Student Spotlight - Ellen Brankovich

Ellen Brankovich

Management Major, Class of 2024

Five Questions with a student...

1. What is your academic rundown?
   I am a fourth-year student majoring in Management. When I first came to Penn State, I started in the Division of Undergraduate Studies, as I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. Once I realized working in business was my passion, I quickly saw that Management was the best major for me. 

2. Why did you choose to major in Management?
   I chose to study Management because there are so many different paths you can take with this major. I am the type of person who loves change, and this major will allow for that in my future career. I am also the type of person who likes to work in a group setting and that is a large part of my Management coursework.

3. What are you involved in at Penn State, and how do these activities complement your Management coursework?
   I am a Smeal Student Mentor and an active member in Women in Business. As a Smeal Student Mentor, I work with first-year students at Smeal. This connects to my Management coursework because in class we study leadership and by mentoring the new students, I get to put those skills to the test. My involvement in Women in Business also complements my coursework, providing me with so many events to strengthen my professional skills and prepare for the workplace. Additionally, I have fundraised for THON for the past two years. Through THON, I get to use the values we are taught in class and connect them to such an inspiring program.

4. What is the best advice you have ever received?
   The best advice I have ever received is that “Everything happens for a reason.” There are so many ups and downs in life, but what is meant to be will be, and we will all grow into the people we are supposed to be. I have gone through so many different successes and challenges, here, at Penn State and I wouldn’t change any of it - those are the experiences that have made me the person I am today. All of the tests in our paths are there to help us grow and to be successful - I truly believe that.

5. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
   In my free time, I love to play golf, run, and lift. My goal is to run a half marathon someday soon. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and family - they mean everything to me. Lastly, I have a passion for cooking, and I try to make something new every week.

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