What's New with the PSCM Major? by Dr. Ray Venkataraman

Welcome to our Spring 2024 newsletter! Our PSCM program is delighted to welcome Dr. Soomin Park, who joined us in the fall. You will read more about him below. Due to the success and popularity of the residential PSCM program, the first set of PSCM classes will be offered online this fall through Penn State World Campus, offering students from around the globe access to our program. In addition, PSCM alumni continue to lead a variety of positions across the United States with highly successful careers. Read More

Fun Fact: The PSCM major is the third Black School of Business major offered as a fully online option through World Campus. It joins our finance and functional data analytics programs!

Marketing Spotlights

Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Amit Agarwal, Dr. Soomin Park, Assistant Teaching Professor of Supply Chain Management Dr. Soomin Park completed his Ph.D. in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the State University of New York at Buffalo, focusing his dissertation on the performance impacts of logistics management and outsourcing decisions. This research has profoundly influenced his approach to teaching and scholarly inquiry in the field. What made you want to become a professor? Becoming a professor was an unforeseen path for me; it was not among my goals. But, as I ventured into this field, I experienced the deep fulfillment that arises from encouraging the exchange of ideas and interacting with students. For me, teaching is inherently a reciprocal learning process. This role has become incredibly fulfilling. What do you enjoy most about Penn State Behrend? Read More

Alumni Spotlight: Jordan Swartz '23 Jordan interned with American Eagle Outfitters in Inventory Planning, a crucial role within the supply chain. Through her internship, she gained valuable skills essential for excelling in the retail sector and was offered a full-time position upon graduation. How did your degree prepare you for your career path? My degree provided a great foundation for a career in inventory planning. I gained a solid understanding of supply chain dynamics, including concepts such as inventory management and logistics. This gave me a foundation in inventory planning and sharpened my ability to analyze data for decision-making. The coursework emphasized project management principles, preparing me to plan, execute, and oversee projects related to inventory optimization and process improvement. I developed problem-solving abilities crucial for addressing inventory-related challenges. My courses highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration, essential for working effectively with stakeholders across the supply chain. What do you enjoy most about your current role? Read More

Student Spotlight: Tim Keen '24 After graduation, Tim will be employed as an Area Manager at Amazon in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He also interned there last summer. How did you apply what you've learned to your internship at Amazon? PSCM isn't just about knowing about the supply chain, it's also about people. Whether you're managing a team of employees or negotiating with suppliers, interpersonal skills are crucial. My classes helped me learn about supply chain principles, project management, and business fundamentals while also teaching me communication, teamwork skills, and leadership. These skills helped me solve problems while working with all the great people that make the supply chain operate. What advice do you offer to fellow PSCM students? Read More

Fun Fact: Interested in hiring a Behrend PSCM student? Learn more about our students in our PSCM employer sheet.

PSCM Club Update

The PSCM Club continues to build on its strength and hosted several recruitment and showcase events last year. Club activities generated interest with existing PSCM students and other students interested in the major. Club membership grew around 5 percent this semester. The club will welcome Dr. Soomin Park as a co-faculty adviser, alongside with Dr. Muhammad Odeh. This semester, the PSCM Club was able to host several events: PSCM Spotlight Speaker Series: Industry professionals joined us in a virtual event to discuss “Overcoming Inventory Visibility Challenges” in the world of international and domestic shipping. PSCM & IBE Mini-Trip to Pittsburgh: Students from the PSCM and Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies majors traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with companies to learn about their industry, as well as network for future career opportunities. ChatGPT Informational Workshop: In a joint event with the IBE, MIS, and Entrepreneurship clubs, students were able to learn to navigate AI and discover how to optimize its use.

Celebrating Behrend's 75th Anniversary

We just wrapped up an academic year-long celebration of Behrend's 75th anniversary. Do you know what year the PSCM degree was first offered? It was 2013, and the PSCM degree was developed to replace the B.S. in Management. Penn State World Campus was launched in 1998, and no one could have predicted that the PSCM major would be available in a fully online program in 10 years. We eagerly looking forward to preparing more students to have successful careers in the industry.

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