Afreen Raj Dharani, a first-year Master of Management student at the University of Windsor, completed a job shadow at ElringKlinger Canada in Leamington, Ont., on Feb. 18, 2026, an experience that led to a summer job offer in logistics. (VICTOR ROMAO/University of Windsor)
By Victor Romao
Afreen Raj Dharani had spent months studying supply chain theory in a Windsor classroom.
On Feb. 18, she spent eight hours watching it move.
The first-year Master of Management student specializes in logistics and supply chain and brings a globally shaped perspective to her studies and career goals.
Born in Mumbai, Dharani moved to Uganda as an infant, where she completed her early education. She later pursued business studies in Malaysia, earning a dual degree in international business.
She began her career in Malaysia before returning to Mumbai to gain experience in finance and outsourcing. She later came to Canada to pursue her master’s degree and is currently working part-time at Hyatt Place Windsor.
Earlier this year, Dharani participated in the University’s Job Shadow program, coordinated by the Career Centre, which connects students with employers for short-term workplace experiences that complement classroom learning.
For Dharani, the experience provided more than insight — it led directly to employment.
“I wanted to see how planning, procurement, logistics and problem-solving come together in a real workplace,” she said.
Dharani completed her placement at ElringKlinger Canada in Leamington, Ont., on Feb. 18. During the visit, she observed operations across procurement, production scheduling, inventory management and logistics coordination.
“In the classroom, we learn the theory,” she said. “But seeing how fast-moving and connected the work really is made it much more real.”
She also gained experience with industry systems that track orders and operations, including electronic data interchange, while learning about rising demand for electric vehicle components.
A key moment during the placement came from a conversation with a supply chain manager, who described her career progression from entry-level roles to leadership.
“It showed me that growth takes patience and learning every part of the process,” said Dharani. “No role is too small when you are learning.”
Dharani also spent time in the receiving department, where she saw how detailed tracking and documentation affect the entire production process.
Following the placement, she sent a note of gratitude to the members of her team — a step that proved pivotal.
Soon after, she was offered a summer position.
“I asked questions, stayed engaged and tried to understand not only what people were doing, but why it mattered,” she said.
Her experience is one example of the program’s broader impact.
A total of 211 students at the University completed job shadow placements across the fall 2025 and winter 2026 terms.
Dharani said the experience helped clarify her career direction and build confidence in her chosen field.
“Before the job shadow, I knew I was interested in supply chain,” she said. “After the experience, I have a clearer picture of where I see myself working and growing.”
She encourages other students to participate in experiential learning opportunities whenever possible.
“Even one day can give you a completely different perspective,” she said. “For me, it turned curiosity into confidence.”
Over the next three weeks, fall 2026 Job Shadow participants will be putting that experience into practice, heading out to workplaces across the region from Oct. 13 to 30, including during Reading Week.
Students interested in taking part in a future Job Shadow experience can learn more about the Job Shadow program.
Student registration for the Winter 2027 Job Shadow program will open in January.