Career Path of a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman
Marissa's career path started with a political science degree, followed by "a dream job" as an event planner and fundraiser, which led to an MBA in supply chain management at Syracuse University after recognizing a need for "business savvy." This pivot resulted in an internship at AT&T and Marissa's current position as a Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist at Northrop Grumman, showcasing a successful transition from politics to the business world.
Career Pivoting, Supply Chain Management, MBA, Business Acumen, Networking
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Marissa Simone
Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Pepperdine University
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey, MBA in Supply Chain
Political Science, American Studies
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Marissa's career path demonstrates that a non-traditional route can lead to a fulfilling career. Her background in political science unexpectedly led her to a successful career in supply chain management.
2. Her decision to pursue an MBA in supply chain management showcases the value of professional development and acquiring in-demand skills.
3. Marissa's internship at AT&T's headquarters highlights the importance of internships in gaining practical experience and making career connections.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college? Did you have any internships or jobs before your current role?
For my undergraduate education, I studied political science at Pepperdine University's Seaver College in California. It was a very traditional liberal arts education with a focus on political science, great books, and colloquium. I was passionate about political science and, being from Washington D.C., I personally always thought I would work in politics.
After graduating from Pepperdine, I got my dream job at a think tank in Washington D.C. I worked as an event planner and fundraiser in their development department. I loved that job, but after about five years, I saw that the donors I worked with had a business savvy and tools that I didn't possess.
I wanted that business knowledge and to speak their language, realizing I had a lot of untapped potential. So, I decided to go to business school full-time and got my MBA at ASU. I studied supply chain because I knew there were many opportunities in this industry across commodities. I also knew ASU was one of the best in the country for supply chain.
I did the full-time MBA program, and while there, I interned at AT&T's headquarters in Dallas for a summer. Right after graduation, I started working at Northrop Grumman in aerospace and defense, where I work today. There have been a couple of career pivots, but I am very grateful to land where I am right now.