Tim Keen
Major: Project and Supply Chain Management and minor in Management Information System
Year of Graduation: 2024
Internship: Outbound Operations Area Manager Intern at Amazon, Carlisle
Linked In Contact: Timothy Keen
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?
You’ll learn a ton in the classroom, but nothing beats real-world experience. Look for internships, co-op programs, or even volunteer opportunities where you can get your hands dirty and see how things work in the field. Also, because the world of PSCM is constantly evolving, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Take advantage of your professor’s knowledge and courses and out-of-classroom seminars to expand your knowledge and skills.
What are your career aspirations?
I want to become an operations manager or a site leader at a big company. My PSCM degree has equipped me with analytical and problem-solving skills to identify root causes, develop solutions, and implement changes that drive continuous improvement. The things I have learned will help me make a positive impact in operations management.
Reagan James
Major: Dual majors in Project and Supply Chain Management and Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies
Year of Graduation: 2024
Internship: Sales and project launch intern at Viking Plastics
Linked In Contact: Reagan James
What has most surprised you about the study of PSCM?
It has been amazing to learn about all the different methods of management, specifically the Agile and Waterfall methods, and how each has its own benefits for certain projects. There is no one absolute method that should be used for every project. I have learned that a good project manager assesses the project and chooses the right style of management for that specific project.
Why did you choose PSCM? What attracted you to it?
I have always been very interested in working in some form of management position after college. I thought the PSCM degree would complement the Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies degree that I am also pursuing.
What attracted you to Penn State Behrend?
I really value having a close connection with my professors and wanted to attend a college where the class sizes weren’t too large. Behrend has been amazing for me because I am able to build connections with the faculty and spend a lot of one-on-one time with my professors when I need further explanations on the material or help with homework.
