Paige Kugelman
“Passionate about learning and achieving success, while having an outrageously odd sense of humor.”
Fun fact about yourself: I was part of a German foreign exchange student program!
Hometown): Milford, NJ
High School: Delaware Valley Regional High School
Major: Management
Minor: Psychology
Favorite Business Courses: Human Resource Management
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- Zeta Tau Alpha – Held Academic Achievement Chairwoman Position from Spring 2016-Fall 2016
- Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM)- Current President
- New Jersey Collegiate Business Administration Association Honor Society
- Dean’s List 7/7 Semesters
- Order of Omega- Member
- Beta Gamma Sigma- Member
- Golden Key International Honour Society
- Nola Tree Project- Volunteer Work in New Orleans, LA
Where have you interned during your college career?
PVH Corp., Bridgewater NJ
Human Resources Intern- Corporate Division
Roles: Review Resumes, phone screen and interview potential candidates. Recruit at College Career Fairs.
PVH Corp., Bridgewater NJ
Human Resources Intern- Retail Division
Roles: Processed new hire paperwork, terminations and verified information on I9 and W4 forms. Created job postings on iCIMS for open retail positions.
Mack Boring & Parts Co., Union NJ
Business Unit Management Intern
Roles: Processed part orders and credit card payments within the company’s ERP System. Dealt directly with customers both in person and via email or phone. Handled customer complaints
Describe your dream Job: My dream job is not about the place, but about what I am doing. Wherever I find myself, I want to be helping people. I want to work in Human Resources, but ultimately would like to focus on corporate social responsibility and helping communities, the environment and workers.
Who is your favorite professor? With such amazing faculty at TCNJ it is hard to select just one professor. My two favorite professors, Dr. Waheeda Lilivek and Dr. Brenda Ghitulescu, have solidified my passion for Human Resources. Both professionals in the Human Resources field, their various management and HR classes have added to my learning. Both are not only knowledgeable on the topic they teach, but are passionate, kind and driven women I see as role models.
Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? Working for PVH, I have grown to admire CEO Manny Chirico. Manny not only focuses on the bottom line, but also shows passion for corporate social responsibility. I admire how he structures his company to support communities, preserve the environment and empower people.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? I enjoyed the large amount of group work required when majoring in a business-related field. The group work allowed me to build connections with my peers, and overall prepared me for working in teams throughout my various internships.
Where would you like to work after graduation? (Right now I am keeping an open mind and looking into various opportunities. I would love to work full time at PVH, but seeking a career in Human Resources I feel I can find myself at any company. My overall goal is to work for a company who is passionate about their people, and has an interest in corporate social responsibility.
What are your long-term professional goals? My long-term professional goals involve growth. My ultimate goal would be to find myself on the senior executive board in a human resources role. I believe we need more business women in leadership roles and I hope to one day become a strong female leader in my field.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? My advice would be to make connections. Business is all about networking and therefore it is important to utilize your time at TCNJ. Make an attempt to join business clubs and meet new people. Take advantage of office hours and create lasting connections with your professors.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I completed my first internship as a Business Unit Management Intern and was exposed to all areas of the business, including Human Resources.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…a forensic psychologist.”
“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…statistics. I was never exposed to this subject in high school and starting as a management major I did not believe I would need it. However I soon learned that statistics is key to achieving success in management.“
What was the happiest moment of your life? One of the happiest moments of my life thus far was high school graduation. It was the end of some of the best years of my life, and the beginning of this incredible journey I have had at TCNJ. Most memorable of that day was being able to give the salutatorian speech. Speaking at graduation had always been one of my goals. After years of hard work in school, I was finally able to achieve it.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? One achievement I am most proud of occurred at my internship at PVH. As part of the internship, I prepared and delivered a presentation to over 100 associates, including various senior leaders within the company. I was able to research and present various proposals on ways to improve corporate social responsibility within the company, a topic I am extremely passionate about. When I returned the summer after I learned that my idea had been implemented and incorporated into PVH’s various offices.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? A giraffe. Giraffes, with their long necks, are always looking up and reaching for the highest leaves on the trees. Similarly, in my professional career, I am always looking up and reaching for ways to better my professional self. I am not content with average and instead want to learn more and challenge myself. I constantly want to grow and experience new and exciting opportunities.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My parents. They have always been supportive in everything I do, without pushing or demanding perfection. It is because of my parents that I developed self-drive and motivation.
What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like my business school peers to say that I tried to make a difference and an impact on campus. One of my biggest goals this year has been to build back up the Society of Human Resource Management Club. Taking on the role of President, I was able to increase membership from two members to over 20 members. I hope through this club to build a strong presence of Human Resources interest on this campus. Most importantly, I hope to create a network to help underclassman find internships in the Human Resources field.
Favorite book: The Hunger Games Series
Favorite movie: Big Fish
Favorite musical performer: Lee Brice
Favorite vacation spot: Ocean City, Maryland
What are your hobbies? Baking, reading, shopping, running
What made Paigesuch an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?
“Paige is exemplary of the type of engaging and driven student we have in the School of Business at TCNJ. As a student in two of my classes, she has always been eager to inquire, reflect and participate in the material. These are attributes that are highly expected and valued in our small, discussion-based classes. In addition, she takes initiative in many extracurricular activities, including her role as president of our student chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management, complemented by a succession of internships in human resources that will direct her towards her career path. She is able to see the big picture, while paying attention to the finest of details. Paige is articulate, personable and thoughtful, and a pleasure to have as a student!”
Dr. Waheeda Lillevik,
Associate Professor of Management
The College of New Jersey
DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017
Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.