Internship Story: Jack Gibson at Ahold Delhaize

What started as a high school job at Hannaford turned into a career-launching internship for Jack Gibson. He spent his summer as a Procurement In-Stock intern with ADUSA Distribution—an arm of Ahold Delhaize, one of the world’s largest food retail groups. Its distribution arm supports some of the biggest grocery brands on the East Coast, including Hannaford Supermarkets. Jack learned what it really takes to keep store shelves stocked across the East Coast. With hands-on projects, mentoring, and exposure to supply chain strategy at a global company, Jack’s internship proves that your part-time job can be a powerful first step toward a future in business.

Why did you choose to intern here?

I knew what the company culture and intern experience were like–professional, robust, meaningful, and fun. I knew some people from my prior stint with ADUSA Distribution and Transportation, and I had discussed the procurement role with them. I knew it was something that I wanted to do, and learn more about supply chain management.

What were your internship tasks?

My primary project was working with an analyst to lower vendor order minimums, allow buyers to order more cost-effectively, and reduce days on hand in the distribution centers. My daily tasks were to communicate with in-stock analysts and managers on opportunities we had identified through the channel management team, figure out whether they were possible, and track and update the cost variances for the changes we made. I also had the responsibility of reporting these updates and variances to leadership. On top of this, I created different reports for my team to continue for vendors during my time. 

What did you like most about your internship?

The people I worked with, in and out of my team, and the intern experience. We had learnings and lunches together frequently and got to know each other very well. My department also had the opportunity to go to a Sea Dogs game and had ice cream socials in the office, where I met many new people. There was always an opportunity to expand my network.

What were the biggest challenges you faced as an intern?

Initially, getting over the hump of asking questions and reaching out to anybody I could. But with help from my manager and with time in the office, I gained the confidence to make the most out of my experience. I made time to meet with several people in many different departments to learn more about the company and opportunities within it. 

What did you learn during your internship that you couldn’t have learned in the classroom?

I never could have learned the vastness and importance of business-to-business relationships in my industry and everywhere. We learn about concepts that make sense, but the bigger picture is one that you have to see to believe. Especially within the supply chain, you never realize how many steps your box of cereal took before getting into your pantry. It takes an army of different businesses, departments, and teams all working colinearly to bring their own aspects of business to life for the consumer. 

How will this experience help you as you move forward in your career?

This experience has taught me many things. I learned hard skills, including using different software like integrated enterprise systems, advanced Excel functions, and forecasting. I gained soft skills, like professionalism in an office or remote environment, how to craft the appropriate email, set up a meeting, ask for help, take on extra responsibilities within your reach, and network effectively. I have a much bigger tool belt with skills to transfer to any job in any industry. But this has also allowed me to build my network, explore opportunities I never knew existed, and learn what I really want from a job and from my company. 

Any advice to share with other students considering an internship?

Look for an internship that gives you a mentor, has project-based work, and a final presentation to leadership in the company. Those are the big things any good internship will offer. Outside of that, when you have an internship, be big, be bold, and be you. Ask questions, be curious, and don’t be afraid to take a risk or make a mistake. People know you’re the intern and know you don’t have all the answers, so a mistake or “dumb” question is expected, and they will be more eager to help you learn when you show you care to try. 

Hometown: Oakland, ME
Class: 2026
Majors: Finance, Financial Economics, and Business Information Systems & Security Management
Internship Title: Procurement In-Stock Intern