CSU Student of Distinction: Kate Tran

CSU celebrates graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling Cleveland State University’s mission in or outside the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Kate Tran, who is graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the Monte Ahuja College of Business in operations and supply chain management.

CSU: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at CSU?

KT: I had the opportunity to work as a retail operations intern at the distribution center for the Cleveland Guardians. In this role, I gained extensive hands-on experience in inventory management, inbound receiving and navigating the agile supply chain dynamics unique to various business environments. I also processed a diverse range of orders using ERP systems and participated in periodic inventory audits, product quality checks and shipping operations. 

Furthermore, I came to appreciate the culture of open communication fostered at the Guardians organization. This experience enabled me to bridge the gap between my academic studies and the practical realities of supply chain management, while simultaneously affirming my passion for the fields of procurement and operations.

CSU: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at CSU?

KT: The relationships I built with the faculty and staff at CSU have been truly meaningful, characterized by a deep sense of mentorship and support. As an international student, I believe that without the assistance of the staff and faculty, I might well have given up somewhere during my freshman year. Each individual at CSU has played a monumental role in transforming my life. From the very first days, CSU staff members met me at the airport and transported me to my dormitory; subsequently, I enrolled in ESL classes to address language barriers. Dr. Bowman, in particular, guided me and equipped me with the necessary knowledge, language proficiency and presentation skills to help me integrate more effectively as I progressed into my major coursework. 

I am deeply grateful to the faculty members for imparting knowledge to me across a wide range of disciplines—from analytics and business to accounting and IT.

I am especially grateful to the faculty members of the supply chain department for providing students with opportunities to participate in various competitions. They consistently demonstrate genuine care and prioritize the best interests of their students. A huge thank you goes to Dr. Jen-Yi Chen and Dr. Ovidiu Lucian Vatamanu for standing by me, placing their trust in me and supporting me throughout the competition. Thanks to their guidance and encouragement, I gained confidence in myself and felt my self-assurance grow day by day.

Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Cigdem Ataseven, who served as a mentor, a listener and a guide throughout my internship journey. I believe that achieving such outstanding results today is a testament to the entire staff and faculty at CSU, who empowered and guided me through the many ups and downs of my academic career.

CSU: How has CSU inspired you for your future?

KT: CSU truly inspired me and instilled the confidence to pursue bigger dreams in life. I became more open-minded, stepped out of my comfort zone and adapted to a new environment, all while developing both my life skills and practical professional expertise. CSU also helped me meet friends and companions—particularly three close friends who have added immense meaning to my life. Thanks to them, I had people to listen, encourage and support me through the ups and downs of my academic journey. 

CSU helped me gain a clearer vision of my career path within the field of supply chain management. Above all, CSU shaped my mindset and pushed me beyond my comfort zone, enabling me to continuously refine myself and become a better version of myself every single day.

CSU: How do you think you have fulfilled CSU’s mission?

KT: I believe I have fulfilled CSU’s mission by actively engaging in both academic and professional opportunities while contributing to the campus community. I overcame the challenge of studying abroad, adapting to a new culture, using a new language for daily communication and continuously improving myself with the skills I learned each day. I also gained a lot of practical knowledge from internships, participating in competitions and solving real-world problems. I connected with peers, built many good relationships and connected with many experts in various fields through CSU’s networking. Looking back, I am quite satisfied with what I have achieved at CSU.

CSU: Do you have a career lined up, and how has CSU been instrumental in that process?

KT: Currently, I am actively seeking employment opportunities related to supply chain analysis, specifically in the field of procurement analysis. CSU has played a pivotal role in equipping me with the necessary knowledge and practical learning experiences. The exceptional support provided by the faculty has helped me expand my professional network and gain clearer career direction—particularly through my involvement with the Cleveland Guardians. Furthermore, CSU encouraged my participation in various career orientation sessions, industry talks and specialized workshops, which served to firmly solidify my professional expertise. These experiences have instilled in me a greater sense of confidence as I navigate my career path.

Congratulations, Kate!