By Luke Anderson, student writer, UW-Eau Claire News Bureau
Eric Becker
- North Mankato, Minn.
- Operations/materials management major
- What's next: Working for Stepan Company in a supply chain planning position
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UW-Eau Claire photo by Bill Hoepner |
Eric Becker lived in the fast lane while attending UW-Eau Claire.
Named the May 2010 College of Business outstanding undergraduate, his five years at the university included not only academics but a study-abroad experience, an international business internship, a faculty-student research project and participation in numerous student organizations.
Becker took a big step in making his career dream a reality when he interned with H&T International Transportation Ltd. in Guangzhou, China, in the summer of 2008. He worked in H&T's overseas department, where he was responsible for communicating with customers and handling documentation as the freight forwarder. He also followed up on leads, accompanied a co-worker on a sourcing trip to Chinese factories and learned about the logistics industry in southern China, something he wants to do in the future.
"I would like to manage a factory or supply chain in an international setting, hopefully in an expanding market such as China," he said. "I really enjoy the dynamics of living and working in a different culture."
Becker blogged about his experiences while in China, and his posts still can be read at http://www.uwec-china.blogspot.com/. He wrote about numerous aspects of his time overseas, including the differences between the American and Chinese workplaces.
Becker also said one of his best experiences at UW-Eau Claire was studying abroad in Japan and China, a separate trip from his internship.
"My study-abroad experience has defined the future of my life and given me a totally different perspective on life," he said. "I have made lifelong friends all over the world that I will try and stay in touch with."
When not overseas, Becker was just as active on campus. He participated in the Japanese Culture Society, intramural sports, Student Senate and APICS, an operations management club for which he served as president. His student-faculty collaborative research project, "Becoming a Global Leader: Examining the Barriers for Chippewa Valley Businesses," won first place in the business and professional studies category at UW-Eau Claire's Student Research Day this spring. For the project, Becker conducted interviews with 10 local businesses to investigate the barriers faced when doing international business and expanding global presence. In 2009, he was selected for the Outstanding Senior Award by College of Business faculty for his exceptional scholastic record, leadership and overall accomplishment.
After graduation, Becker will work at Stepan Company in a supply chain planning position. He has future plans to earn a master's degree.
More on Eric Becker
Future plans: In the short term I would like to gain manufacturing industry knowledge and further explore the theories I have learned in class that revolve around running your factory as efficiently as possible so you are able to respond quickly to customer requests. I would also like to further research the barriers that small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have when expanding their international presence; I participated in faculty/student collaborative research on this topic.
Unique aspects of his UW-Eau Claire experience: I always tell people that UW-Eau Claire, especially the College of Business, has said yes every time I have asked to do something. I was enjoying studying abroad in the great program at Kansai Gaidai when I asked one of my advisers if there would be an opportunity for doing an international internship. The Partnerships in International Education (PIE) grant was just coming into effect that year and led to an internship at a logistics company in China. I also stayed the academic year to study Mandarin Chinese. My adviser also encouraged me to earn my certification in production and inventory management (CPIM). UW-Eau Claire has provided opportunities at every step of my education that have allowed me to grow as a person and future business leader.
A UW-Eau Claire person, class or project that made a positive difference in his life: There are too many to name. I have had professors every semester that are willing to set aside time in their day to discuss interesting topics about business, world politics or something we are studying in class. Talking to someone excited about their field, especially a professor, is one of my favorite things to do. One example is Dr. Kristina Bourne. She is my faculty mentor for my research project. She agreed to do the project last minute (finals week last semester) and has been wonderful to work with. She is constantly guiding our research in the appropriate direction and applying what we have learned to the larger field of international business
I also have a very close relationship with a Chinese professor who was a visiting scholar to UW-Eau Claire and who helped me when I was in China and gave me learning opportunities and introduced me to many people.
Highlights of his life at UW-Eau Claire: Joining every type of club I could. I have been in everything from Japanese Culture Society, to intramurals, to Student Senate, to APICS (a management club). You name it, I have tried it. Also the friends I met in my first few years on campus in the dorms are still my roommates today.
How he defines the UW-Eau Claire Advantage: Opportunity. You are the only person holding yourself back from doing whatever you want. Anyone has the opportunity to become a leader in an organization, be involved in student government, study abroad or learn more than you thought possible from your professors.
Advice for success to incoming UW-Eau Claire students: Be passionate. You have opportunities that college can give you only for a short time. Enjoy learning every day and don't make excuses about why you can't do something. Study efficiently so that you have time for new interests and having fun. Also, don't be average. Find something that you enjoy where you can specialize or do something others can't; opportunities come up when you are the specialist in a particular field.
Learn about other featured May 2010 graduates
