Get to Know Our Students: Jennifer Harrison

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Name: Jennifer Harrison
Current Position: Logistics Analyst
Current Industry: Supply Chain Logistics
Track (1 or 2 year): 2-year

“The MSM program has provided me with the tools necessary to approach complex, global issues with a solution-based mindset, followed up with action.”

What sparked your interest in sustainability, and how do you define it personally?
My interest in sustainability was sparked by a number of things. My undergraduate degree was in Psychology, with a minor in Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Doing my part to co-create a healthier and more equitable world has been my north star, but after undergrad, I felt the need to broaden my perspective around how to best approach this in my life’s work. A deep respect for the interconnectedness of all parts of the web of life and the desire to play an active role in systemic change led me in the direction of sustainability.

Sustainability has many definitions, most of which resonate with me in one form or another. To me, it is centered in replacing systems of imbalance, oppression, and harm, with regenerative systems that honor all of life and the balance of resources for the current and future generations. Then, we must do the tough work in the middle, knowing that progress is the ultimate goal, not perfection. Sustainability is balance, it is being willing to push for and celebrate small wins where we can get them, and being willing to work with those who think, speak, and act differently than us. It is planting trees that we will never sit in the shade of and caring for the great-great-grandchildren of a stranger on the other side of the world, who we will never meet. It is the acknowledgment that we are inseparable from all that is, was, and will be, and tending to that with care and steadfast determination. It is knowing that we cannot solve every problem, but we can do our part in being part of the solution.

What motivated you to choose USC’s Online Master of Sustainability Management program? What were your goals when applying?
When applying to master’s programs, I was looking for a well-rounded program, top-notch faculty that were accessible, classmates who were passionate about their studies and career paths in sustainability, and flexibility of my location. I had already completed a certificate program at NYU on clean energy as a way to test whether this might be the right direction for me, and I never looked back. When it came time to apply for grad school, the USC Online Master of Sustainability Management program became my top choice, as it provided all of what I was looking for in a program. I wanted to learn about policy and finance, but also wanted to learn about the supply chain, circular economy, and sustainability leadership. I didn’t know exactly the direction I wanted to go in my sustainability career, so I really valued the variety of topics covered in the MSM program. Gaining more clarity around personal career and impact goals, and having the right support was very important.

Can you describe your journey in the MSM program so far? 
Enlightening and empowering. The circumstances that we face globally are challenging, to say the least. The MSM program has provided me with the tools necessary to approach complex, global issues with a solution-based mindset, followed up with action. If we aren’t careful about the media we consume, it is easy to fall into believing that there are less people working towards a better world than there really are. Every day, I am reminded that there are millions of people who are dedicating their lives to leaving this earth and its life better than they found it.

How has your experience been balancing online classes with other commitments?
The two-year program has been very manageable with my full-time job.

How have the faculty members in the MSM program influenced your learning experience so far?
They have been incredibly passionate, supportive, and inspiring. They all have provided unique experiences and perspectives. I do remember the beginning of our first class, Introduction to Sustainability, we did the usual introductions, shared a little about ourselves, and then Prof. Petryshyn went on to share about her background. Not only is she a professor, researcher, and faculty coordinator, but she works to make a professional sports team’s stadium sustainable. Oh, and she offers assistance to NASA in their search for life on Mars in her free time. I wouldn’t blame her if she didn’t have much extra time for students, but she always found time to answer my questions and set up a meeting outside of class hours. She even connected me to other researchers who shared similar interests and goals as myself.

Have you been able to apply any concepts from your classes to your current role?
Oh, absolutely! My employer has recently begun their first ESG initiative and I have been able to implement much of what I have learned thus far into conversations in the workplace on the topic of sustainability. Working in logistics has enabled me to gain working knowledge of the global supply chain, which we often discuss through the lens of environmental, social, governance, and economic perspectives.

How do you see the MSM program influencing your career path or future goals?
It has already had such an impact on my career path. I developed an interest in sustainability of the global supply chain early in the MSM program and I recently started working in the industry. Whether I stay in this industry for my whole career is to be determined. Sustainability touches nearly every aspect of life and business so there is a lot of opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in the program.

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the MSM program, especially those who might be hesitant about online learning?
I was hesitant about online learning, especially after having spent so much time online during the pandemic. The accessibility of the faculty and their willingness to help students has really shown. It is clear that they are passionate about their work as sustainability professionals and as educators. The online program brings together such a variety of people from all walks of life to work toward a more sustainable, equitable, and healthy future. Online learning, just like in-person learning, is what you make of it. There is more than enough support available from faculty and students to make it an incredibly valuable learning experience, should you choose.

Learn more about the Online Master of Sustainability Management program.

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