On Track for Success
Posted on July 30, 2025
#MyFirstJob is a series focused on recent graduates of the University of South Alabama.
Of all the schools he was accepted into, Luke Nelson chose the University of South Alabama, the one he knew the least about. He landed some 400 miles away from home in Central Florida along with his twin brother, Noah 鈥� 鈥渨e had to stick together,鈥� he said 鈥� arriving right at the beginning stages of the Supply Chain and Logistics Management program at the Mitchell College of Business.
鈥淚t couldn鈥檛 have been a more perfect opportunity,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淚 have always carried an appreciation for the supply chain. It operates largely in the background of our lives, but its impact is robust.鈥�
Supply Chain and Logistics Management is one of the fastest-growing programs at the University, with a 151 percent average annual growth in course enrollment since its inception in 2021.
Working on the railroad
He is now a management trainee at the Mississippi Export Railroad, where he interned before graduating from South in May. Again, he鈥檚 right where he wants to be.
鈥淪upply Chain and Logistics Management gave me the chance to follow a lot of my childhood curiosities to know how the world works around me, and how I can contribute to creating a positive impact,鈥� he said.
Growing up, he drew inspiration from a wide range of figures, from Henry Flagler, a key developer of Standard Oil and founder of the Florida East Coast Railroad, to Fred Rogers, better known as TV鈥檚 Mister Rogers.
鈥淚 believe dedicating yourself to something bigger than yourself is important,鈥� Nelson said. 鈥淔red Rogers carried around a picture in his wallet that stated, 鈥楲ife is for service.鈥欌��
Nelson鈥檚 evolution from intern to full-time manager trainee has had him working across departments, including business development, railcar repair and transportation units. Mississippi Export is a 42-mile short-line railroad that extends from Pascagoula to Evanston, Mississippi and has connections to Canadian National Railroad, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific Kansas City.
鈥�I am responsible for assisting in process improvement, communications, research and supporting our customers,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he rail industry presents many opportunities. New opportunities come with challenges in discovering just how to take advantage of the opportunity. I am learning something new every day.
鈥淭he rail industry is one of the most historied industries in the United States. Railroads are made up of some of the most talented and passionate individuals. It is a great industry to be a part of. I can鈥檛 see myself ever getting tired of this.鈥�
Prepping for the real world
Nelson believes it鈥檚 important to take advantage of all kinds of opportunities, even ones you didn鈥檛 see coming. His early work experience was definitely varied.
鈥�I have worked on a charter boat, at an airport, a marine retailer, interned at an economic development alliance, and an emergency management department, all to end up in my current position,鈥� he said.
He also built a successful startup called The Easy Easter Bunny, which placed first in the Melton Center鈥檚 Coastal Pitch Competition. The company creates elaborate Easter egg hunt experiences overnight, including surprises like golden eggs and personalized letters from the bunny himself.
For two years, he was president of the lacrosse program at the University, which he and his brother helped found.
鈥淲e helped return the sport to the University,鈥� he said, adding that students were welcome to play the sport whether they had previous experience or not. 鈥淚t was very fulfilling to see players progress and see the creation of a community around our sport. It was special.鈥�
Those early experiences in innovation and leadership have guided Nelson to a fulfilling career. He credits his ability to find success to his mentors, including the professors and colleagues he has met along the way.
His advice for students looking to follow in his footsteps: 鈥淚t is so important to be true to yourself and stay curious as you travel through college and into your professional career. The only thing standing between you and your dreams is having the courage to pursue them. Seize the opportunity.鈥�
