Supply Chain Management Student Lands Fastenal Internship, Shares Keys to Success for Fellow Lions

Tyjuan Hughey, a Supply Chain Management student at East Texas A&M University with an expected graduation in May 2026, has earned a place in Fastenal's prestigious Internship Program following a standout seven-month tenure at the company's top-performing TXSUP branch. He first connected with Fastenal at an ETAMU career fair, drawn by its Fortune 500 scale, growth model and commitment to excellence in industrial supply chain management. His performance—contributing to key operational initiatives, supporting client engagement and demonstrating both technical adaptability and strategic thinking—led to an internal invitation to join the internship program, recognizing his value within one of the company's highest-performing teams.

Over the course of his internship, Hughey will rotate between two customer-embedded branches—one serving a government defense contractor and another supporting a leading industrial supplier. He looks forward to optimizing procurement workflows, enhancing inventory visibility and implementing the lean and innovation principles he has both studied and applied through his AI startup, Innovite Solutions.

Hughey credits East Texas A&M's rigorous curriculum in logistics optimization and business systems with building his technical foundation. His leadership roles—as President of Student Advocates United and Treasurer of the Zeta Tau Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.—have sharpened his communication, initiative and execution skills. He also acknowledges the mentorship of Dr. Willie Edwards and Professor Yazan Kakish, both of whom have played key roles in his academic and professional development.

Hughey's advice to fellow Lions: We all have to start somewhere, so start by showing up with excellence.

“No one begins with all the answers, but you can control how you show up,” Hughey said. “Do everything you can with excellence, no matter how small the task. Bring value, stay consistent, and commit to being someone who contributes. When you show up like that, it doesn't go unnoticed.”

His journey underscores Fastenal's belief in recognizing talent from within and East Texas A&M's commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, leadership opportunities and real-world experience necessary to thrive.