Supply chain grad finds her voice at ASU
Nuttavarin Wongwilaivarin is graduating this May with a master's in supply chain management from the W. P. Carey School of Business.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
The first time Nuttavarin Wongwilaivarin experienced culture shock was in 2022, when she left her family, friends and job in Thailand to move to San Francisco with her mother. The second came in fall 2025, when she relocated to Arizona State University's West Valley campus to pursue her graduate degree.
For the first time, Wongwilaivarin was living completely on her own, without family nearby. With only a small Thai student community on campus, she said she found it difficult to connect with peers who fully understood her culture or could speak Thai with her.
Still, she says, the move was worth it.
"Studying at ASU has been not only a significant professional opportunity for me, but also a chance to grow personally and academically," Wongwilaivarin says. "W. P. Carey has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, adapt to new environments and continuously improve myself."
She is graduating this May with a Master of Science in supply chain management from the W. P. Carey School of Business.
Wongwilaivarin, who holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, logistics, materials and supply chain management from Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand, says that despite the challenges of building a life far from home, she deeply values the opportunity to pursue graduate education in the United States.
"Not many students from my background have access to this path, and I've approached it with a strong sense of commitment and responsibility," she says. "I’m determined to make the most of this experience and carry what I've learned into my career in supply chain management."
As she prepares to graduate, we caught up with Wongwilaivarin to learn more about her background and how it shaped her ASU experience.
Question: What was your “aha” moment when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: I was born and raised in Thailand, where the culture is very different from that of the United States. During my senior year of high school, all of my friends and classmates were trying to figure out what to study. It was a difficult time for all of us.
I developed a passion for supply chain after earning my undergraduate degree and starting a job where I could apply what I learned every day. Working in a field related to my studies inspired me to learn more and continue improving my education in supply chain management.
My mom was also a big influence in encouraging me to pursue the field, especially as supply chain management continues to grow. She is a hardworking woman, and seeing her get up early every day to go to work inspires me to become someone like her.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: How to take accountability for myself. I moved far away from home, and although I had been away before, I never truly felt homesick until I came to Arizona.
I previously spent time in the Bay Area, where my mom lives with her new family, who are now my family. During that time, I focused on my studies and worked on improving my English proficiency until I felt confident enough to apply to ASU. Being here has taught me to rely on myself and take better care of myself. Additionally, I've learned to step out of my comfort zone. You never know what's right for you until you try.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: I recently took SCM 532: Supply Chain Cost/Design Issues with Dale Rogers, ON Semiconductor Professor and director of the Frontier Economies Logistics Lab and the ASU Internet Edge Supply Chain Lab, and it was one of the most impactful classes I’ve had at ASU. One of the biggest lessons he taught me was not to be afraid to speak up in class and participate in discussions. He really pushed us to share our ideas and think critically, even when we weren’t completely sure.
At first, I was hesitant, but over time, I became more confident in expressing my opinions. That shift made a big difference for me. As I prepare to graduate, I realize how important this skill is — especially in the supply chain field, where communication, decision-making and problem-solving are essential. Whether you're discussing costs, optimizing processes or collaborating with a team, you need to be able to communicate clearly and stand by your ideas.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: In a world that is constantly changing and evolving, it can be difficult to figure out what you want to do with your life. Some people may not know what they want to do yet, and that’s OK — as long as you continue learning and growing every day. Try not to compare your life to others. Everyone has their own path and timeline.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I plan to move back to California and am looking forward to being closer to my family again. I’m exploring job opportunities and keeping an open mind about where my career in supply chain management might take me. If anyone reading this has an opportunity, I’d love to connect! Ultimately, my goal is to build my career while staying close to the people who matter most to me.
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