For National Career Development Month, CSCR is catching up with recent Penn State Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) alumni and exploring their journey from student to full-time professional. Learn more about Sarah Roman, a 2020 SCIS graduate, and her mission to continue to advance her career development.
Tell us about yourself!
I have a passion for fostering innovation and uniting people to solve complex challenges through end-to-end logistics solutions. I was born and raised in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and earned my bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management from the Pennsylvania State University. Currently, I am obtaining my Master’s in Supply Chain Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. My experience includes serving as a District Manager for ALDI Inc. and working in planning roles for The Hershey Company, Danone North America, and Horizon Organic Dairy. I am excited to take on my next challenge in solving a logistical problem, and when I envision my career path, my ultimate goal is to make significant impacts on both the field of supply chain and humanity as a whole. Beyond the classroom, I cherish quality time with my fiancé, friends, and family, and I am always eager to embrace new adventures wherever life leads me. Driven by my love for travel, I aspire to collect stamps from every corner of the globe in my passport. I’m a proud dog mom to Boulder, a Cavapoo, and Lilo, a Lhasa Apso.
What career accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the meaningful impact I’ve been able to make within my organizations early in my career. Through both people leadership and process improvement, I have cherished the opportunity to foster inclusive, collaborative, and supportive workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute.
How do you plan to continue your professional growth?
I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of MIT’s Supply Chain Class of 2025, and upon graduation, I am eager to make a meaningful impact within my organization and across the broader supply chain field. With a deep commitment to continuous learning, I view my upcoming graduation as just the beginning. Given the rapid advancements in supply chain, staying current is essential, and I am excited to embrace the ongoing journey of growth and discovery.
What was the biggest success and challenge you faced going from college to your job?
It may sound cliché, but I truly took for granted the ease of having all my friends close by during college. Leaving the familiar comfort of State College, moving away from family and everything I knew, and building a new community in a new city was a far greater challenge than I had anticipated. However, this experience led to profound personal and professional growth. I became deeply involved in my new community through volunteer work, joined both personal and professional organizations, and ultimately met my lifelong partner.
What is the most important risk you’ve taken and why?
After a few years in a secure job, with a lovely home and a supportive community, I decided to pursue a new career opportunity that involved changing company and role and relocating to a different region of the US. While some may have viewed this as a risky choice, I knew deep down where my passions lay and understood the importance of prioritizing my happiness. This decision has proven to be one of the most impactful in my life, ultimately setting me on the path that led to my journey at MIT.
What do you feel you took from Penn State to your current role?
To truly answer this question, I’d need to write a novel. In short, Penn State provided me with two lasting strengths: the technical expertise to excel in my career and a professional network that will support me wherever I go. Through Penn State, the Smeal College of Business, and the Sapphire Academic Leadership Program, I gained countless opportunities to refine my professional presence, build confidence in my worth, and embrace humility in the pursuit of continuous growth.
What is your dream job if you had no limitations?
First, and I mean this with complete respect, I don’t believe in focusing on limitations in our careers. Instead, career progression should center on striving to become our best selves. With that in mind, I will consider my career a success when I have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to the field of supply chain and my community, creating a positive impact for generations to come.