Many students at Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management decide to take on more than one major. Bailey Loughnane ’22 (WHIT/NEW) is one such student, but he’s taken a chance on an unconventional route, being one of the first students to participate in a dual major between the Whitman School and the College of Arts & Sciences.
“The dual program is what drew me. I chose Syracuse University out of all of my acceptances because it is so flexible,” says Loughnane, who is majoring in supply chain management at the Whitman School and chemistry at the College of Arts & Sciences. “Pursuing two different areas of study is very stimulating, and I feel excited to attend class each day.”
The dual program between the two schools is a recent development at the University, and Loughnane is part of only the second class to have the ability to participate. He says, “I feel empowered knowing that I’m forging a new path for people after me and setting the example that it is possible.”
A native of San Diego, California, Loughnane explains why he is pursuing such a unique major combination, “I’m doing this because originally I wanted to work in the medical field, but I realized I was squeamish. Still, I knew I wanted to work in that area., so leaning towards the business side can assist me in being able to help people without becoming a doctor.”
Even with his heavy course load, Loughnane champions the success of prospective students by serving as a Whitman student ambassador. He also works as a peer mentor, helping new students adjust to Whitman’s culture and offering guidance to internal transfer students.
Loughnane also speaks fondly of Delta Sigma Pi, the business fraternity of which he is a member. He says, “It’s the single most important thing I joined in terms of improving my professionalism. It helped me realize how I want to confidently present myself in a professional setting, the basics of writing a formal email and how to improve my interview skills.”
Although Loughnane admittedly has had to work especially hard to make the Dean’s List, he attributes his success to a strong support system, including his professors. “They’re genuine people who want the best for their students. I look at my professors and want to be like them,” he says. He also thanks his parents for ongoing wisdom and mentorship, saying,“My parents inspire me. My dad joined the Navy after high school, and then he went back to college. I was able to watch him graduate and that was a unique experience.”
On some of Loughnane’s most stressful days, he remembers a lesson that his father taught him. “No matter what path I take, if I work hard, I will end up where I want and am supposed to be,” he shares. “Once, when we were running, and we were struggling, my dad said, ‘If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.’”
He also shares that he found a passion for cooking and food, because he learned about the industry from watching his mother work in it for 20 years.
Loughnane’s goals include working for a company, such as Pfizer, Medline Industries or MedImpact, or possibly even a consumer packaged goods (CPG) company. “I’m hoping to work in the pharmaceutical industry doing supply chain work. I like it because it is a relationship-oriented field where you have to negotiate and create contracts, as well as study politics and international business,” he says. “I could potentially change the stigma given to the pharmaceutical industry and highlight the strategies that these companies are using to make medication more affordable for people.”
Learn more about Whitman students and their experiences.
While at Syracuse, Maya works as a instructional assistant, serves on the Student Conduct Board and the Newhouse Student Representative Committee, as well as volunteers at the Slutzker Center for International Services.
- #WhitmanWatch: Michelle Truong ’21 - January 5, 2021
- #WhitmanWatch: Ze Zeng ’23 - December 1, 2020
- Student Profile: Ying Zhang ’21 - November 27, 2020