Category: School of Business

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Sara Novak. 

Major: Project and Supply Chain Management (PCSM)

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I knew I would get a great education with a Penn State degree, and I enjoy Erie. Behrend also gave me the opportunity to play collegiate volleyball, which is something I’ve always wanted to do.

On choosing her major: I chose PSCM because I am interested in many factors of the supply chain process, including streamlining and optimizing processes. Additionally, I selected this major for its adaptability, particularly in relation to project management. I know there are numerous pathways my degree can take me.

Campus involvement: I was part of the women’s volleyball team for all four years at Behrend. I have also been a Black School of Business Ambassador for the last two years.

Her next priority: My highest priority for the coming year is to use the education I have earned to develop a career where I can make a difference.

Advice for first-year students: My advice is to take advantage of the many opportunities Behrend has to offer. The School of Business organizes business trips that I wish I had participated in sooner rather than later. They have been very beneficial and interesting to learn from.

After her graduation in May, Sara will be doing a summer internship at American Eagle within Real Estate Construction Project Management.

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Kylie Pinetti.

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Minor: Applied Economics

Certificates: Financial Planning and Financial Controllership

Hometown: Harborcreek, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it is close to home, and it is a good business school.

On choosing her major: I like numbers, finance, and helping people

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being involved with the Financial Planning Association club.

Campus involvement: President of the Financial Planning Association Club, member of the Accounting Club, involved in the Center for Financial Literacy

What makes her unique: I coach softball at Harborcreek High School, where I went to high school and played softball.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I like Legos. I have a big family, including four siblings with a twenty-year age gap between the oldest and youngest. I love to make cookies with my grandma. I am an extreme couponer. I have a mini golden doodle named Beau. I am graduating after just three years.

Her definition of living a good life: Having dogs.

Her passion: Helping people, especially through coaching softball and at Behrend’s Center for Financial Literacy.

Advice for first-year students: Get involved! There were several opportunities presented to me just from just being involved. Make connections!

After her graduation, Kylie plans to pursue a career in financial planning

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Lucas Saborsky.

Major: Dual major in Marketing and Project and Supply Chain Management

Minor: Management Information Systems

Hometown: Corry, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received several anonymous trustee scholarships from Behrend, and it greatly affected my success during my college career. This year, I received a scholarship from the Addison Gibson Foundation.

On choosing Behrend: I chose to attend Behrend because I was interested in the opportunity to dual-major. Also, every member of my immediate family attended Behrend, so it was a family tradition.

On choosing his major: I chose marketing and project management because I enjoy understanding business decisions and making data-driven choices. These fields allow me to combine my passion for analyzing data and strategic planning.

His proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I have been able to add to my academic resume, while maintaining a high grade point average.

Campus involvement: Business Ambassador for the Black School of Business, Student Assistant at the Black School of Business Office, Project and Supply Chain Management Club President

People might be surprised to know: I love being outside. In the summer I am outside golfing, and in the winter, I am snowboarding.

His definition of living a good life: Living a good life is about enjoying what you do while having a positive impact on others in some way or another.

His passions and priorities: I’m passionate about continuous improvement and the goal of getting 1 percent better each day. Whether professionally or personally, I always try to improve myself and my daily habits.

Advice for first-year students: My advice would be to get involved as early as possible. Do not be afraid to take on as much as you can fit in your schedule because you may surprise yourself and find a way to manage it all.

After his graduation in May, Lucas plans to attend graduate school at Penn State University Park to obtain a Master of Business Analytics degree.

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Owen Valasek.

Majors: Dual majoring in Finance and Accounting

Certificates: Financial Planning

Hometown:  Kittanning, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: The Black School of Business is what attracted me to Behrend. The Bloomberg Terminal lab is unlike anything offered at other campuses. The terminals have allowed me to accelerate my learning about financial markets and other topics that will help me in my future career. The opportunity to dual major is also a great perk, allowing me to have more than one specialty within the business realm.

Campus involvement: President of the Business Analytics Team, Vice President of Communication for the Financial Management Association, Vice President of the Society of Undergraduate Economists, member of the Financial Planning Association, Lead Analyst and Vice President of Marketing for the Intrieri Family Student Managed Fund, and a member of the Behrend swim team during my first and sophomore years. These experiences equipped me with a diverse set of skills essential for personal and professional growth. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to be so involved.

His highest priority for the coming years: My highest priority for the coming years is to keep learning – both academically and personally — and to never become comfortable. College has been a wonderful experience. I’m committed to staying curious, seeking out new challenges, and embracing opportunities for growth. I haven’t been in my comfort zone throughout college, and I’m not going there now!

Advice for first-year students: Networking is the key to success. It is just as important as your studies. This doesn’t mean you have to be on a call with a hedge fund manager every day. Instead, join clubs, find extracurriculars to become a part of — that’s how you build a strong network. Also, learn from industry leaders within your field. Learning in and out of the classroom is vital to standing out.

After graduation, Owen plans to work in the Foundations program of Baird in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to become a financial advisor.

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Reagan James:

Majors: Dual majoring in Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies (IBE) and Project and Supply Chain Management (PSCM)

Hometown: Spartansburg, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Penn State Behrend Chancellor’s Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I was interested in the IBE major, and it was a great campus that had small class sizes with the bonus of being close to home.

On choosing his majors: I chose IBE due to its versatility. When I started school, I didn’t really know what career path I wanted to pursue. I was on the fence between mechanical engineering or business. When I learned about the IBE major, it was a perfect blend for me. As I progressed through my college career, I was exposed to Project and Supply Chain management. After discussing it with my advisor, I learned that a dual major in PSCM would only require me to take a few extra classes to graduate with that major. I have been extremely satisfied with my decision to dual major.

Penn State pride: I am very proud of the relationships I have formed with the faculty. These close relationships have allowed me to make the most of my time at Behrend. As a Business Ambassador, I have been able to give advice to incoming students and tell them about the college.

Campus involvement: President, National Society of Business and Engineering club; Secretary, Project and Supply Chain Management club; Treasurer, Entrepreneurship club; Business Ambassador.

What makes him unique: I’m a good communicator. I would say one of my strengths is my ability to connect with everyone I meet. This has opened a lot of doors for me, allowed me to meet a lot of interesting people, and helped me when giving presentations. I also enjoy helping others, specifically in areas that I excel in. If I did well in a class, I often would help students taking the class after me.

What you might be surprised to now about him: I am not a big “sports guy.” Despite playing tons of sports and being a three-sport athlete in high school, I don’t follow any professional sports on TV. It’s not something that I am passionate about watching.

His definition of living a good life: Living a good life to me means a few things to me: First, and ultimately, life isn’t about money; it’s about relationships, so creating deep bonds and friendships is extremely important. Second, I think everyone has the potential to do great things, but only some people achieve what they are capable of. I want to be able to say that I lived up to my potential. Third, it means being able to have the freedom to do the things that I want to do, when I want, where I want.

Advice for first-year students: Your first year is meant to experience everything that college has to offer. Don’t feel pressured to join any clubs right away or feel like you are lost or behind. Relax, and just take it all in. By the end of the second semester, you will have a new perspective on things, which will enable you to choose the path right for you. Also, always think about how you can improve your resume. Don’t wait until your last semester!

Parting thoughts: Don’t think that everyone has it all figured out. Even the people who look like they have it all together still have things that they are worrying about. No one is perfect. People often say that college is the place to find yourself, but I think college is the place to build yourself. It’s great to find out what you like and dislike, but don’t forget that the skills and habits that you develop in college will be the ones you’ll be equipped with when you take your first step into the real world.

Reagan, who will graduate in May, is currently applying to many companies, looking to find the best fit for his skills, interests, and ambitions. 

Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2024 is ready to make its mark on the world!  We’re proud of our students and all that they have learned and accomplished here at Behrend. Over the next several weeks, we will introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have engaged in college life in a big way, conducted valuable research, pioneered innovations, and overcome challenges during their time at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Abby Cochran:

Major: Marketing

Minor: Project and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: I received the PNC Leadership Scholarship and the Lawrence and Olivia Held Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because it is a beautiful campus with lots of helpful and friendly people. The opportunities available to students and the national ranking of the Black School of Business also influenced my decision.

On choosing her major: I have always been interested in how film and music artists promote their products. I took a sports and entertainment marketing course in high school that piqued my interest even more. The idea of creating messages and advertisements that appeal to the public to such a degree that they would purchase a product has always been exciting to me. I also like that marketers highlight the positive aspects of a product. It’s always better to be positive.

Her proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being accepted into the Schreyer Honors College.

Campus Involvement: During my sophomore year at Behrend, I was a member of Lambda Sigma. Currently, I am a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, the American Marketing Association, Schreyer Honors College, and Beta Gamma Sigma. I am also a research assistant for the Raimy Behavioral Lab in the Black School of Business.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I am a Swiftie. My favorite era is 1989. However, my favorite Taylor Swift song is “You Belong With Me.”

Beyond Taylor: I enjoy listening to a wide range of music and learning about the music production process. I’m also intrigued by how films are created and the filming process.

Advice for first-year students: I wish that I would’ve known about the What-If Report tool in LionPath when choosing my classes. Make sure to use this when scheduling to see how your completed and current courses apply toward requirements of your major and/or minors.

After her graduation in May, Abby hopes to secure a marketing position in the film, music, or fashion industries.