Students at the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics have almost 30 unique student groups that they can choose to join. In each installment of this series, an executive member of one of these student groups will share their first-hand experience choosing, participating in and eventually leading their group.
Tyler Cohen, Class of 2020 operations management major and professional selling and sales management minor, is the president of the Operations Management Association (OMA) at the Lerner College. Cohen shared why he joined the OMA, what makes this group unique and more!
When and why did you choose to join this student group?
Cohen: I joined OMA at the beginning of my junior year. This was the first year OMA was an RSO on campus and I was taking an introduction to operations management course, BUAD306, at the time I joined. I wanted to learn more about the opportunities within the operations field and was able to do so with the help of the executive board from last year.
What is the mission of your student group?
Cohen: We hope to generate curiosity among UD students interested in a career path within operations management. Whether students are involved with the major, pursuing a business-related degree or have a concentrated study in an alternative discipline, we hope to encourage our group members in their career aspirations utilizing operations-related skills.
What is your best memory from this student group?
Cohen: The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) networking event that I attended last semester was probably my best memory with OMA. Students registered for free to sit in on professional networking events that supply chain professionals from various companies within the area attend. Introducing myself to these professionals, as well as learning about what they do for a living, was a unique opportunity for me to experience.
What is unique about your student group?
Cohen: We work with APICS very closely. This is a great networking opportunity for the rest of the students and me to be a part of. We can learn from real-world professionals about their experiences working within supply chain.
What has been your proudest moment leading your student group?
Cohen: I was able to get in contact with a campus recruiter from Bloomberg for a networking opportunity. Recruiters from Bloomberg will be coming to campus to talk to OMA students that are interested in working with the company post-graduation.
What are your goals for the future of your student group?
Cohen: To raise awareness of OMA as well as the operations management major. We hope to develop a strong alumni network and have recent graduates who were in OMA come back to talk about their real-life work experiences.
How has your student group helped you grow?
Cohen: As president, I appoint various tasks to my executive board and come up with a plan before every meeting. This leadership experience has been a great way to learn how to communicate better with others as well as staying organized and coming up with long-term and short-term goals for the club.
The OMA has approximately 60 members and meets in Perkins Student Center.