Hannah Harrigan got her start shadowing supply chain pros on the plant floor in Toledo. Now she’s leading cross-functional projects, managing budgets, and representing early career voices at the highest levels of Global Purchasing and Supply Chain (GPSC).
In this interview, Hannah shares how an internship turned into a career-launching TRACK experience – and what it’s really like to grow your skills (and your impact) across GM.
How did you get on the right TRACK at GM?
I started off as a manufacturing supply chain intern at the Toledo Transmission Plant back in 2022. I shadowed employees primarily, which was a great opportunity. I learned from lots of people at the plant. I shared my career goals with the leadership team at Toledo. I told them how much I loved GM, and what I wanted to do post-graduation.
A month after my internship ended, I got a phone call from HR offering me a position in the GPSC TRACK Program. It was awesome to know that I had a job lined up post grad early on in my senior year.
Did this experience help kickstart your career?
Yes, 100%. Between my internship and the TRACK program, I’ve come full circle. I started as an intern in a propulsion plant. Now I'm an APPM (Assistant Program Purchasing Manager) in propulsion during my final rotation.
Working with the program, engineering, finance, and HR teams has helped me learn a lot about GM. My people skills, and my supply chain skills, have strengthened. Seeing the scope of cross-functionality – how my work impacts every other department within GM – is cool.
Being an intern at GM was instrumental within my transition to being a full-time employee here. I learned what it's like to be in a professional environment.
Why are you excited to work in the automotive industry?
Growing up, my dad worked for GM as an engineer. One of his favorite things to do is fix things, on and off the clock, which is typical for engineers. I've spent countless hours helping him with all sorts of projects over the years.
I really enjoy how challenging the auto industry is and I feel like it's constantly changing. And I love the problem-solving aspect, as it impacts every single decision that we make as a company.
Hannah prepares for another productive day during her internship at GM’s Toeldo Propulsion Systems plant in 2022.
How do your TRACK rotations work in the supply chain program?
Our program is two years long. We do four six-month rotations, hitting three different pillars. You usually start with purchasing. Then you move on to a supply chain role, followed by a logistics role. Then you get to do what’s called a “free choice”. There are specific roles that are listed strictly as “free choice” – or you can go back and do a pillar again.
What are your goals for the next few years at GM?
Continue visiting different sites and learning about their processes. Visiting all the different locations is one of my favorite parts of working at GM.
Also, I’d like to mentor someone in the future. Stay involved as much as I can in different areas of the business, whether it’s in a club or otherwise.
In the future, I also want to become a People Leader. I love being able to lead teams and help people grow. I'm actually the president of the GPSC TRACK program as well.
Interesting! Can you tell us more about being the president of GPSC TRACK? Not every function has a president.
Well, technically, my position is called the Business Planner. I manage the budget and every member on the board. I’m the representative liaison to HR and the Student Steering Committee. I meet with them once a month and provide updates on what our program is doing and what we need help on.
Do you currently have a mentor?
Throughout my internship and rotations, I have relied on my managers as a mentor. However, I would love to have a mentor outside of a space I have worked in.
Hannah celebrates her graduation ceremony at Michigan State University (MSU) in May of 2023.
Maybe this interview can help you find one. How has your transition been from college life to corporate life?
Since I graduated college, I’m all about routine. I always leave for work at the same time. When I come home from work, I always go to the gym and then eat dinner. After that, I have time to do whatever I want.
Having a consistent schedule has been helpful, especially after not having classes every single day.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in TRACK?
I’d say having to rotate to a new team every six months. It goes by fast, and when your six months is up, you actually know what to do in your role. But meeting with the new teams, and then learning a brand new job and using different systems keeps you on your toes.
How did you overcome this?
Each time I switch to a new team, I build meaningful relationships with my colleagues by setting up one-on-one meetings. This helps me feel more comfortable when I ask them questions. Plus, I know who to go to depending on what the ask is.
I also ask as many questions as possible when I switch to a new team. No question is a bad question.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to golf. I go to as many MSU sporting events as I can. I also love to travel, especially out west.
My boyfriend’s from Utah. When we go there to visit his family, I love to go sightseeing at all of the different beautiful places, like the Salt Flats.
Hannah enjoys her visits to the Test Track, Salt Flats, and Factory ZERO from 2023-2024.
Why is GM's culture a good place to start your career?
GM has lots of different networking opportunities through Employee Resource Groups and stretch assignments. You can meet so many great people. They’re always happy to talk to you.
Even this interview is super cool. It's another networking opportunity. People really just need to put themselves out there and meet people.
Which GM behavior do you relate to the most and why?
Lead as one team.
We’re all from different organizations with different metrics, but we want to accomplish the same goal: selling vehicles. We want to be profitable and stand out in the auto industry.
I carry this perspective with me through all my interactions with people here. I really do think it's important for everyone to work together. We can voice our opinions, but we all need to work together to come up with a solution that's going to better the company – not just our individual organization.
Are there any Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) or other programs that you would recommend?
Every new hire should join Jumpstart. It’s such a good opportunity, especially for those people that come from out of state and they really don't know anyone here.
I also co-lead the MSU recruiting program for GPSC. We do a lot of volunteering and recruiting events, and work with students on campus. Seeing all the behind-the-scenes stuff with the admins of MSU has been super cool to see, especially after graduating.
What’s your advice for any present or future TRACK members out there?
Don't be afraid to speak up. Even though we're very early on in our careers, your opinion matters. Your team will value it more than you know.
Build cross-functional connections. Don't focus only on your individual organization.
Ask questions. Branch out and try to meet people. Don't feel intimidated by anyone, whether they're an executive or someone who’s at the same level as you. They're all just people.
Be yourself and everything will work out.
Ready to start your future at GM? Visit our Early Careers page for more opportunities.
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