National Career Development Month: Sophia Piccirilli

For National Career Development Month, CSCR is catching up with recent Penn State Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) alumni and exploring their journey from student to full-time professional. Learn more about Sophia Piccirilli, a 2023 SCIS graduate, and her career journey from student to young processional.

Tell us about yourself!

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?  

This is a tough question, as I’ve been fortunate to achieve several meaningful milestones in my current role at Procter & Gamble and consistently strive to create an impact in all that I do. However, my most rewarding achievement remains my very first accomplishment as an intern with the Bank of New York Mellon. During my internship, I participated in a highly competitive global case competition that brought together hundreds of interns from around the world. The challenge focused on developing innovative solutions to help BNY Mellon align more closely with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and enhance its sustainability efforts.

After extensive research and collaboration, my team and I placed first in the competition. Our proposal was not only recognized in the company’s sustainability report, but also received public acknowledgement from the CEO. As my first experience in Corporate America, it was incredibly fulfilling to see our efforts make a tangible impact. This milestone solidified my belief that with dedication and perseverance, I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. 

How do you plan to continue your professional growth?  

I have a multifaceted approach to continuing my professional growth, rooted in self-reflection, continuous learning, and active engagement. First, I recognize that growth often stems from overcoming challenges, and while failure is not something I seek, I understand that it can be an invaluable teacher. By reflecting on difficult situations and learning from them, I aim to become a stronger, more resilient professional. 

Second, I plan to fully leverage the learning and development opportunities offered by P&G. Whether It’s technical courses in supply chain management & automation, leadership development programs, or workshops on emotional intelligence, I am committed to expanding my knowledge and skills to become the best possible version of myself. I believe education is a lifelong journey, and If I could learn everything possible, I would eagerly do so. 

Lastly, I plan to immerse myself in professional communities both within and outside my workplace. Connecting with like-minded professionals through networking events, mentorship opportunities, and industry organizations will not only help me grow my network, but allow me to learn from the diverse experiences and insights of others.

By embracing challenges, prioritizing learning, and staying actively engaged, I am confident I can continue to evolve both personally and professionally.  

What was the biggest success/challenge you faced going from college to your job?  

When people ask me how I ended up at P&G, I share the story of the start to my career: As a senior in college, I accepted a job as a Federal Associate Supply Chain Consultant with IBM, planning to move to Washington, D.C. Yet, my start date at IBM kept getting postponed, leaving me in a state of uncertainty.  

Rather than waiting indefinitely, I began applying to other companies and exploring new paths, even studying for the LSAT and applying to law school. In one pivotal week, I received an acceptance to law school, heard back from IBM to start, and was offered a position at P&G. Facing three distinct opportunities, I had to make a challenging decision that would shape the trajectory of my entire life.

Ultimately, I chose to join P&G—a decision I don’t regret. This experience taught me the value of staying proactive and open to change, and well as the belief that everything happens for a reason.

Can you speak to the importance of being flexible and adaptable in your career after college? 

Absolutely. Being flexible and adaptable is essential for navigating complexities of a career after college. Without adaptability—whether in response to changing situations or working with diverse individuals—it becomes much harder to succeed.

For example, early in my career, I became a manager overseeing others who had prior work experience and were much older than me. This required a great deal of adaptability. I had to approach everyone with an open mind and respect, recognizing the value of their experience while confidently fulfilling my own responsibilities as a leader.  

The ability to adapt is a skill I will carry forward as I manage future teams, work with new colleagues, and face ever-changing challenges. It ensures that I can contribute meaningfully to the success of others while continuing to grow professionally.  

What is the most important risk you’ve taken and why? 

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was leaving my hometown of Pittsburgh, along with my family and lifelong friends, to pursue my career at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati. It was a deeply personal decision, as I’ve always valued the strong connections/relationships I have with my loved ones. Moving to a new city where I didn’t know anyone meant stepping out of my comfort zone entirely to focus on developing myself and growing my career. 

While it was a daring decision, I’m incredibly fortunate to work at a company like P&G, where kindness and support are part of the culture. This environment has helped me not only succeed professionally, but also build meaningful relationships with colleagues and others outside of work. Looking back, I’m proud of the growth I’ve achieved and the connections I’ve made, and I know this decision has only made me stronger. 

What do you feel you took from Penn State to your current role?  

Penn State furnished me with an unparalleled educational experience and lessons that I carry in my current role; I’m forever grateful for that. The university’s diverse environment taught me how to work with and understand people from vastly different backgrounds—completely different than me—which is a skill that is critical in any professional setting.

Penn State also instilled resilience in me. Whether through challenges in academics, extracurriculars, Greek life, Ohio State games *tear*, or personal relationships, I learned to navigate failures, adapt, and grow. These experiences shaped me into a stronger leader and wiser individual. The sense of community, pride, and support from Penn State and the Alumni Network reinforces the values I apply every day in my career.

What is your dream job if you had no limitations?  

With no limitations, I would become a CEO. Or, better yet, learn every language possible and talk to everyone in the world. I have too many interests…  

However, if I were to truly pursue a completely different path, I would aspire to become a concert pianist. For 12 years, I dedicated myself to learning, practicing, and perfecting my craft on the piano.

Playing the piano is not just a skill—it’s a passion that allows me to connect deeply with music and express myself. I’m grateful for this ability, and I hope to continue developing it throughout my life. The idea of performing at the highest professional levels, playing challenging concertos by composers I admire, would be an incredible fulfillment of this passion. Balancing precision and artistry to bring such music to life would truly be a dream come true.