Susan Liu
Texas A&M University, Mays Business School
“Disappears internationally without warning, but somehow still submits assignments early and color-codes for fun.”
Fun fact about yourself: I did a polar plunge in Antarctica.
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
High School: The Woodlands College Park High School
Major: Supply Chain Management
Favorite Business Course: SCMT 334: Purchasing Practices
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
- Texas A&M Student Senate Chair and Mays Business School Senator (2024-2025)
- Served on the Legislative Relations Commission during the 88th Session (2022-2024)
- Aggie Supply Chain Professionals Secretary (2025-2026)
- Scholars of Finance Vice President of Marketing (2025)
Where have you interned during your college career?
- United States Space Force
- The Pentagon (Arlington, VA)
- Public Affairs Strategy and Assessment Intern
- LyondellBasell
- Houston, TX
- Supply Chain Intern
- Lockheed Martin
- Fort Worth, TX
- Supply Chain Intern, International F-35 Co-Production
Where will you be working after graduation? I’ve been admitted to Lockheed Martin’s 3-year rotational Operations Leadership Development Program (OLDP). I will be an OLDP Associate in Orlando, Florida.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I’ve learned studying business is “you’re not the best”. You are not the best at everything, and you are not meant to be. Early on, I believed success came from relying on myself and trying to excel in every area. Studying business taught me that the strongest organizations are built on teams where people bring different strengths, perspectives, and expertise. No single person has all the answers. True success comes from knowing when to rely on others, valuing their contributions, and working together toward a shared goal. This lesson taught me humility and showed me that leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room, but about empowering others and trusting the collective strength of a team.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? My advice would be to stay curious and take advantage of every opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. Business is not something you fully understand from textbooks alone, so seek out internships, talk to professors, and learn from the people around you. Do not be afraid to ask questions or admit when you do not know something, because that is where the most growth happens. Also, focus on building relationships with your peers and mentors. The people you meet will challenge you, support you, and help you grow in ways you cannot achieve on your own. Most importantly, be open to discovering what you are good at and what you are not, because understanding your strengths and relying on others’ strengths is what will make you successful in business.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Looking back, the one thing I would do differently is step outside of my comfort zone sooner. Early in business school, I focused on doing well academically and proving myself, but I did not always take full advantage of opportunities to speak up, ask questions, or pursue experiences that felt intimidating. Over time, I realized that growth comes from being uncomfortable and putting yourself in situations where you can learn from others. If I could do it again, I would trust myself more and seek out those opportunities earlier, because some of the most valuable lessons in business school come from the conversations, challenges, and experiences outside the classroom.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? At Texas A&M’s Mays Business School, AI has been integrated through new academic programming, including an Artificial Intelligence in Business minor and partnerships that give students access to advanced AI tools. These initiatives help students learn generative AI, machine learning, and how AI can improve decision-making and innovation in business. One insight I gained from using AI is that it enhances productivity but still depends on human judgment. AI can accelerate analysis and generate ideas, but meaningful insights come from knowing how to guide it and apply its output thoughtfully.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? One personal achievement I am most proud of is working at my parents’ restaurant. Growing up, I watched my parents build their business from the ground up after immigrating to the United States, and being able to contribute to something they sacrificed so much for has been incredibly meaningful. Working there taught me responsibility at a young age and showed me firsthand how much effort it takes to run a business. Through this experience, I learned lessons that cannot be taught in a classroom, including how to manage difficult situations, serve customers with empathy, and stay resilient during long and demanding days. It gave me a deep appreciation for hard work and shaped my perspective on leadership and perseverance. This experience is especially meaningful to me because it represents not only my own growth, but also the sacrifices my parents made to create opportunities for our family.
Which classmate do you most admire? One classmate I admire is Logan Jaure. From the moment we met he quickly became someone I could always rely on. Logan is one of the most genuine and supportive people I know. He shows up for others without hesitation, listens without judgment, and brings a sense of calm and positivity no matter the situation. What I admire most about Logan is his character. He is kind, loyal, and unapologetically himself. He has supported me through both academic and personal challenges, and I know I would not have had the same business school experience without him. Logan is not just someone I admire professionally, but someone I am grateful to call one of my closest friends.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? The person I would most want to thank for my success is my dad. He immigrated to the United States with very little, leaving behind everything familiar in order to create better opportunities for our family. He faced uncertainty, language barriers, and countless challenges, but he never gave up. Watching his resilience taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. He showed me what it means to build something from nothing and to keep going even when the path is difficult. Because of him, I have opportunities he never had, including the chance to pursue higher education and build a career I am passionate about. His sacrifices motivate me every day to work harder, stay humble, and make the most of the opportunities in front of me. Everything I achieve is a reflection of the foundation he built for me.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
* Earn my MBA. I want to continue developing my leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills so I can make a greater impact in my career and grow into leadership roles.
* Travel the world through my career, visiting suppliers and working with international teams. I want a career that challenges me, broadens my perspective, and connects me with people across different cultures.
What made Susan such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2026?
“Susan Liu has more excitement and passion for supply chain management and for understanding how global supply chains truly operate than any other student in the 2026 class, and she channels that enthusiasm into action in ways that tangibly elevate everyone around her. She was always the first to sign up for every facility tour we organized, not just to ‘see’ the facility, but to ask thoughtful questions, connect with professionals at the facility, and then bring those insights back into the classroom. Throughout her time at Mays Business School, Susan has consistently demonstrated a rare combination of intellectual curiosity, humility, and quiet confidence that defines our very best leaders.”
Jon M. Stauffer
Associate Professor
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