From college to career: A versatile adventurer gets ready to embark on her next great journey

JOY GOLDSCHMIDT, B.B.A.’20

Joy Goldschmidt traveled all around the world before finding her perfect fit at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. Now, as she prepares for graduation and a new career as a supply chain analyst at Dell in Austin, Texas, she is ready to embark on her next great journey.

Originally from Germany, Goldschmidt ventured throughout much of Europe before moving to Michigan with her family in 2013. It was a tour of the Haworth College of Business with business ambassador Julia Dessert that made this intrepid traveler want to plant her feet in Kalamazoo for her college education. 

“Everyone at Western made me feel super welcome,” Goldschmidt says. “I liked the setup of the business college with all of its resources—the Zhang Career Center, Communication Center, Student Professional Readiness Series and business externship program, to name a few. I also really liked the size of the campus—not too big, not too small.”

An astute problem solver with a passion for helping others, Goldschmidt found a natural fit in the integrated supply management program. “The supply chain industry is extremely versatile,” she says. “I can hold a lot of different positions, and nearly every company has a supply chain division.” 

Goldschmidt has been able to take full advantage of the experiential learning opportunities the college provides. She has completed four internship and co-op experiences, as well as study abroad excursions in Australia, India and Thailand. This all-star Business Bronco also took on roles as a college ambassador, computer information systems tutor and SCMA student chapter president.

Along the way, she has received multiple scholarships to help fuel her success. “I received several scholarships through the Haworth College of Business that helped fund my education,” Goldschmidt says. “I also received scholarships from the National Defense Transportation Association and the R. Gene Richter Foundation. These awards helped offset expenses in a big way.”

Goldschmidt looks forward to being an official WMU alumna in the spring, and applying all she has learned to her new role at Dell. She will begin the company’s three-year supply chain development rotational program in June.   

“I believe that success is achieved through taking chances, trying out new things, and always keeping an open mind to new opportunities,” Goldschmidt says. “Finding something in your life that fulfills you, whether personally or professionally, and contributes to the greater good of society is a great feeling.”