- June 2, 2025
- Student Blog
Introduction: Operations Isn’t Just Movement It’s Meaningful
When we think of operations, our minds jump to machines, logistics, supply chains, and production lines. But during my internship, I discovered something deeper: that operations are not just about systems but about silent decisions that shape customer experiences, team coordination, and business success. Operations is the pulse of every organization, often invisible and always essential.
My Internship: Where Theory Met the Factory Floor
As an operations intern, I entered the internship with spreadsheets, KPIs, and classroom knowledge in hand. But the real learning began when I witnessed a delay in shipment that caused a chain reaction, missed packaging windows, rescheduled dispatch, and ultimately customer dissatisfaction.
And no, this wasn’t caused by a machine error.
It was a communication gap between procurement and warehouse teams.
That’s when I realized operations are 80 percent coordination and 20 percent execution.
Lesson 1: Efficiency Begins With Empathy
One of the most unique insights I gained was understanding the human element of operations.
When a machine stalled mid shift, it wasn’t a technical fault it was due to a misaligned shift schedule that overworked a small team. The solution wasn’t just fixing the tool but adjusting the work culture.
Operations I learned is not about squeezing performance out of people, it’s about designing systems that support them.
Lesson 2: The Power of Invisible Decisions
Every minor decision has a ripple effect
- A supplier change affects delivery time
- A late quality check delays dispatch
- A small mislabel can halt an entire batch
What amazed me most These decisions often happen behind the scenes yet they define the company’s reputation and reliability. This is what I call the “invisible power” of operations silent swift strategy.
Lesson 3: Flexibility Is the New Efficiency
One of my key contributions during the internship was suggesting a buffer zone strategy in warehousing where high turnover products were stored closer to the dispatch bay. This small shift reduced unnecessary movement and improved speed.
My takeaway is Flexibility in operations design not rigidity drives consistent outcomes.
Conclusion: From Systems to Stories
Today when I look back I don’t just remember the layout diagrams or standard operating procedures.
I remember how one delayed delivery taught me decision mapping.
I remember how one broken machine taught me the value of team morale.
And I remember how operations taught me to see beyond processes to see people’s pressure and purpose.
As an MBA student this experience has transformed the way I look at business not as isolated departments but as interconnected flows of trust timing and teamwork.
Operations may seem invisible but it’s the backbone of everything visible.
Ashish Shetty
Dharwad, Karnataka
MBA 1ST Year Student
Universal Ai University
