UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s multicultural environment was a transformative experience, according to Penn State Smeal College of Business’s summer 2023 student marshal Jieun Oh.
“As an international student, I was able to gain a broader view of the world through exposure to different cultures, perspectives and global business practice,” Oh said. “Interacting with faculty and students from different backgrounds allowed me to understand how cultural nuances and regional differences shape business decisions. I believe this experience will be invaluable as I navigate the global business landscape in my future career.”
From Seoul, South Korea, Oh will graduate Saturday with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management and a 3.98 GPA.
At the beginning of the pandemic, Oh was faced with the task of selecting her major and decided to embark on her journey in supply chain management.
“I saw that many businesses faced disruptions, shortages and logistical challenges during the pandemic,” Oh said. “As the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the vital importance of efficient and resilient supply chains, I wanted to be part of revitalizing global supply chains and contributing to post-pandemic economic recovery.”
To immerse herself in her area of interest, Oh participated in the Women in Business student organization and research on campus. Oh was a research consultant in Sigma Chi Mu Tau, a supply chain management honor society. During her senior year, she worked with the National Association of State Procurement Officials to analyze data related to the statutes and regulations.
“Smeal’s emphasis on teamwork and collaboration cultivated my interpersonal skills and taught me the value of effective communication and cooperation,” Oh said. “I have worked on diverse group projects and engaged in discussions with diverse students from diverse backgrounds — and enhanced my ability to collaborate with others and appreciate different perspectives.”
While Oh said she enjoyed all of her Smeal classes, she preferred the supply chain management courses she attended. She said she was especially thankful for the faculty who helped her navigate her academic career, such as Assistant Professor of Supply Chain Management Johanna Amaya and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education and William A. Donan Professor of Business Administration Felisa D. Higgins.
“For future Smeal students, I would like to highly recommend them to embrace the opportunities to interact with professors, engage in office hours and actively participate in the Smeal community,” Oh said.
Oh earned several achievements during her time at Smeal:
- The President’s Freshman Award
- President Sparks Award
- Warner/Foster Open Doors Scholarship
- W.R. Gasior – K.L. Morris Smeal Open Doors Scholarship
- Cruser Family Open Doors Scholarship
Oh expressed one of her favorite Penn State memories was watching the White Out football game.
“The atmosphere of the White Out football game and all the community coming together is unforgettable,” Oh said. “I was able to experience the sense of unity, school spirit and pride as a Penn State student.”
Following commencement, Oh will continue her internship as a digital and emerging technology consultant at Ernst & Young in Seoul.