Selene Bourne

Q: What are you currently studying and what do you hope to do with your degree upon graduation?

I am a senior at Rider University dual majoring in business analytics and global supply chain management. Next semester, I will be working towards my masters in industrial engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology. 

Q: What are some of your extracurricular activities? 

I recently became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and serve as the vice president of the Tau Kappa Chapter. I have also been involved with the Rider African Student Association and currently serve as the president. 

Q: What are some external opportunities you’ve been a part of during your undergraduate experience? 

In 2024, I got my first co-op with Johnson and Johnson, which was basically a 6 month internship as a Supply Chain Excellence Co-Op. It was great to get the experience because it introduced me to automation and automating processes. I even became the Vice President of Events for the North American Intern and Co-Op Association through this company, where we hosted virtual events to support networking across the North American region, for their interns. As a result of my work here, I received my Yellow Belt certification and was able to flex my muscles a little bit. I then landed another opportunity with Bristol Myers Squibb, during my End to End Network Supply Planning Co-Op, I gained experience understanding supply chain operations and how pharmaceutical products move from raw materials to finished goods. This was during a crazy time so there were a lot of fires we had to put out. We had to figure out “how are we going to distribute them?”, “how are we going to get it to people on time?”, “how are we going to support them with paying?” etc. 

Now, I’m back with Johnson & Johnson as a part of their Strategic Insights and Analytics team, and its been really nice. I get to listen in on physician interviews with patients and figure out how to best support them in getting their treatments and how we can use data to bridge the gap and make their experience with getting their treatments better. 

Q: What interests you about your career choice and this industry? 

I wanted to be a doctor, but the idea of surgery wasn’t for me anymore. So I just pivoted and found my way into pharmaceuticals and supporting pharmaceutical products, and helping patients get what they need. You’re still helping people. 

Q: Do you think Uncommon has had an impact on where you are now? 

I still use a lot of the things they talked to us about, today, from the importance of professionalism and how to show up in spaces to the importance of a planner. I handwrite my papers, edit and then type them out. I create outlines. I know how to manage my workload and my time. Washington Park High School made us stronger.