North Decatur, Purdue grad shares study aboard experience

Story written by The 812's Valerie Weston

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – North Decatur alum Lauren Holloway recently went abroad and encourages others to do the same.

Holloway graduated from Daniels School of Business at Purdue University this May. While in attendance she majored in supply chain operations management and minored in accounting.

Directly following graduation, Holloway traveled to Germany for a unique study abroad experience. Acknowledging Holloways interest in the automotive industry, one of her professors approached her about an overseas educational opportunity through the polytechnic school.

During this trip, she followed the supply chain from plant to port to consumer. Throughout the trip, Holloway toured Porsche, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes factories.

She said it was interesting to see the differences between the factories’ manufacturing processes and the logistics of delivering products to the consumer.

Holloway also had the opportunity to work on projects with German and Dutch students, one of which her team won.

While in Germany, Holloway had the opportunity to explore the technical and engineering side of the supply chain. This equipped her with many valuable skills to use in her professional career. Holloway learned the importance of familiarizing herself with the people and the process in order to communicate with and lead groups of workers with diverse sets of skills in the most productive way. She hopes to spend more time on floor operations and apply these skills to create an efficient work environment.

In addition to work experience, Holloway’s study abroad broadened her worldview. She learned about other cultures and noted their many differences. One culture shock was the focus on personal time. She reflected on how people got up later, went to coffee shops before work to enjoy time with friends, took long lunches, and stayed out late.

“I think everyone should go abroad at least once in their life because it changes your view on everyday life because every culture operates in a completely different way,” Holloway said.

When asked what advice she would give to anyone considering studying or going abroad she said, “Do it, just do it.” In her experience, going abroad fosters personal growth and enhances knowledge about other cultures.

Holloway is grateful to Purdue and their alumni for making this experience possible as well as gives thanks to God for orchestrating the course of events that got her there. 

She plans to continue traveling and exploring other countries and learning about their cultures.

As she enters the workforce, Holloway hopes to use the skills she gained during this trip as a supply chain associate at Valeo.

This story was written by The 812's Valerie Weston and you can learn more about Valerie by clicking here.