Alumni Spotlight - MacKenzie Styrlund

February 14, 2022

Why did you choose BBE/SSM while attending the University of Minnesota?

I liked the breadth of topics within the coursework - everything from engineering to business to sustainability focused materials. It really allowed for a unique perspective when entering the workforce after school. I was able to take my technical knowledge to make persuasive arguments and help make the business case.

Where do you currently work, and what do you do?

I work at Target Corporation in Minneapolis. I'm a Lead Program Manager - Supply Chain within Middle Mile Logistics on the Global Supply Chain and Logistics team. I am currently leading our Distribution Center Yard transformation efforts to stand up a new 420 person logistics-focused field team and roll-out new technology to better enable our teams across the network.

How has your education from BBE/SSM impacted or influenced your life and career?

 
My passion for sustainability and the environment led me into an environmental consulting career right out of school where I learned so much. Consulting taught me how to be creative, problem solve, and manage relationships with clients, and I loved focusing on the sustainability-related work. Those first few years of experience actually led me to an industry position on the Energy and Sustainability team at Target. My focus was on building out a Water program focused on conservation across our operations. Even though I no longer sit on that Energy and Sustainability team at Target, I learned that I can take my passion for sustainability into any role, and I wouldn't be where I am today without the U of M ESPM program.

What are one or two of your proudest professional or personal accomplishments that occurred after graduating from BBE/SSM in which your education played a role?

I took a few introductory business courses in Undergrad and due to the Corporate Environmental Management track, I minored in Business Management. However, I knew a few years after graduating that I wanted to improve my business acumen and dive deeper into that area. I went on to pursue my MBA to further my options for growth in my career. I graduated with my MBA in May 2021 from the University of St. Thomas, and I can better articulate the relation between ESG and business today.

What advice do you have for current or future students interested in pursuing a similar career in your field?

I have two pieces of advice:

1. You can never know too many people. All of my experiences came about because I was connected to someone.
2. Don't say 'no' to opportunities because you will ultimately learn something - about a topic, what you like, what you don't like, what you are good at. It's okay to try something for a short bit of time and decide if it is right for you!

Is there anything else you'd like to share with the BBE/SSM community?

 
A lot of people are passionate about the environment and sustainability, but sometimes those roles are hard to find in corporations or at consulting firms. I would challenge you all to think about taking ways to bring sustainability initiatives into different areas of work that typically do not have sustainability-related focus areas and may need a champion. You can be that leader!