Learning Supply Chain Management in Seattle

University of Washington Supply Chain alumni Forrest Chen and Yamini built strong networks and supply chain expertise in Seattle, a global supply chain hub.

MSCM Student Ambassadors Yamini Yamini (left) and Forrest Chen (right), preparing for careers in suply chain management.

Written by: Kya Baker, student writer, Foster School of Business

Supply chain students choose the University of Washington for many reasons, but its location in Seattle remains one of the most compelling. Seattle is home to some of the largest supply chain companies in the world, including Amazon, Boeing, Expeditors International, PACCAR, Trident Seafoods, and Costco Wholesale. With its location as a maritime gateway to Asia and large network of major ports, it’s a critical distribution node for North America.

The Foster School of Business Master of Supply Chain Management (MSCM) offers students hands-on experience and access to the latest technologies, industry-leading faculty, a strong alumni network, career coaching and mentoring, and connections to global companies. These opportunities are what led Chi-Sen (Forrest) Chen (MS ‘26) and Yamini Yamini (MS ‘26) to choose Foster.

[embed]In this video, learn why students like Chi-Sen (Forrest) Forrest Chen and Yamini Yamini chose the Foster School of Business in Seattle.

“There are actually three reasons why I chose Foster,” said Chen. “First, the top-of-the-line education [at the University of Washington]. Second, the massive alumni network. I wasn’t previously in the supply chain industry, so I wanted to have many more industry connections. Third, the Seattle ecosystem. Seattle has Microsoft, Amazon, and giant tech companies.”

Yamini shared a similar sentiment, appreciating how global companies are “right at her doorstep.”

“Come with your story, and Foster will help you create it into your career,” — Yamini Yamini, Master of Supply Chain Management Class of 2026

Before arriving at Foster, both Chen and Yamini built their careers outside the Pacific Northwest. For several years, Chen worked as a certified public accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Yamini was an operations manager for Reliance Manufacturing Refinery, and then an SAP analyst for Accenture. The Master of Supply Chain Management program gave both the opportunity to refine and build an expertise in supply chain management.

Helpful alumni, on your doorstep

Foster School of Business alumni are known for being some of the most engaged and connected in the world. Foster grads are eager to support current students through mentoring, networking, and job hunting support.

“The Foster School of Business alumni network helped me the most,” said Chen. “The work I did previously meant that I didn’t have strong relationships with the supply chain management industry, but with the massive network Foster provided, I have made connections with those alumni. They are very enthusiastic to share their industry insights. It’s been really helpful in growing my career.”

“If you do come here, you will find out that Seattle and the University of Washington can bring you to a whole new perspective that you could’ve never imagined,” — Chi-Sen (Forrest) Chen, Master of Supply Chain Management Class of 2026

In addition to networking and mentoring, Foster offers all students career management and coaching, which Yamini found especially beneficial.

“Career services not only helped me polish my resume, but also showed me how to shape my story in a way that made my experience relevant and compelling for the roles I am targeting,” she said.

“The most impactful professional experience during the Master of Supply Management was the Foster Career Fairs,” she continued. “I met real-world industry professionals and recruiters, and had genuine conversations about what the companies are actually looking for.”

Chi-Sen (Forrest) Chen (MS ’26) and Yamini Yamini (MS ‘26)

Learn more about the Master of Supply Chain Management program here.