Category: School of Business

Standout Seniors: Abby Cochran (Marketing)

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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.

Abby Cochran Photo (MKT and PSCM)

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.

Standout Seniors: Meet Matthew Enos (Accounting and Finance)

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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.

Matthew Enos

Today, we’d like you to meet Matthew Enos.

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Hometown: Sharpsville, Pennsylvania

Scholarships: Penn State Provost Award

On choosing Behrend: I came to Behrend because of the opportunity to double major in business. On top of that, it is easy to get active and involved in clubs at Behrend.

On choosing his major: I have always enjoyed the stock market, so I started more toward finance. Accounting works well with finance, and I just really enjoyed dealing with numbers, doing taxes and auditing.

His proudest accomplishment at college: The way Behrend developed who I am. My senior year of high school, I would have been afraid to talk to a crowd of people or to someone I didn’t know. Now, I enjoy giving tours of the campus and talking to professionals in the accounting field. I am not afraid to talk in front of big crowds and share my experience at Behrend.

Bring on game night: I enjoy playing board games with my family and friends.

His definition of living a good life: Being close and able to spend time with my family is important to me. I want to be able to live without stressing about bills. To be able to separate work and personal life and enjoy both.

His priorities for the coming years: Doing well at work, getting promoted, and starting to save money for a house.

Advice for first-year students: Do not be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone.

After his graduation in May, Matthew plans to work at KPMG in Pittsburgh in their audit department.

Psst: Office gossip can be costly, Behrend researchers find

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By Robb Frederick, Associate Director of News and Information,

Penn State Behrend

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Workplace gossip often targets the boss. She’s in over her head. He’s overextended. There’s trouble at home, supposedly.

When the boss is the one spreading gossip, sharing private insight about a team member’s performance or personal life, that can lead to a far more damaging dynamic – a behavior researchers refer to as moral disengagement.

“Leaders set the tone for an organization,” said Joongseo Kim, an assistant professor of management at Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business. “When a leader participates in gossiping behavior, other employees pick up on that right away. They are less likely to feel shame or guilt when they gossip. They think, ‘Even the leaders are doing this. It’s acceptable in this organization.’”

Kim runs the Raimy Behavioral Lab at Penn State Behrend. He studies business ethics and workplace deviance. This spring, working with Madison Dambach, a senior in the Black School of Business, and Yun Kim at Oklahoma State University, he began a study of gossip contagion in the workplace.

“Gossip can be fun,” he said. “It’s sharing a thing that began as a secret, and that makes it a social-bonding mechanism.”

Positive gossip – sharing the news of a colleague’s promotion, for example – can increase a team’s sense of organizational identity, according to a 2022 study by the National Institutes of Health. That type of water-cooler talk can boost efficiency and employee retention.

“It’s all about intent,” Kim said. “If you gossip to motivate a person, or to elevate the reputation of a person, that’s a positive thing. If what you are saying is purposefully hurtful, however, and if you’re saying it to sideline or neutralize a colleague, that can do real damage.”

An employee with a calculative mindset – someone who approaches social relationships as a means of achieving another goal, such as financial gain – is more likely to gossip when a supervisor participates in the behavior, said Dambach, who presented the study at the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology conference in Boston.

“People with a higher calculative mindset see gossip as an opportunity,” Dambach said. “It’s a way to undercut a competitor or cast doubt on their abilities or their commitment to the organization. Some people will use that to their advantage, especially if the supervisor is listening.”

When a boss gossips, that’s viewed as a green light for others in the organization to behave the same way, Dambach said. Over time, that can affect employee productivity.

“Managers should pay more attention to that,” she said. “if they feed into gossip, their employees will do the same, without any sense of guilt or shame. That weakens the cohesiveness of the group. It leads to resentment. Ultimately, it can lead to the failure of the business.”

Madison Dambach and Joongseo Kim in Boston

Senior student Madison Dambach, left, and Joongseo Kim, assistant professor of management at Behrend’s Black School of Business.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Zoe Mouchantaf (Industrial Engineering)  

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Zoe Mouchantaf.  

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Major: Industrial Engineering

Minor: Operations and Supply Chain Management

Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon

Scholarships: Leadership Scholarship

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the student-to-professor ratio. I believe that having a close relationship with faculty and staff creates more opportunities for students and helps them thrive during their college career.

On choosing her major: I chose my major because it is broad. I am not sure what industry I want to work in after college, and this major allows me to apply my knowledge to most industries.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: I am proud to be the president of the Multi-Cultural Council at Penn State Behrend. I love to spread the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and create an environment where everyone feels welcome. Moreover, I am also proud of the fact that I was selected to be the student speaker during the scholarship luncheon.

Campus involvement: I am the president of the Multi-Cultural Council, a Global Ambassador, part of the Behrend Schreyer Scholars Council, a peer tutor, a teaching assistant, and a research assistant.

Awards and recognitions: I was nominated as a Penn State emerging leader. I entered a Google competition and was selected as a Google Scholar. Finally, I received the President’s Freshman Award.

What you might be surprised to know about her: I speak three languages and one dialect.

Her definition of living a good life: Living a good life means living in the moment, not worrying about the future, or thinking about the past.

Her top priority: I want to focus on my career and then obtain an MBA from MIT or Harvard.

Her passions: My goal in life is to create a positive impact on all the people who I encounter. I am passionate about motivating people and encouraging youth to earn a good education.

Advice for first-year students: Time flies by. Don’t waste your time—get an internship, do a research project, and get involved in clubs. It’s never too late to start thinking about post-graduation plans.

After graduation, Zoe will be working as a consultant at McKinsey & Company, a global management consulting firm.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Shannon Miller (Finance and IBE)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Shannon Miller.

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Majors: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies (IBE) and Finance

Hometown: Erie, Pennsylvania

Why she chose Behrend: I liked the smaller class sizes and their programs.

On choosing her major: I enjoy problem solving and analysis, and both of my majors encompass these attributes.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Being a part of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honors Program.

Campus involvement: Learning Resource Center tutor, CFA Research Challenge team member

Awards: The Black School of Business Writing Award

What makes her unique: I ride horses, and I can sing.

Her definition of living a good life: Being happy with what I am doing in life and doing something new every day.

Advice for first-year students: Make the most of your time at Behrend and make connections with professors because they will help you succeed.

After graduation, Shannon plans to find work in her field. 

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Aruj Bhargava (Finance and Accounting)

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 Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Aruj Bhargava.  

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Majors: Finance and Accounting

Certificate: Financial Controllership

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, California

Scholarships: Erie Insurance Group Leader Scholarship, Discover Penn State Award, Intrieri Family Student Scholarship.

On choosing Behrend: I chose to attend Behrend because of the opportunity to dual major in two business disciplines, the small student-to-teacher ratio, the ability to receive scholarships for professional designations, and the reputation of being part of the Penn State family.

On double majoring: Dual majoring provided me with a comprehensive understanding of different facets of the business world, while the small class sizes ensured that I received personalized attention and support from my professors.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: One of my proudest achievements during my time at Behrend was creating a diverse network that has not only opened doors for myself, but also helped other Penn State students secure jobs and internships on Wall Street. By networking with professionals in the financial industry and connecting with like-minded students, I have been able to expand my knowledge and gain invaluable insights into the field. This network has enabled me to advance to the Superday of Goldman Sachs, the last round of intensive interviews at the bank, and has opened doors for many other students to secure prestigious positions in finance and accounting. I am particularly proud of the impact I have had on the Penn State community, helping other students to achieve their career goals and connecting them with opportunities in the industry. By cultivating a supportive and collaborative network, I believe we can collectively achieve greater success and make a positive impact in the world of finance and accounting.

Campus involvement: I am president of the Business Analytics Team and the Financial Management Association, where I have developed strong leadership and organizational skills. In addition, I have been involved as the President of the Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund, which has given me valuable experience in managing investments and analyzing market trends. Additionally, as the Bloomberg Terminal Manager, I have honed my technical skills and developed a deep understanding of financial data analysis.

His passion: I like having a positive impact on others. Throughout my time at Behrend, I have been dedicated to helping fellow students achieve their career goals and connecting them with valuable opportunities in the finance and accounting industry. It is incredibly rewarding to see others succeed and to know that I played a role in their success. It motivates me to continue working hard.

What he’s learned: In hindsight, I realize that there is a wealth of career paths available in both finance and accounting. However, to secure a position in a top-tier firm, I now understand that it takes a significant effort to prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions and problems. I have gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and nuance of financial concepts, and I am confident in my ability to tackle these challenges. I am well-versed in the analytical and quantitative skills needed to excel in these fields, and I am excited about the opportunities they present. While I may have been initially unaware of the full scope of career options in finance and accounting, I am now dedicated to exploring these paths and finding the one that aligns with my passions and goals. I am committed to staying informed about industry trends, networking with professionals in the field, and continuously developing my skills to ensure my success.

After his graduation in May, Aruj will join HSBC Bank in Chicago as a credit analyst.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Angela Belack (Accounting and Finance)

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Penn State Behrend’s Class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today we’d like you to meet Angela Belack.

AngelaBelack

Majors:  Dual majoring in Accounting and Finance

Hometown:  Pittsburgh

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because I was able to continue playing competitive soccer while earning a degree. I have two older siblings who graduated from Behrend, both soccer players and Finance majors, as well. I saw how much they enjoyed being at Behrend, and I knew I would, too.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Winning the conference championship with the Behrend soccer team in 2021. We had an incredible season that year and even broke a few school records.

(Finance) Challenge accepted: I was a member of Behrend’s CFA Institute Research Challenge Team led by Dr. Greg Filbeck, director of the School of Business. Just being on the team felt like an accomplishment. Our group won first place for our written research report regarding our valuation of Duolingo. This experience allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge to a real-life scenario, as well as develop new professional relationships.

Awards/Honors:  Athletic─Rookie of the Year, First Team All-Conference; Academic─ Dean’s List every semester, Chi Alpha Sigma Athletic Honor Society.

What you’d be surprised to know about her: I have a twin brother and four more siblings.

What comes next: My highest priority in the coming years is my professional career. I’m excited to start this new chapter of my life. Over the past four years at Behrend, I have been building a foundation, and I’m looking forward to using it.

Say ‘cheese:’ I love photography. In the past few years, I have developed my photo skills and started working with clients.  It allows me time to be creative, and I always enjoy seeing the look on people’s faces when you’re able to capture exactly what they wanted.

Advice for first-year students: As everyone says, these four years go by way too fast. To a first-year student, enjoy it all as much as you can. Branch out and try things that you wouldn’t usually try, whether it’s joining a new club, or saying ‘yes’ to an opportunity that might be intimidating or nerve-racking. Also, find a solid, quiet study spot; my favorite was Lilley Library

After her graduation in May, Angela has accepted a job in the PNC Finance and Accounting Development Program in Pittsburgh.

Back to (Spring) Business Trip: Students Visit Pittsburgh Businesses and Firms

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By Heather Cass, Publications Manager

Office of Strategic Communication, Penn State Behrend

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After a three-year hiatus, Penn State Behrend’s Black School of Business reintroduced its annual spring trip for students in March. More than forty Behrend business students, including Finance majors studying through World Campus, traveled to Pittsburgh for two days of company visits and networking opportunities.

The group toured Schneider Downs, an accounting, tax, and business advisory firm, and the investment banking firm of BNY Mellon together, and major-specific breakout sessions were also offered. For example, Marketing majors toured the marketing agency, Brunner;  Finance and Business Economics majors visited Waldron Private Wealth, and Accounting and Management Information Systems majors went to the accounting, tax, and advisory firm of BDO.  Company visits included tours, presentations on the business and industry, and time for questions.

One notable session was held at the Pittsburgh Penguins office where Marketing and Project and Supply Chain majors got a firsthand look at how a top sports franchise operates, from ticket and retail sales to social media and game-day operations.

The students also had the opportunity to interact and network with Black School of Business alumni at a gathering at the Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh.

Students who participated in the spring trip described it as a valuable and enlightening experience.

  • “It’s a great chance to meet alumni and both establish and strengthen relationships so that when it comes time to search for a job, you have a robust network to contact,” Tristan Leopold, a junior Finance major, said.
  • “The trip provides an opportunity to see businesses through an insider’s eyes and gives you the chance to form connections and hone networking skills. It is well worth the cost and time to attend,” Anita Laughner, a junior World Campus Finance major, said.
  • “I liked hearing advice from employees about entering the business workforce. I also enjoyed networking with Behrend alumni. It was a fun experience,” Ella Cuccaro, a junior Project and Supply Chain Management major, said.
  • “I would definitely recommend this trip to any student who wants to broaden their contact list, meet young professionals, and learn what will be expected of them in their first years on the job. It provided a lot of insight into what it will be like day-to-day,” Keara Mollenauer, a senior dual majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems, said.
  • “It was a great networking experience that provides students with the opportunity to get their foot in the door for prospective job opportunities. It was very well organized and thought out. If you’re a business student, this trip is a must,” Zane Lewis, a first-year student dual majoring in Accounting and Finance, said.

Plans are already underway for the spring 2024 trip with the destination city to be announced in the fall.

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Standout Senior’s ’23: Meet Carly Evans (Marketing)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Carly Evans: 

carly Evans

Major: Marketing

Minor: Communication Arts and Mass Media

Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On choosing Behrend: I chose Behrend because of the Black School of Business and the Penn State network of resources. Also, I like that you are not just a number here and are able to build strong connections with professors and staff.

On choosing her major: I chose Marketing because it’s versatile. From content creation and social media marketing to analytics and search engine optimization, there is something for everyone. I have always enjoyed the creative aspects of marketing and how a career in the field can look different each day.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: In my junior year advertising class, we partnered with professors in the School of Science and Erie Brewing Company to create an integrated marketing campaign for a new aquatic invasive species draft series. Partnering with Pennsylvania Sea Grant, we created the campaign to raise awareness about these local invasive creatures. I worked on the creative team, developing graphics for the campaign using Adobe Illustrator. This project allowed me to use my graphic design skills and gave me an idea of what it is like to create real marketing materials. It was gratifying to see something I worked on come to life for a local business.

Campus involvement: I am a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. I have held several leadership positions in our chapter over the years.

Her definition of living a good life: Being somewhere warm and sunny, surrounded by my family and friends and my cat, Daisy. I think that living a fulfilling life is prioritizing self-care but giving that same energy back to the important people in your life. Making a difference in the lives of others starts with you.

Her passions: In my free time, you can find me on the golf course, creating art, or seeking out a new coffee spot. I’m a pretty go-with-the-flow person, so I’m always down to try something new.

Advice for first-year students: Use your resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help. College can be overwhelming at times. Keeping an organized planner has helped me keep track of my schedules, class assignments, and extracurriculars. Also, get involved. Being a part of a club or organization can greatly develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and your confidence.

Standout Seniors ’23: Meet Matt Strupczewski (Political Science and Marketing)

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Penn State Behrend’s class of 2023 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’ll introduce you to a few of our remarkable seniors who have overcome challenges, pioneered new technologies, participated in important research projects, and made their mark at Penn State Behrend.

Today, we’d like you to meet Matt Strupczewski: 

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Majors: Dual majoring in Political Science and Marketing

Minor: Military Studies

Hometown: Erie

Scholarships: Merwin Trustee Matching Scholarship, Irving Kochel Leadership Scholarship, Penn State Academic Grant, Zachary T. Irwin Humanitarian Award

On choosing Behrend: I knew I had to put myself through school, so I was looking for the most cost-effective option. Behrend was by far the best value. It allowed me to live at home to save even more money and still earn a Penn State degree, which opens the door to many career and continuing education opportunities.

On choosing his major: I am intrigued by the world of politics and hope to run for office myself one day. Marketing came naturally to me as I have always been business-minded. Dual majoring allowed me to draw the two together. I believe if I can market a product, I can market myself, and vice versa.

Proudest accomplishment at Behrend: Becoming president of the Student Government Association. This position has allowed me to do so much to improve services and activities, and even support faculty needs on our campus. The ability to make real change and help our community has been the most fulfilling opportunity I have been able to take part in.

Campus involvement: I’m a member of the Lion Ambassadors, Penn State Army ROTC, and College Republicans.

What makes him unique: I think I have a high level of charisma. When it comes to sales, management, and even leadership situations, I am able to work well with a lot of people. I think this will help me in my career and personal life, as it is an important social skill in today’s world.

What you’d be surprise to know about him: I am only 21, but I am married and have already bought my first house. This was all while I went to school, averaging about 25 credits per semester and working, too.

What makes a good life: Finding your sense of fulfillment. There is no one way to live a good life. For me, it is a happy medium of having a job I enjoy with a good work-life balance.

A future full of options: I often think of new ways to apply my skills but have a hard time narrowing down which one to pursue. Do I get a graduate degree? Make an early run for a local election? Continue furthering my career as a real estate agent? This year has been a very introspective year for me, as I have been doing a deeper dive into the question, “What is my why?”

Passionate about public service: I love finding a way to use my skills to help people. With the skills I have developed here at Behrend, especially with my Student Government Association experience, I can’t wait to become an elected official. No matter what level office they hold, elected officials have the power and ability to make their community a better place. Today, it feels that too many of our officials are more concerned with reelection or serving themselves than with working to make things better.

Advice for first-year students: My younger self would have suggested students work as much as they can outside of school, but I now feel it is important to find a healthy middle ground. Of course, prioritize school, but work and social time should also be included for your own mental health and enjoyment of life.

From graduation to service: I am currently in the National Guard and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in May. I have learned a lot in the guard and appreciate how it has helped me develop and mature, personally.

After his graduation in May, Matt plans to continue serving in the National Guard while pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at Behrend. In the future, he plans to run for political office.