Student Spotlight - Kayla Anthony

Five Questions with a student...

1. What is your academic rundown?
   I am a fourth-year student majoring in Management and double minoring in History and Philosophy.
2. Why did you choose to major in Management?
   I chose to major in Management because when I first came to Penn State, I had the plan of later attending law school. I knew that within the legal realm, I wanted to do something related to business law, so I majored in Management to have the opportunity to get a general understanding of business. Additionally, leadership is a popular topic discussed in Management courses and I wanted to learn how I could be a better leader to others, while embracing diversity and inclusivity. 
3. What are you involved in at Penn State, and how do these activities complement your Management coursework?
   At Penn State, I am a member of the Sapphire Leadership Academic Program. This program helps me to enhance my leadership and professional skills, while also connecting with other students in my cohort. Another activity I am involved in is the Nittany Lion Consulting Group. This experiential learning program introduced me to the world of consulting and how to be a better strategic thinker. It also helped me to develop my communication skills. This organization specifically complements my Management coursework as I can apply the concepts that I am learning in the classroom to real-world client situations that I face with NLCG. The third activity I am involved in is Women in Business. This organization has helped me to connect with other women within the Smeal College of Business and learn from a multitude of companies about their professional opportunities. The last activity I am involved with is Smeal Student Mentors. This program has helped me to develop my mentorship skills – an important skillset for an effective leader. As a leader, you must help the people you are leading and cultivate their growth. 
4. What do you still want to accomplish before you graduate from Penn State?
   Before I graduate from Penn State, I want to get more involved with volunteer efforts, whether that’s a volunteer organization on campus or a State College organization. I have always had a passion for volunteering and philanthropy since I was a child, especially when I was a Girl Scout. Now that I have some more flexibility in my schedule, I want to make it more of a priority in my life before my time here at Penn State is finished.
5. What are your plans for winter break?
   My plans for winter break are to relax! Looking back, I have worked hard this semester and I believe it is important to give yourself a rest when it is due. I will be spending time at home in Virginia with family and friends and doing some occasional baking, since my family hosts a Cookie Exchange!

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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.