Meet Saul Gerardo
Author: cindyr
Students at the Debbie and Jerry Ivy College of Business learn the value and importance early in their college career of having an internship before graduation.
Over the summer, Ivy students took part in a wide range of internships that added real-world experience to their resumes. Meet Saul Gerardo, who shared why his summer internship added value to his college education.
For Gerardo, a junior majoring in supply chain management, the highlight of his role as a cargo logistics intern at United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois (based out of the Sears Tower), was the chance to see the world.
“The most exciting part of my internship has definitely been the standby benefits,” he said. “United is always rolling out new routes, and it has taken me to incredible places such as Nuuk, Greenland; Munich, Germany; Paris, France; Barcelona, Spain; and many more international and domestic destinations.”
In his internship, Gerardo took on a variety of responsibilities – from auditing invoices for EMAIA (Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Australia) and domestic handling, to building dashboards for temperature-controlled freight, analyzing contracts for handler negotiations and station upgauges/downgrades, and helping automate ULD (Unit Load Device) lease returns. Each project gave him insight into the complexity of global supply chain operations.
“Ivy has given me the position to demonstrate my leadership, especially through the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. This has been a great place to help start my career.”
— Saul Gerardo
Gerardo first connected with United Airlines after applying to a wide range of internships last year. Having always admired the company, he pursued opportunities to learn more through coffee chats with United employees. After these conversations and the interview process, he secured the internship he had long hoped for.
Growing up in a small business environment, Gerardo knew he wanted to pursue business, but wasn’t sure which direction to take. Supply chain management and logistics stood out as a field every company relies on, making it the perfect fit for him.
While the internship gave him technical knowledge and global exposure, he also values the professional growth it brought. His advice to future students is simple but powerful.
“It’s hard to land an internship if you don’t know how to navigate the tough job market. I would recommend joining a community, such as Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, and exploring resources at the Ivy College of Business, where they can help you navigate your professional career.”
Originally from East Moline, Illinois, Gerardo is excited to continue his journey in supply chain management and explore the possibilities his career path can take him on.
To connect with Gerardo or follow his collegiate and professional career, visit her LinkedIn profile.
