May 2025 SCIS & MIS Student of the Month: Nathan Reish

The Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) is proud to highlight high-achieving students in Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) and Business Analytics & Information Systems (BAIS) who are making an impact in their programs with a SCIS & BAIS Student of the Month award. These students are nominated by faculty leaders and selected by a panel of SCIS and BAIS faculty representatives and the CSCR Executive Director.

What excites you about a career in supply chain and information systems?  

Careers in supply chain and information systems excite me because I genuinely find it interesting. I enjoy that there are so many different areas of supply chain to learn about that provide a variety of excellent opportunities. I am especially interested in how supply chains span different geographies around the world, producing challenges and growth for those involved in the industry. 

What internship experience have you gained while at Penn State? Will you be interning anywhere this upcoming summer?  

Last summer, I had the privilege to work for Altria as a Sales Intern. In this role, I managed inventory and merchandising for a personal portfolio of 29 convenience stores. I learned valuable skills and platforms, such as Power BI, Salesforce, and Microsoft Excel to optimize sales across Altria’s 5 operating companies. This upcoming summer, I will be working as a Supply Chain Intern at Unilever in Hoboken, NJ. I look forward to learning in this role and gaining more real-world supply chain experience. 

What is your favorite part about being an SCIS student at Smeal?  

My favorite part of being an SCIS student at Smeal is the strong connections to the corporate world. SCIS students are so fortunate to have a multi-day career fair each semester specifically for their major with a wide range of fantastic companies attending to recruit. There are many chances to land a job or internship with your ideal company thanks to the connections available through the professors, students, and career fairs in the SCIS Department at Smeal. 

What organizations are you involved in within Smeal and at Penn State?  

I have been involved with Penn State THON each year while at Penn State. This has been an incredible experience, and I am very excited to serve as the Hospitality Director for THON 2026! I am also a brother of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Fraternity. DSP has provided me so many leadership experiences and lifelong friendships, and I would not have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for the Business Fraternity Council through Smeal. Finally, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant for SCM 200 for the past five semesters. I have truly appreciated the chance to give back to younger students and help them achieve success in this course. 

How has Smeal and the SCIS Department prepared you to make an impact outside the classroom?  

Through the variety of courses and connections, the SCIS Department has taught me many different elements of supply chain that are necessary to make an impact outside of the classroom. From procurement to demand fulfillment and everything in between, I feel that no matter what aspect of supply chain I may pursue, I will be well prepared due to the wide range of topics covered through the curriculum. 

What is your favorite Penn State memory?  

My favorite Penn State memory is being an OPPerations Captain during THON Weekend 2025. Being surrounded by so many close friends and family is always incredible experience each February during THON Weekend, and it was so rewarding to see a full year of hard work pay off! It is always inspiring to see what a community of college students can achieve through their dedication to such a special cause. 

What is your favorite creamery ice cream flavor?  

Alumni Swirl (and maybe Peachy Paterno in the Summer).