Kelli Alexander

Transportation Coordinator
Pacific Trellis Fruit
B.A.
Applied Humanities
2025
Emphasis Area
Business Administration

How did you get your current job, and what kind of work do you do in your role?
I currently work full-time remotely as a Transportation Coordinator for Pacific Trellis Fruit. I was offered the role after completing the company’s summer internship and being recognized as the top intern in the program. In my position, I coordinate produce shipments across North America and parts of Canada, working closely with sales to support daily demand. I manage the transportation process from booking carriers to tracking deliveries, while multitasking across several logistics platforms to ensure orders move efficiently. As the youngest member of my team, I’m proud to contribute as a reliable support system that helps keep operations running smoothly.

How did your Applied Humanities major coursework help prepare you or give you unique insight for the “real world” of work?
My Applied Humanities major and coursework completely prepared me for the professional world by strengthening my confidence and encouraging me to take initiative and pursue opportunities outside my comfort zone. The program helped me develop major transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and problem-solving which are all skills that translate directly into the professional workplace. The Applied Humanities trained me to approach challenges from different perspectives, which has been incredibly valuable in navigating fast-paced, collaborative work environments, especially when they are completely remote.

What is a benefit you see now in studying your area of emphasis and the Applied Humanities?
One benefit of studying Applied Humanities with an emphasis in Business Administration is gaining both strong business knowledge and adaptable real-world skills. In my current role as a Transportation Coordinator, my communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills help me collaborate with sales teams, manage logistics, and navigate fast-paced daily operations. Having both the business perspective and the people-focused skills from Applied Humanities has helped me approach challenges with confidence and contribute effectively to my team

What advice would you give to Applied Humanities students as they approach graduation?
As you approach graduation, think of every moment as an opportunity to test, be curious, and take risks. Life is too short not to be deeply passionate about the things that truly inspire you. This is the time to gain the experience needed for the professional world. Applied Humanities will support your dreams and ambitions if you take full advantage of the many doors it can open for you

What do you appreciate about your Applied Humanities education?
With hindsight, I appreciate how my Applied Humanities education helped me grow both professionally and personally. I truly would not be where I am today without the program and the incredible professors who make it possible. Their mentorship, coursework, and professional development all helped open the door to the career I have today. Looking back, I value how the program encouraged adaptability and creativity, which have both been incredibly helpful as I navigate the early stages of my career.

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Kelli Alexander