Careers in Motion: Our Student Experiences - Tyler Jenkins
Careers In Motion is the student work-term program set in place by the Transportation and Logistics Division at J.D. Irving, Limited. It allows summer students to develop as professionals, network and interact with each other. The students are given opportunities to meet with senior leaders, tour facilities and work together with peers to make the most of their work term.
Tyler Jenkins, fourth year business student at Acadia University from Rothesay, New Brunswick is taking part in the program this year. Tyler is currently doing an eight-month work term as a Logistics Coordinator with JDI Logistics. He previously spent time at Universal Truck and Trailer as an Operations Assistant last summer. Tyler shared his thoughts about his Careers In Motion experience:
How did you get introduced to JDI and the Careers In Motion program?
"As someone who is from the Saint John area, I have always seen JDI’s initiatives throughout the city and their companies' influence on the province. When I was applying to jobs through Co-op and I saw the opportunity to jump into the CIM program, I took the leap. I felt quite confident about getting in as I had a very positive work history with Kent Building Supplies in a labour position."
Why did you choose the Careers In Motion program for all three work terms?
"J.D. Irving’s Transport and Logistics Division is unique among any group of companies I have seen and that is due to its variety. Where else can I work as an operations assistant for a term, then work as a logistics coordinator? I have found this variety has allowed me to gain a far wider view of the organization."
How have your previous work terms impacted you and your work this summer?
"My previous work with Universal Truck and Trailer really prepared me for my extended eight-month work term. This was a great opportunity for me to apply my interests to my work and make long standing impacts on the business. I’ve been able to draw from this experience through the implementation of several of my projects and finding the initiative to do great things."
What’s one thing you’d like to highlight about your time with JDI?
"Getting to briefly ride one of JDI’s tugboats in the Saint John harbour was an especially memorable moment for me in my time with JDI. Back in the 70’s, my grandfather learned how to weld by welding on the fleet of tugboats being built at Saint John Shipbuilding. Although the tugboat I was on is far newer than those built in the 70’s, I still found myself thinking about the stories my grandfather told me about building the original tugboats."
Tyler is currently working towards his Lean Sigma Six Yellow-Belt. He plans to graduate in May 2024 and continue in the logistics industry, hoping to find a career where he can apply his personal interests, particularly in naval technology.
J.D. Irving, Limited’s Transportation & Logistics Division encompasses one of the world’s most diverse array of transportation companies. These include Atlantic Towing; Harbour Development; Kent Line; NBM Railways; RST; Sunbury Transport; JDI Logistics; and Universal Truck and Trailer.
Are you interested in joining the Transportation and Logistics Division? Visit J.D. Irving, Limited Careers to view our current opportunities.