South Carolina native awarded fellowship to enhance global operations and supply chain knowledge
The Darla Moore School of Business has presented International MBA candidate Alex Outen with numerous opportunities to gain a global business perspective.
As an undergraduate student at the Moore School and as a South Carolina native, Outen, '24, experienced an impactful internship with Dell Technologies in Austin, Texas, and studied abroad in Greece.
With those U.S. and international experiences inspiring him to enroll in the Moore School’s International MBA, Outen says the program “builds on my foundation in operations and supply chain and business analytics while expanding the global perspective I first gained in Greece when I studied abroad. I went straight into the IMBA after earning my bachelor’s to keep that momentum and prepare for leadership in global operations and supply chain.”
Outen was able to enroll in the distinguished IMBA program with the support of the Pozen Fellowship, founded by Robert “Bob” Charles Pozen. The fellowship awards full tuition to students from South Carolina pursuing an IMBA, with the aim of encouraging them to return to the state and contribute to its workforce.
“Being a Pozen Scholar has helped me feel supported as I transition into the IMBA program by connecting me with valuable resources that enhance both my academic and professional growth,” Outen says. “This fellowship means a great deal to me because it not only eases the financial burden of pursuing graduate studies but also affirms my potential to succeed and contribute as a future leader in global business.”
The Pozen Fellowship also provided Outen the opportunity to attend the National Black MBA Association Conference in Houston, where he and his team were finalists in the case competition.
“Experiences like the conference, combined with the support of the Pozen Fellowship, have strengthened my professional network, enhanced my practical skills, and reinforced my commitment to using supply chain and operations expertise to create a positive impact on people and the world,” Outen says.
In the IMBA program, Outen is building advanced skills in global supply chain management, operations strategy and business analytics, including data-driven decision-making and process improvement.
“I also hope to further develop my leadership acumen, strategic thinking and cross-cultural collaboration skills that will prepare me to manage complex international business challenges effectively,” he says.
Through the IMBA program, Outen’s next trip abroad will be to Valencia, Spain, “because it offers a unique opportunity to study business in a dynamic European market while experiencing the country’s rich cultural and economic diversity as a major hub for trade and logistics,” he says.
When asked about his future goals after his international immersion, Outen says that he sees himself in a leadership role within global operations or supply chain management, driving process improvements and data-driven strategies that positively impact people and “make the world a better place.”
“Ultimately, my career goal is to be a leader in international business operations where I can combine my applied learning from both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, internships/work experiences and professional learning opportunities," he says. "I aspire to gain wisdom from a network of dynamic mentors to optimize performance while creating meaningful, sustainable impact in South Carolina and around the world.”
-Amanda Green