Meet Nolan Campbell, a senior supply chain management major at the Kelley School of Business at IU Indianapolis. His journey into the supply chain began with early, hands-on roles that revealed both his aptitude and passion for coordination, logistics, and leadership. Through internships, study abroad, and community service, Nolan has transformed campus opportunities into career-shaping experiences.
“I chose supply chain after realizing the skills I was developing—leadership, project management, and communications skills—aligned naturally with the construction industry, ” Nolan shares. “Real-world roles showed me that this was something I could both enjoy and excel at. ”
One of his most defining experiences has been serving as the 2024 executive director of the IU Indianapolis Regatta, a role that tested and grew his leadership and teamwork abilities. Coordinating one of the campus’s largest events gave him practical experience in project management and community collaboration. Skills he knows will carry forward into his professional life.
Beyond event leadership, Nolan found valuable growth through his work at the IU Indianapolis Office of Orientation. Starting as an orientation leader and advancing to a logistics coordinator role, Nolan developed soft skills often overlooked in traditional coursework. “Working with orientation leadership helped me understand the kind of leader I want to be,” he reflects. “It wasn’t just about the tasks; it was about how we supported one another as a team.”
Currently, Nolan is applying his classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in a supply chain role with Fluor Corporation, supporting the construction of Eli Lilly’s new manufacturing facility in Lebanon, Indiana. He sees this internship as a pivotal step in launching his career and diversifying his industry experience. “What excites me most now is connecting what I’m learning at Fluor with my coursework. This full-circle learning is showing me what my future in the industry really looks like.”
But Nolan’s growth hasn’t come solely from professional roles. His service-learning experiences and community involvement have not only shaped his resume but also his worldview. “Community engagement didn’t just impact my college experience but defined it. Every opportunity I took opened doors to new skills, relationships, and perspectives.”
As he looks ahead to his final year, Nolan offers clear advice to fellow students: “Take every opportunity you can. Whether it’s a leadership role, internship, or service project, get involved. The people you meet and the skills you gain outside the classroom will open doors for you in ways you can’t imagine.”
For Nolan, career readiness is about becoming adaptable, connected, and confident. His story is proof that engaged learning is the foundation for the path to success.
