Huimei Yu, Penn State Student

Her first taste of the business world was experienced during the Dell Case Competition, held by Smeal College of Business for Penn State University Park freshmen and sophomore students interested in the Supply Chain and Information Systems (SCIS) or Business Analytics & Information Systems (BAIS). Speaking in front of Dell Technologies sponsors — and speaking in front of strangers — was something she never had to do before, so she learned to embrace her voice.

Throughout her time at Smeal, Yu has had many opportunities to work within a team while sharing her research and supply chain expertise. It is those combined experiences that has Yu advising young students to be open to various programs, events, and opportunities that will challenge them and help them grow.

"I encourage Smeal freshmen to take any chance that can enhance their soft skills including leadership, teamwork, public speaking, and problem solving and make their time at Smeal as special as can be," the Smeal senior said, passionately.

Looking forward, Yu is eager to further her supply chain career and become specialized in one particular research area whether it be sustainability, storage, or distribution.

"My favorite part about studying supply chain is that I can see supply chain issues that are happening right now and am able to apply concepts that I learned from classes," she explained. "Studying supply chain at Smeal teaches me to see things differently and develop a new understand of why companies made those decisions."