Bhavani Ruthwik Goteti, a graduate student in Management Science and Supply Chain Management (MSSCM) at Wichita State University, is carving an impressive path for himself in logistics and supply chain management. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Ruthwik now interns at Union Pacific Railroad under Loup Logistics, where he applies his academic knowledge to solve real-world logistics challenges. His journey—from classroom to career—has been one of growth, innovation, and inspiration. 

The MSSCM program at Wichita State University equipped Ruthwik with the skills needed to excel in his role. Courses such as Introduction to Business Analytics, taught by Professor Murtuza Nasir, helped him understand the power of data in solving industry-specific challenges. Meanwhile, Global Procurement and Outsourcing, taught by Ashley Gerlach, sharpened his networking and negotiation skills. Ruthwik credits this coursework with giving him the knowledge to hit the ground running at Union Pacific. 

As an intern, Ruthwik has gained invaluable insights into carrier operations, pricing strategies, and the impact of demand fluctuations. His role has underscored the importance of railroads in supporting the U.S. economy and maintaining supply chain stability. This experience has deepened his appreciation for the complexity and significance of railroad logistics. 

One of Ruthwik’s proudest accomplishments at Loup Logistics was developing an automation dashboard that saves his team approximately four hours daily, freeing up time for more critical tasks. At Loup Logistics, ideas drive progress, not hierarchy, and even as an intern, Ruthwik is encouraged to suggest and implement process improvements. This culture of innovation motivates him to contribute meaningfully and fosters both his personal growth and his team’s success. 

While logistics remains a key area of interest, Ruthwik is eager to explore other domains within supply chain management, such as procurement and outsourcing. He aspires to solve real-world problems that create positive impacts for organizations and their stakeholders. By broadening his expertise, he aims to make strategic contributions and gain a well-rounded understanding of the field. 

When searching for an internship, Ruthwik had a unique networking strategy. His approach to career fairs was to start by asking recruiters what qualities they were looking for in a candidate then use those insights to tailor his approach and any future interviews. He would also ask recruiters to review his resume explaining, “who better to provide feedback than those who are directly involved in hiring?” Ruthwik attributes these methods to helping him refine his profile and align himself with industry expectations.

Ruthwik encourages college students, especially international students, “to persevere until the very end,” saying, “I secured my internship at Union Pacific in April, just a few weeks before the summer began. So, never give up!”

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Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.

For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita State campus.