2022 Best & Brightest Business Major: Bailey Loughnane, Syracuse University (Whitman)

Bailey Loughnane

Syracuse University, Martin J. Whitman School of Management

“I answered these questions while listening to the Wu Tang Clan.”

Fun fact about yourself: Won “Most Distinct Laugh” in high school.

Hometown: San Diego, CA

High School: Poway High School

Major: Supply Chain Management & Chemistry

Favorite Business Course: SOM 354 (Managing in a Global Setting)

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

  • Whitman Ambassador
  • Whitman Leadership Scholar
  • Whitman Senior Class Marshal
  • Syracuse Success Scholar

Where have you interned during your college career?

Medline Industries, Virtual (Chicago, IL)

Product Management Intern

Where will you be working after graduation?

Medline Industries, Chicago, I)

Associate Product Manager

Who is your favorite professor? I have always answered this with a very diplomatic answer, but I guess I am finally going to be outed. While there are so many wonderful professors I have had at Whitman that have helped shape my academic career, Professor Petosa has been my favorite since I first visited campus and he invited me to sit in on his class. Once I had him as a professor, my respect for him grew and he is a mountainous figure I hope to successfully walk in the shoes of. I am someone that cannot sit still, and I need constant change and challenge. When I learned of his diverse background and saw all of the different disciplines Petosa excelled in, I saw that I wouldn’t have to ever be bored in my career.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Although it is not necessarily a specific lesson, Whitman has helped me to work in groups. “Plays well with others” is an unspoken characteristic that manifests in the majority of business students from the repeated group projects in all of our classes throughout four years.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Do it. Even if you don’t want to major in it, the effort for pursuing a minor in business will pay for itself. Chances are, regardless of what field someone goes into, they will be part of a business in some way or will use the skills developed in a business education. Having a business background in your back pocket is an edge and competitive advantage that is second-to-none.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? The culture that exists in Whitman. There is no other school on campus that comes with a personality trait. There is a shared drive to succeed at the highest level possible, and it is what makes Whitman as great it is.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Join a club. I wish I had joined a club that would have given me additional resources and taught me things that a textbook or class setting can’t.

What business executive do you admire most? Daniel Ek, the CEO of Spotify. He has been questioned recently and has followed through with his gut decisions. I admire that he is sticking to what he knows best and is not bending for anyone.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am still so proud that I got into Syracuse. Until I graduate, being accepted will be my greatest achievement. I sacrificed a lot to get here, and it has been great to not take a moment for granted and ensure those sacrifices were worth it.

Which classmate do you most admire? Jonathan Grainger. I have yet to see a work ethic paralleled to his. There are few people that are capable of displaying dedication at the degree that he does. All activities and all classes he fully commits to and I commend such a ferocious work ethic. Jonny has an unquestionable positive character that makes me happy to have him as a friend and someone I will continue to learn from for as long as I can.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents have been the wind in my sails for all of my academic career, but I give my dad the most credit for my tenacity. He has always taught me that all things worth doing are hard, and the satisfaction of a job well done is better than any reward someone can give you. I hope to pass that message along to anyone that takes after me.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? In fifth grade, we did a field trip called BizTown and I unwaveringly wanted to be a CEO. That dream has not subsided, and I hope the next time I join an executive team it isn’t a field trip or capstone, but the real thing. My other goal is to continue my education and pursue either my MBA or master’s in a related discipline.

What are your hobbies? Cooking is my biggest hobby, but I also love to spend as much time as possible outside and am a fanatic mountain biker.

What made Bailey such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2022?

“Bailey is a special talent.  He’s the kind of student that all professors dream of having in class.  He asks great questions, he seeks to understand the material rather than just get a good grade (which he does that too).  It is a pleasure to try to answer his questions, because he is actually raising the understanding of the entire class. He is that rare student who has the courage to ask why and not be embarrassed or stifled by peer pressure. Most importantly, he always has a smile on his face and he is perfectly willing to accept any new challenge whether it be academic or personal. Not only were we fortunate that he made the trek across the country from California to enjoy the snow, but anyone he works for in the future will be made better for having him part of their organization.”

John J. Petosa
Professor of Practice

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