McKenzi McDonald
Brigham Young University, Marriott School of Management
Hometown: Spokane, WA
High School: Central Valley High School
Major: Global Supply Chain
Minor: Statistics
Favorite Business Courses: Global Negotiations, Logistics, Purchasing, Quality Management, Supply Chain Strategy, Operations Analytics
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- President of the Global Supply Chain Association
- Mentor for the Women in Business Club
- Institute of Supply Management (ISM) Scholarship Recipient
- 2-Year Finalist at the Annual Arizona State National Supply Chain Case Competition
Where have you interned during your college career?
Whirlpool Corporation (Benton Harbor, MI; Global Supply Chain Leadership Development Program intern in procurement)
Sewell Direct Corporation (Orem, UT; Supply Chain intern in import and purchasing logistics)
Describe your dream job: I want to inspire others. My dream job would be one where I am in a position where I can influence a lot of people. I love sharing what I know with others to help them reach their goals because that is one way I can serve them.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? A big reason I love my major has to do with the Marriott School and BYU. With BYU’s religious emphasis, the Marriott School professors stress balance between business and life. We are not just taught how to make money and be successful in a career, but we are taught how to live a successful life.
Where would you like to work after graduation? Sunrise Technologies as a Fast Track supply chain consultant.
What are your long-term professional goals? One way I measure success is improvement. My long-term professional goals involve continuously gaining knowledge and expertise that allows me to lead more people.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I was sitting at the dinner table with my family my freshman year of high school. My dad is an entrepreneur and at the dinner table we would talk about new ideas and inventions that would fill a need for people. That’s when I knew I wanted to major in business. Business will help me bring value as I continually look for new needs to fill.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…a horse trainer.”
What was the happiest moment of your life? I am happiest when I am experiencing nature with my family and friends. One specific moment was when I was walking across the Great Wall of China with my parents. At that moment, I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for God because of what He has blessed me with.
Which academic or personal achievement are you most proud of? Last year, the Institute of Supply Management awarded me a scholarship for my hard work and dedication to supply chain management. The judges told me I stood out in all aspects and they were impressed with my adoption of the motto, “See a need, fill a need” and my ability to find solutions to purchasing problems and process inefficiencies.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? A narwhal because they are legendary.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank Scott Webb. Scott is one of my supply chain professors at BYU. Dr. Webb has believed in me since the moment I started the supply chain program. He has helped me realize my potential, which has led me to accomplish great things. Dr. Webb was instrumental in my internship search. He helped build my confidence to become the leader I have always wanted to be.
Fun fact about yourself: Last summer I visited seven countries in five weeks
Favorite book: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson
Favorite movie: RED
Favorite musical performer: The Killers
Favorite vacation spot: Lake Powell
What are your hobbies? I LOVE to play basketball, but anything outside in the sun is good for me too.
What made McKenzi such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2016?
“McKenzi is a tremendously resourceful student who gets things done. She’s both professional and fun-loving and has demonstrated leadership skills that will surely be useful throughout her life. We expect great things from McKenzi in her future career and know she will have a positive impact on her employer, community and family.”
Scott Sampson
James M. Passey Professor of Global Supply Chain Management,
Brigham Young University
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