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A Day in the Life of a Poole Student

What’s a day like in the life of an NC State University Poole College of Management undergraduate student?

We followed Alaina Martineau and Justin Mason, junior business administration majors at Poole College, through their days' various activities and responsibilities on and off campus.

February 4, 2020 superuser 4-min. read

Alaina and Justin are two of the finest examples of how the university and the college offer an academically and culturally enriching student experience and promote the training that will allow them to succeed in their careers and beyond.

From serving as president of the Supply Chain Club to taking a law course, from studying abroad in Ireland to playing in a campus ministry band, Alaina and Justin have found that the diverse opportunities at Poole College make their student lives fulfilling.

Alaina Martineau

Originally from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Alaina is a class of 2021 business administration major, with a concentration in operations and supply chain, and accounting minor.

Extracurriculars

I currently work on campus at University Student Legal Services. Working at Legal Services for the past three years has allowed me to acclimate to a professional setting. In addition, I am involved in the Raleigh Wesley Foundation (RWF), which is a Methodist campus ministry that serves students from NC State University, Shaw University, William Peace University and Meredith College. I am also in the praise band at RWF and play the flute during our time of worship.

No matter what your interests may be, NC State has a club for it. – Alaina Martineau

Academics

For the past two years I have been involved in the Poole College of Management Supply Chain Club, and I currently serve as president of the club. I work with the other officers to coordinate learning and networking opportunities for students interested in supply chain.

Alaina Martineau (left) talks to a participant at the 2019 Supply Chain Resource Cooperative (SCRC) Gallery Walk at Hunt Library. Martineau is the current president of the Poole College Supply Chain Club.

The club goes on facility and production-plant tours, invites guest speakers to present at club meetings and hosts its own recruiting event the night before the Poole College Career Fair. I enjoy being a part of this community because it helps me feel better prepared for my career. The vast amounts of networking opportunities have made me more comfortable speaking with professionals in the industry.

Minoring in accounting, Alaina Martineau (left) converses with Richard Barnes, a lecturer in the accounting department at Poole College of Management.

Pack Pride

I chose NC State University after attending the A Day at State event in Nelson Hall. I remember being a senior in high school, unsure of where I wanted to go to school or what I wanted to do. It was at this event that I first learned about what supply chain is and all of the opportunities a career in supply chain would provide. Being a member of the PoolePack provides me with a community of like-minded students; and, there is always something exciting happening on campus. There are so many clubs, intramural sports and extracurricular activities to get involved in. No matter what your interests may be, NC State has a club for it.

Alaina Martineau sits outside of Global Village coffee shop on Hillsborough Street.

Justin Mason

Originally from Roswell, Georgia, Justin is a class of 2021 business administration major, with a concentration in operations and supply chain management.

Extracurriculars

I am a Poole College of Management student ambassador, a university ambassador and chancellor’s aide. I have two part-time jobs, one at Alumni Hall Stores as a key holder and one with NC State University Wellness and Recreation as a facility operations assistant.

Chancellor Randy Woodson (left) talks with Justin Mason (far right) and another student at the Chancellor’s Fall Address during Homecoming Week 2019.

I am also a member of the NC State Rowing Club. All of this enhances my life as a student by allowing me to get involved with NC State and the admissions processes for both the university and my specific college and by giving me that academics-life balance.

A member of the NC State Rowing Club, Justin Mason (far right) practices with his team at Lake Wheeler Park.

Academics

The General Education Program, as part of my degree requirements, has allowed me to take classes in fields of study outside of my major (such as ethics in my law course), which in general helps me learn more about my other academic interests.

Justin Mason (right) listens to Don Warsing, associate professor of operations and supply chain management at Poole College, give instruction during office hours.

Pack Pride

I chose NC State because of all of the great opportunities and experiences the university offers to its students. By utilizing the resources of the largest public institution in North Carolina, I have been able to make the most of my time in college thus far, from taking advantage of all of the career prep and services offered by both NC State and Poole College of Management to studying abroad in Cork, Ireland, for a semester and even learning and falling in love with a brand new sport: rowing.

Justin Mason (left) meets with Ellen Frost, the assistant director of Global Programs at Poole College of Management.

I’m also receiving a world-class education from professors who have worked in the field and are truly passionate about what they teach. What I most enjoy about being a member of the Wolfpack and PoolePack is being a part of such a giant network of intelligent, welcoming and passionate students, faculty and alumni all over the world.