Students exploring careers in supply chain, forecasting, and analytics often seek programs that develop both quantitative understanding and real-world business awareness. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Business Economics at Youngstown State University provides a strong foundation in these areas, preparing graduates for careers that require interpreting markets, understanding consumer behavior, and making data-informed decisions. A recent visit from alumna Jessica Yazvac highlighted how these skills directly translate to leadership roles in major companies.
Jessica, a proud YSU graduate, now serves as the Demand Planning Lead for the Coffee and Beverage Division at Nestlé USA. She returned to campus to speak with students about her professional journey and the economic principles that shape her daily work. Her career success shows the value of building a strong analytical foundation through an economics degree and applying it in a field where forecasting accuracy and strategic planning drive organizational success.
Faculty noted how closely Jessica’s responsibilities align with the core concepts taught in YSU economics courses. Her work centers on anticipating shifts in demand and planning for market changes, a direct application of equilibrium analysis. She collaborates with production teams to ensure the quantity supplied matches the quantity demanded, demonstrating real-world alignment between supply and demand. She also discussed the effects of supply-side shocks, such as changes in commodity prices, and how these influence pricing decisions. Understanding the price elasticity of demand is essential to her role because it enables her to evaluate how customers respond to price changes and how those changes affect quantity demanded. Her insights offered students a clear example of how classroom concepts translate into strategic decision-making in a global corporation.
Jessica also shared how she remains connected to her alma mater by speaking at events, staying engaged with YSU peers, and offering current students opportunities to connect with her on LinkedIn. Her commitment to supporting the next generation reinforces the strong sense of community that defines YSU and highlights the impact alumni involvement can have on student learning.
For students interested in careers in demand planning, forecasting, supply chain, analytics, or market research, the Business Economics degree provides a strong pathway. The curriculum includes coursework in microeconomics, macroeconomics, business statistics, data analysis, and managerial decision making. These areas align with BLS labor market projections that show continued demand for professionals skilled in economic analysis, supply chain strategy, and data-driven planning. To explore program requirements and learn more about opportunities within the field, visit the Business Economics page on explore.ysu.edu:
https://dev-explore-ysu.pantheonsite.io/williamson-college-of-business-administration/bsba-in-business-economics/
