Student Spotlight

Current spotlight of Management student.

Chris Pugh

Five Questions with a Student...

  1. What was your academic rundown, and what are you doing now?
    In 2023, I graduated with a major in Management. I focused my coursework on Organizational Leadership and Human Capital. In addition, I served as a Management Major Ambassador during my fourth year. Currently, I serve as an Inventory Supervisor at NFI, and soon, I will be starting in a new role as an HR Business Partner. NFI is a leading third-party logistics provider that offers domestic and international supply chain solutions to customers.
  2. What do you enjoy most about your current position?
    I enjoy being faced with new obstacles each day and developing a plan to overcome them. In my role, I focus on process implementation and data analytics to continuously improve inventory and operational metrics. I also enjoy being able to guide and develop my team through challenges. It is rewarding to see my team grow and take on new roles and responsibilities, whether that be in my department or another area of the company.
  3. How did your Management coursework prepare you for your current position?
    My Management coursework provided me with a strong foundation for how to think, act, and lead. The coursework provided me with essential business acumen and perspective to be successful in the field.
  4. What advice do you have for students majoring in Management?
    I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone every chance you get. Take advantage of all Penn State has to offer such as career fairs, networking events, and clubs or organizations. You never know what opportunity might come from something as simple as a conversation. Also, absorb as much information as possible, even if it isn’t relevant to what you are aiming for in your current career path. Be inquisitive and learn at every opportunity provided.
  5. What is your favorite Penn State memory?
    My favorite memory is walking to my first class as a student at Penn State. I dreamed of going to Penn State since I was a kid and at that moment, I fulfilled a childhood dream. Penn State exceeded all my expectations. The Penn State community is unlike any other and is truly special. I will always appreciate that anywhere I go wearing Penn State, I hear a “We Are,” which brings me right back to all the good times I had.

 

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Should you have a question or wish to get more involved in the Management major, please email Undergraduate Management Major Program Coordinator Dr. Jennifer Eury, at jld345@psu.edu.