From Entry-Level Roles to Supply Chain Career Expertise: Jakob’s Journey

Jakob’s path to a supply chain career in Canada didn’t follow a straight line. It unfolded through hands-on work, trial and error, family responsibility, and a growing curiosity about how things move – from raw materials to finished goods, from one country to another.

Building a Supply Chain Career Through Real-World Learning

At 31, married with an 11-month-old son, Jakob had already explored a wide range of jobs before finding his direction. What ultimately led him to supply chain and logistics was not just opportunity, but mentorship, practical learning, and the support of his family, particularly his wife, whose own experience at Anderson College showed him what was possible.

His story is one of discovery, resilience, and choosing a career that could offer both meaning and stability.

Early Career Exploration and First Exposure to Logistics

Before enrolling at Anderson College, Jakob’s path was shaped by hands-on work across several industries. Rather than following a single trajectory, he learned by doing—moving between roles, building skills, and gaining perspective that would later inform his decision to pursue supply chain and logistics.

“Before I joined the Supply Chain & Logistics program, I was kind of bouncing around with random jobs. I did sanitation, I worked in a factory making food, and I actually ran my own drywall company for a few months as well. I kind of did a little bit of everything.”

That period of exploration gave Jakob a strong work ethic, but not yet a clear direction. That changed when he began working in a warehouse environment.

“I was working in a warehouse nearby, directly under someone who is considered a legend in logistics in this area. Once I started learning what the process was, it became very interesting to me.”

As he gained insight into how logistics systems functioned, he began to see a future taking shape.

“There were also hints dropped that she was looking for someone qualified to replace her if she ever retired, so I figured it was a really interesting field for me. I wanted to learn more about it and maybe climb the chain of command a little bit. So I enrolled in school.”

Choosing Anderson College With Confidence

As Jakob decided to pursue formal training, choosing the right college mattered. That decision was strongly influenced by his wife’s experience at Anderson College.

“My wife was actually enrolled at Anderson College just before I was – she did the PSW program – which is kind of why I chose Anderson itself.”

Watching her go through the process gave him confidence in the institution.

“She had a great experience with the enrollment process when she started her schooling. They handled everything really well, making sure she had all the information she needed and getting her started in a smooth, organized way.”

For Jakob, that trust was enough.

“I didn’t even hesitate; I thought, if I’m going to do this, it’s going to be Anderson.”

Family as Motivation and Foundation

Family support played a central role throughout Jakob’s journey.

“My wife is one of those amazing people who will never let me give up.”

Her encouragement was consistent and practical.

“Once I took on the program, she was very supportive right from the start. She helped with the baby as best she could and tried to make sure I was able to sit down and focus on my classes.”
Her own achievements inspired him deeply.

“She went through her own program while on maternity leave and graduated as a PSW at the top of her class. That kind of made me want to do more, be more, and show my family that I could be someone they could depend on.”

Hands-On Learning in an Online Classroom

Although the program was delivered fully online, Jakob describes the learning experience as highly practical and engaging.

“It was very, very hands-on. I shouldn’t even say that because it was all online, but he had examples that he worked through as a class. It was very easy to follow along with what he was trying to teach.”

Instructor Rahim’s teaching style made complex concepts accessible.

“He would always stop and make sure everyone understood, asking things like, ‘Do I need to go back? Do I need to elaborate further?’ … He was very accommodating of everybody’s learning speed—some people learn faster than others, and he adjusted to make sure everyone could keep up.”

One principle stood out.

“He had a golden rule: there is no such thing as a dumb question. It didn’t matter what you had to ask or what you didn’t understand. He would always stop with a smile on his face and answer every question.”

When Classroom Learning Became Real

The value of hands-on learning became clear as soon as Jakob entered his practicum.

“For example, we filled out a mock ACE manifest during our customs class.”

That preparation paid off almost immediately.

“On my third day of placement, the person I was working with asked me if I had ever experienced customs before. I was suddenly looking at a real piece of paper that I had filled out and studied for an exam many times in class.”

The familiarity built confidence.

“By the third day, I was filling out ACE manifests and even calculating numbers, and it just clicked because I had done that in class beforehand. That was probably one of the best examples of how his teaching prepared me for real work.”

This seamless transition from classroom to workplace is foundational to supply chain skills development.

Navigating Challenges With Instructor Support

Balancing school, exams, and caring for an infant presented real challenges.

“My wife finished her program before I did, which meant she had labs and her placement period, leaving our baby at home with me from six in the morning until two in the afternoon every day.”

That overlap wasn’t easy.

“My classes were from nine to one, so I had a nine-month-old playing and crying during class hours.”

Jakob communicated openly with his instructor.

“I would tell Rahim, ‘I want to be here. I want to be very involved and listening, but I have a fussy baby in my hands.’”

The response was understanding.

“Especially with the camera policy, he was very accommodating. He would say, ‘Turn your camera on whenever you can.’”

A Quote That Stayed With Him

Beyond technical skills, some lessons resonated on a deeper level.

“Rahim shared many personal experiences and stories from his time in logistics, which really helped connect the classroom material to real life.”

One quote, in particular, stayed with Jakob.

“God has given you all the tools you need, but it’s still going to take everything you have. … For some reason, that quote resonates with me and has pushed me through challenges.”

Practicum Experience and Expanding Opportunity

Jakob completed his placement at W.R. Berry & Sons, gaining exposure to international logistics operations.

“I’m currently placed at W.R. Berry & Sons, a logistics company that runs 15–16 trucks on international trips. I’m learning about ACE reports, customs requirements, and shipping fresh produce, including managing reefer temperatures.”

The opportunity came through connections.

“The dispatcher I work with in the afternoons is good friends with the owner and recommended me for the placement because of the international trade experience I would gain.”

The feedback has been encouraging.

“They’ve had conversations with me about potentially hiring me after my placement. They’re impressed with my performance so far.”

For Jakob, this confirmed his readiness for a logistics career in Canada.

CIFFA Courses and Professional Growth

When reflecting on the most impactful part of the program, Jakob points to the CIFFA courses.

“They were very challenging and packed with information, but incredibly valuable. I learned about ocean freight, air freight, chargeable weights, international trade codes, and much more.”

The credentials mattered.

“Completing CIFFA earned me two certificates: one for international trade and transport and one for freight forwarding.”

This experience strengthened his preparation for a career in supply chain management and reinforced the value of a supply chain and logistics program.

Advice for Future Students

Looking back, Jakob offers straightforward advice.

“Go for it, absolutely. It’s a lot of work and quite a process, but it goes by faster than you think.”

He reflects on the pace.

“I started in April, and by November, I could already see the finish line in March.”

His message is clear.

“Don’t be afraid; just dive in.”

Building a Future That Matters

As Jakob looks toward graduation, he feels grateful for the balance his new path offers.

“I’m excited to do something I enjoy that provides a decent, comfortable lifestyle for my family. Many people either enjoy what they do but don’t make much money, or they make a lot of money but don’t enjoy their work.”

For him, this path offers both.

“I have the opportunity to combine both, provide opportunities for my son, and have a career I genuinely enjoy. That is irreplaceable.”

From Preparation to Possibility

Jakob’s journey reflects what becomes possible when practical training, personal commitment, and real-world experience align. Through hands-on learning, supportive instruction, and the encouragement of his family, he moved from exploration to clarity, building not only technical skills, but confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully in a complex, fast-moving industry.

We are thrilled that Anderson’s Supply Chain & Logistics program played a critical role in that transformation. By emphasizing applied learning, industry-relevant certifications, and experiential placement opportunities, the program prepared Jakob to step into the field with knowledge he could use immediately. More importantly, it helped him see a future he could grow into – one that offers stability, purpose, and the ability to provide for his family.

Jakob’s story is a reminder that meaningful careers are built through preparation, support, and the courage to commit to a new direction. With the right training and the right environment, possibility becomes something tangible, and lasting.
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Begin Your Own Supply Chain & Logistics Career Journey

Jakob’s journey shows how practical training, supportive instruction, and real-world experience can open the door to meaningful, future-focused careers. Anderson College’s supply chain & logistics training is designed to help students build confidence, apply what they learn, and step into the field prepared.

Explore our Supply Chain Diploma program, book a virtual appointment with an Admissions Advisor, or take the Business Career Discovery Quiz to see if this path is right for you.