Double major, triple impact

Note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.

Renee Joseph is a familiar face in Arizona’s Southeast Valley — whether she’s serving customers at the Eastmark community Starbucks or volunteering at Mountain View Church. She’s also a double graduate of Arizona State University, earning Bachelor of Science degrees in digital marketing and supply chain management from the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Graduating with distinction, Joseph is ready to begin her next chapter as a human resource specialist at Insight, a global technology solutions provider in Chandler, Arizona.

Coursework and hands-on experiences shaped Joseph’s journey at ASU. As a communications assistant for the W. P. Carey School of Business, she contributed to strategic initiatives while working part-time at Starbucks. Balancing her studies, job responsibilities, and volunteer work, she approached each role with dedication and poise.

"I learned early on that you get out of life what you put into it," she says.

That advice stuck. By Joseph's final year, she'd added a second major. She developed a passion for negotiation, largely thanks to Professor Vitikas and his SCM 455 course.

"Before that class, I didn't realize how much we negotiate daily," Joseph says. "It helped me understand that advocating for yourself isn't about being pushy — it's about knowing your worth.

Joseph also credits her education with helping her find purpose. A course on global supply operations opened her eyes to how interconnected business truly is.

"Without that class, I might never have discovered how impactful the supply chain is," she says.

Despite juggling jobs, volunteering, and two majors, Joseph says she's most grateful for the people who supported her along the way — and encourages current students to take full advantage of the support around them.

"This is the only time when you're an adult and people are eager to help you," she says.

From mastering negotiation to gaining a global perspective on business, Joseph reflects on the defining experiences of her ASU journey — insights that will shape her career and her commitment to making a difference.

Q: What's something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

Answer: One of the key takeaways from my time at ASU is that "you get out of life what you put into it." I found that very true, whether that be your attitude or your work ethic. Early in college, my dad encouraged me to connect with students ahead of me to learn from their experiences. That simple piece of advice shaped so much of my college journey. Through those conversations, I gained insight into different career paths, interesting classes, and practical advice that was incredibly helpful. It taught me the value of being proactive, seeking new perspectives, and building meaningful connections. Networking is more powerful than most people think.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: Professor Vitikas taught SCM 455 (Research & Negotiation) with lessons that extended beyond the business world and applied to everyday life. The most important lesson I learned is never to settle and always to be willing to negotiate for what you want. Before this class, I often accepted things at face value, but now I understand that negotiation is a skill we use constantly, even outside work. From managing schedules to navigating big life decisions like salary, it's something we do more than we realize.

Taking SCM 455 alongside other courses, such as WPC 448, was instrumental in my final semester, especially as I navigated the job search. Before taking this course, I did not have the confidence to negotiate a salary. However, Professor Vitikas helped erase the stigma I associated with negotiation. He helped me realize it's not about being pushy but about advocating for yourself. He often reminded us: "In life, you don't get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate.

Q: What's the best advice for those still in school?

A: I was told in college, "This is the only time when you are an adult and people are eager to help you". It initially felt a little blunt, but as I'm leaving college and starting to enter a new chapter in my life, Arizona State University, especially W. P. Carey, has many resources for students to use. From free platforms and applications to mentorship programs, there's so much available if you take the time to look. College is a critical time in your life where you have so many mentors, such as professors, bosses, peers, etc., who are willing and able to help you and want to see you succeed. Use that support now and share with others what you've learned.

It is important always to have a mentor ahead of you and to pour into someone who's a few steps behind you; both are equally important.

Q: How will your ASU education continue to support your career after graduation?

A: My education at ASU helped me explore the wide range of career paths available in business. By taking core classes like finance and accounting, I saw what life in those careers could look like. But SCM 300, Global Supply Operations, truly shaped my path. I took it at the end of my sophomore year and liked it so much that I added supply chain management as a second major.

Without that course, I might have never discovered how impactful the supply chain is. Since then, I've learned to think more globally, understand how AI shapes business, and analyze how operations function across different industries. That exposure will continue to guide me no matter where my career takes me.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: If someone gave me $40 million, I would tackle the housing crisis in the U.S. and worldwide. I'm blessed to have traveled across the United States and internationally, and in doing so, I've seen firsthand how many people live without shelter. It's heartbreaking to witness, but it's a powerful reminder of the things we often take for granted. I would use the money to provide temporary housing, long-term shelter options, and the resources people need to get back on their feet, including job training and mental health support. Housing is a basic need, and no one should have to live without it.