major, but everything changed after taking an intro to supply chain course. I was instantly drawn to how it blends quantitative problem-solving with qualitative strategy — the perfect balance for my skill set and interests.
I also made the shift to finance to further strengthen my analytical abilities. These two areas give me the tools to look at business challenges from both financial and operational angles.
Finance brings a quantitative lens — you’re analyzing costs, forecasting returns, and planning capital allocation. Supply chain brings the operational side — managing the movement of goods, logistics, procurement, and so much more.
When you’re working on a large project or even daily operations, being able to merge these two areas is a serious advantage.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
One of the best parts of the supply chain management option is how experiential it is. We've worked on real-world case studies from companies like Mahindra Tractors and hospitals managing capacity planning. We apply our knowledge and then compare it to what those companies did — and it’s amazing how close our solutions are often.
Some classes even visit local businesses. For example, my class toured a local manufacturing facility earlier this year to see supply chain principles in action.
A Passion-Driven Internship
I’m bringing my studies into the real world this summer with an internship at Jamestown Boatyard, owned by Safe Harbor Marinas. I’ll be managing inventory and parts ordering for their boat repair operation, especially focused on Swan sailboats.
As a licensed boat captain who runs charters in Newport Harbor, this opportunity is extra special. It combines my professional interests with my passion for boating and the water — and that’s what makes supply chain so exciting. It’s flexible, and you can apply it to industries you truly care about.
Making a Local and Global Impact
One of the coolest parts of supply chain? You can scale your focus. You might work with a small local team optimizing distribution routes — or you could manage global logistics for an international company. The possibilities are endless.
Plus, it pairs well with other majors and minors — especially sustainability, which is becoming a major focus in supply chain operations across industries.
Building My Career in Supply Chain Management
I’m considering the MSBA (Master of Science in Business Analytics) program. It’s another way to strengthen the skills I’ve developed and dive deeper into data-driven decision-making — something that complements supply chain management beautifully.
My goal is to step into an analyst role where I can explore how supply chain functions within a business and eventually specialize in optimizing operations. The support I’ve received from our professors — especially Russ Miles and Roger Grundy — has been key. They don’t just teach theory; they bring industry experience and mentorship to every class.
Why I Love UNH Paul College
Choosing UNH and Paul College has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The community here is unmatched. As big as the school can feel, you end up taking classes with many of the same students, building strong academic and personal relationships along the way.
The faculty, staff, and my peers have all played a huge role in helping me grow and find my path.
