In This Issue:
What's New With This Major?
Dr. Mark Owens
Our first cohort under the revised International Business degree requirements has entered the program. The changes have improved the organization and integration of courses to ensure that all International Business students have a consistent level of baseline international business knowledge. We have navigated the travel restrictions that resulted from the pandemic, and several of our students are studying abroad this semester. We look forward to seeing them when they return to Behrend and to have the opportunity to learn from them about their experiences.
—Dr. Mark Owens, director of graduate studies, discipline lead for International Business, and associate professor of Economics
Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Amit Agarwal
Amit Agarwal
Dr. Amit Agarwal joined the Black School of Business in Fall 2022 as assistant professor of marketing. He earned his Ph.D. in marketing from Georgia State University, his M.B.A. from the Indian School of Business, and a bachelor's degree and master's degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology.
His primary research interests lie at the interface of network effects, technology innovation, and marketing strategy. He has experience in both product-based and service-oriented B2B firms, and he is also keen on exploring relevant research problems in the realm of B2B marketing strategy and key account management. His research work has appeared in top academic peer-reviewed journals, including Production and Operations Management, Journal of International Business Studies, and International Journal of Research in Marketing.
What is your favorite thing about being a professor?
Professional freedom, constant learning, and sharing your learning with others.
What do you like most about Behrend?
A community of scholars who appreciate the value of bringing a fine balance between personal and professional lives.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Playing with my 6-year-old son, cooking, and reading fiction.
Any advice for Behrend students?
Use your time well to find your passion while you are here.
Alumni Spotlight
Daniel Charpentier '22
Daniel Charpentier, '22
Whitethorn Games, Inc.
Daniel Charpentier graduated in Spring 2022 with International Business and Finance degrees. He was part of the International Business Club and Delta Sigma Pi.
What is your current position?
I am currently a financial accountant at Whitethorn Games Inc. in downtown Erie.
How did you find your current job?
Through the Behrend Career and Internship Fair.
What do you like best about Whitethorn Games?
Whitethorn Games has a very modern and cozy vibe. What I like the best about the company is their culture and focus on accessibility and inclusion for all people in the process of game development.
If you could go back and change anything about your time at Behrend, what would it be?
Being more involved and asking more questions.
Any advice for future graduates?
Don't be afraid to throw yourself out there and take opportunities that you may think are out of your league.
Student Spotlight
Alexa Winkler
Alexis Winkler, International Business Student
Alexa Winkler is a junior double-majoring in International Business and Marketing. She is also pursuing a minor in Communication Arts and Mass Media. She's involved with Alpha Sigma Alpha, the National Society of Leadership and Success, Behrend Benefitting Thon, The Panhellenic Council, and Project Paws.
What is your favorite thing about Behrend?
The class sizes and leadership opportunities.
What is your favorite class so far? Why?
BA 242 (Social and Ethical Environment of Business) because my professor made the class very interactive and rarely lectured, which kept me interested. Also, any of Mr. Pratt's classes.
What have you learned outside of the classroom?
Professionalism skills.
What got you interested in International Business?
I used to want a Spanish minor, but since I am already a Business major, this was easier.
What are your future goals?
Go into advertising in New York City.
About the IB Club
The International Business Club has bi-weekly general meetings during the school year. During our general meetings, a variety of things are discussed, many of which are related to real-world events. We also talk about the International Business courses offered at Behrend and how to fulfill the study abroad requirement. During weeks when we do not have general meetings, some club members visit different international restaurants in Erie.