In This Issue:
- New Things Going On With The Major
- Faculty Spotlight
- Alumni Spotlight
- Student Spotlight
- Club Updates and More
New Things Going On With The Major
A new course, International Logistics (MGMT 487), is now being offered. The course is taught by Gary Smith, lecturer in management, and will teach students about logistics on the international level. A slight change to the International Business major is in the works right now, but nothing official has been finalized. The Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) certificate, which is new to our program, is a designation that confirms knowledge in international business and trade. There is a student pathway program that is available that provides study material that is inexpensive for students. There is money available via grants to help alleviate the costs to get the CGBP certificate. Please contact Professor Harben, assistant teaching professor of management, if interested ([email protected]).
Faculty Spotlight
Bill Johnson, Associate Professor of Management
Dr. Johnson has taught MGMT 471W Strategic Management and Business Policy; MANGT 540 Strategy: Corporate, Business and Project, which is a business course; and MGMT 461 International Management course. Dr. Johnson primarily teaches courses that have strategy as the main aspect of the course.
What’s the most fun you’ve had in your career?
I’d say the traveling. I’m not one for having favorites or a ‘best’ list when it comes to experiences. In fact, it helps when traveling a lot if you are into variety and truly experiencing new things. Travel requires an open-mindedness and leads to more open-mindedness. Certainly, being in China during Chinese Lunar New Year and experiencing the fireworks extravaganza was fun.
What book should every International Business student read? Why?
My book that is tentatively moving towards publication at Routledge called Managing Global Strategy: A Primer for Developing an Effective Strategy in International Business, if only because it’s used in the MGMT 461 course (and for a shameless plug). Also, The Lexus and the Olive Tree by Thomas Friedman was tremendously influential in communicating the push and pull between the need for globalization, symbolized by Toyota’s Lexus car, and the desire to retain identity and traditions that can lead to protectionism, which is symbolized by the olive tree.
Alumni Spotlight
Bryce Putman ’17
Bryce is a senior media buyer at MollenLowe, where he handles media investment strategy and optimization for clients including Viacom, the U.S. Department of Defense, Netflix, and Scotts Miracle-Gro.
What do you miss most about being a Behrend student?
The friendships and connections I made are lifelong. I miss seeing friends from college on a day-to-day basis, but it’s so fun watching everyone grow in their careers all over the world.
What came as the biggest surprise to you at your first job after graduation?
Corporate life moves fast, so you need to move even faster. I schedule my days almost down to the minute in order to be an efficient and effective employee.
How did your study abroad experience help you in your career?
Study abroad helped me build confidence and independence I needed to perform well at my current position. The intangibles you get while studying abroad are crucial experiences.
Student Spotlight
Portia Nowosielski ’21
Portia is a member of the Competitive Cheer Team, a captain on the Morale Committee for Behrend Benefitting THON, the community impact intern at The Erie Community Foundation, a level 3 technician at Delta Sonic Car Wash, and a bartender at Erie Golf Club. She also likes to draw, sing, and go hammocking during warm days in Erie.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received at Behrend?
Make sure you are doing what YOU love. That has been a key piece of advice, especially during my junior year. I've found myself getting caught up in trying to make my résumé tip-top, and I was no longer giving myself time to enjoy all of the activities I am involved in. I am making changes to better my academic life and mental health.
What’s been your proudest moment at Behrend?
Being part of the first Behrend Competitive Cheer Team to go to nationals in Daytona was my most proud moment at Behrend.
Why did you choose International Business and Marketing? What attracted you to it?
I chose these majors because my mom is from the Philippines and I want to learn more about other cultures overseas and interact with people from different lifestyles. I also love artistic and creative work, so doubling with Marketing allows me the opportunity to use my own creative thoughts.
Club Updates and More
The International Business Club has been collaborating with the Society of Undergraduate Economists to help support one another. Later in the spring semester, we will be having our yearly event–The Business Olympics. More information on the Business Olympics will be divulged later this spring. International Business Club meets bi-weekly on Thursdays in Burke at 7:30 p.m. Join the international business club by reaching out through BehrendSync.
Maymester in the United Kingdom
Christopher Harben, assistant teaching professor of management, and Lena Surzhko-Harned, assistant teaching professor of political science, will be teaching a Maymester abroad for nine to ten days in the United Kingdom. Students will be studying in London and Belfast. If you are interested in attending or want more information, please contact Chris Harben, assistant teaching professor of management ([email protected]).