How did your Penn State graduate studies prepare you for your career?

Penn State has been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally, and I owe a great deal to the university for the academic knowledge and learning I acquired during my time there. However, if I had to choose the most impactful aspect of my experience, it would undoubtedly be Diversity and Inclusion. In particular, the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering had a highly socially active student body, consisting of graduate students from all around the globe, representing various countries, ethnic groups, backgrounds, and languages. Being from Korea originally, this exposure to a wide variety of perspectives and cultures opened my eyes to the power of Diversity and Inclusion, which not only helped me succeed professionally but also helped me become a better person. This experience was especially profound for me.

In 2-3 sentences, describe what you do in your profession.

Given that supply chain is a crucial factor in achieving success at the company, I endeavor to establish a strong foundation for managing and operating the supply chain across the entire organization. This involves developing and executing strategies for demand planning, material management planning, and inventory management. Additionally, I establish a foundation for Indirect procurement at the corporate level. However, the most critical aspect of my role is building and leading a high-performing team, which includes recruiting, developing, and retaining talent. I am inspired by the words of a great leader who once said that your ultimate responsibility as a leader is to make sure that you have the business better than you found it and to turn it over to more capable hands when you leave.

What’s the one thing you wish you knew as a graduate student that you know now?

As others have often noted, there are numerous things that I wish I had known back then. However, in my view, one of the most crucial pieces of advice is to broaden your horizons and gain as much experience as possible during this unique period in your life. While it's natural for students to focus primarily on academics, exploring different activities can be tremendously helpful and beneficial in ways that may not be available after graduation. As I mentioned earlier, while I did have positive experiences beyond my studies, I now realize that I could have done more. Specifically, I wish I had traveled more, volunteered with charitable organizations, participated in more professional and social events, and connected with a more diverse range of people. Of course, it's important not to overdo things, but I believe that the benefits of these experiences are undeniable and well worth pursuing.

What ways do you stay engaged with Penn State today, and what inspires you to stay involved?

My time at Penn State was truly invaluable, both professionally and personally, and I have many cherished memories of my experience there. As a result, I feel a strong desire to give back and stay involved in any way I can. Unfortunately, due to my career which has involved multiple moves including two international assignments spanning over seven years, it has been difficult to physically remain involved. Despite these challenges, I have stayed engaged with Penn State by becoming a lifetime Alumni member, making donations, and following the university on social media to stay informed about upcoming events and news. Additionally, I have maintained connections with some of the friends I made at Penn State, who I consider to be dear friends. One highlight was being invited back to campus to celebrate my 25th anniversary of earning my Ph.D. The experience was truly unforgettable. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, who were celebrating their 10th, 25th, and even 50th anniversaries. Meeting the alumni celebrating their 50th anniversary was especially inspiring, as these individuals are pioneers and truly outstanding. We all felt deeply appreciated at the event. I am committed to staying more engaged with the university community going forward.

What’s your fondest memory of graduate school?

This is a tough one. There are so many! But one that stands out is the Saturday morning soccer games. It was a casual gathering where students would form teams and play soccer. Sometimes, some Penn State Men’s and Women’s soccer players would join us, which made it even more enjoyable. This activity was not only a fun weekend activity, but also helped us to stay active and build camaraderie. Another memorable experience was participating in the flag football league. Although we didn't win any games despite having a former college-level quarterback on our team, we had a fantastic time practicing and strategizing as a team. The process was just as rewarding as the games themselves.

What career accomplishment are you most proud of?

During my tenure at Caterpillar, I was privileged to be a part of several significant corporate initiatives, including Six Sigma and Lean. I had the opportunity to lead global, multi-functional projects that not only had a substantial financial impact but also facilitated the professional development of others. Through these initiatives, I was able to gain valuable experience and grow as a professional. However, one accomplishment that stands out to me the most was my role as a plant manager in Mississippi. It was a challenging role, but I am proud of the personal impact I had on many employees, and the positive changes I was able to bring about. This experience not only helped me grow as a leader, but also allowed me to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

What part of your Penn State graduate degree experience had the biggest impact on you?

As previously stated, Diversity and Inclusion had a profound impact on me beyond my academic studies, and it has continued to resonate with me. During my time as a graduate student, I had the opportunity to engage with fellow students from all over the world, representing diverse countries, ethnic groups, backgrounds, and languages. Through our interactions, we were able to learn about each other's differences and at times, engage in healthy debates, which ultimately made us stronger and more well-rounded individuals. The benefits of such experiences have carried over into my professional life as well, as working with a diverse range of people and bringing together various perspectives has led to better business results and individual growth.

When you were a graduate student, did you envision yourself having this profession? If not, tell us about the journey.

No, not at all! Surprisingly, my career path took a different direction than I initially anticipated in two ways. Initially, when I began my graduate studies, I had planned on pursuing a career in academia as a professor. However, as I progressed through my program, I found myself increasingly drawn to the industrial sector. Then, when I began my professional career, I started out in quality and reliability involving a lot of statistical analysis that was related to my studies. However, I eventually transitioned into supply chain and procurement roles as a result of major corporate initiatives that I led and the influence of my sponsors. While these positions still fell within the realm of industrial engineering, they were not what I had initially envisioned for myself.

What professional development tip would you recommend to current students?

I would highly recommend two areas among many others. Firstly, building a robust professional network and seeking out mentorship and sponsorship can be immensely helpful. You can establish a professional network by developing relationships within your current organization, participating in professional organizations, or volunteering at events that are not necessarily related to your work. Remember, building a network is a two-way street that can benefit all parties involved. Don't hesitate to reach out to people for advice or assistance. You may even find that some of them may become your mentors or sponsors. Be proactive and take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Additionally, don't be afraid to seek out new experiences and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. This will help you grow both professionally and personally.

Secondly, it is crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance for long-term success and well-being. This topic can be controversial, but it is essential to prioritize your life over your profession when faced with conflicting situations. Maintaining good mental and physical health is important for achieving a balanced lifestyle. It is necessary to be disciplined in setting and sticking to your priorities, and you can improve by practicing it regularly and making it a habit, just like exercising a muscle. Achieving a healthy work-life balance is not easy, but it is achievable and is very crucial for your success professionally and personally.