Meet Your Business Major Orientation Leader - Zach Carlson
You will have an opportunity to meet a few of the SCU current students that are working very hard this summer as orientation leaders! Take a minute to read how they chose their major, what have been their favorite courses so far and about their involvements.
Zach Carlson '26, Management Major
How did you select your major? I started out at Santa Clara as a Mechanical Engineering major, but partway through, I realized I was craving something more people- and purpose-focused. After taking BUSN 70 with Dr. Nik Tehrani and talking with friends about their experiences, I found myself constantly thinking about how teams work, how decisions get made, and how leaders shape an organization’s direction. That curiosity led me to transfer into the Leavey School of Business at the end of my sophomore year, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Studying management gave me a chance to grow as a leader, dive into topics like sustainability and organizational culture, and most importantly, position myself to make a meaningful impact wherever I go.
What have been your favorite courses in your major so far or what courses are you looking forward to? Two courses that made a lasting impact on me were Social Psychology of Leadership (MGMT 174) with Professor Sarah Cabral and Leading from the Triple Bottom Line (MGMT 42) with Professor Deirdre Frontczak. MGMT 174 challenged me to think more intentionally about what it means to lead with purpose. It became a space where I could reflect on my own leadership journey, experiment with different approaches, and gain insight from the lived experiences of my peers. I came away with a stronger sense of how to create spaces where others can thrive and where decisions are grounded in empathy and clarity. MGMT 42 deepened my appreciation for sustainability and systems thinking. Our class partnered with the Center for Sustainability, the Department of Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, Housing, and Residence Life to design a project focused on advancing sustainability in SCU’s residence halls. We developed an audit checklist and studied innovative practices being adopted at other institutions. What resonated most with me was the collaborative spirit of the work. Coordinating across departments showed me how impactful change comes from building trust, aligning diverse goals, and listening closely to the needs of each stakeholder. It was more than a course, it was a window into the kind of values-driven, multidisciplinary work I hope to be part of in my career.
What student organizations are you part of? Over the past few years, I’ve been involved in campus life through roles that center around mentorship, community-building, and innovation. I served as a Community Facilitator for two years, which gave me the chance to build trust with residents, foster inclusive spaces, and support students through some of their most formative college experiences. That role taught me the power of showing up consistently for others and helped shape how I lead; with empathy, intention, and a strong sense of responsibility. This coming year, I’ll be stepping into the role of Assistant Resident Director at Graham Residence Hall, where I’ll have the opportunity to mentor new CFs and help steward the broader vision for the Alpha RLC.
I’m currently serving as an Orientation Leader. I’ve been preparing to welcome incoming students and their families into the SCU community. I’m excited to help create those first touchpoints of belonging and support that I know make such a lasting impact. In addition, I was selected as an Innovation Fellow, which challenged me to think creatively about problem-solving and collaborate across disciplines. Across all these roles, a common thread has been my commitment to helping people feel seen, supported, and empowered. These experiences haven’t just shaped my time at SCU, they’ve helped me grow into the kind of leader I hope to continue becoming.
Any suggestions for students interested in your major? For students considering or entering the Management major, I would encourage them to look beyond the classroom and lean into the full range of opportunities SCU has to offer. The Management program gives you the tools to think critically about leadership, sustainability, and organizational impact, but it’s the real-world experiences, the relationships you build, and the roles you take on that really bring those lessons to life. SCU has such a vibrant and supportive community, and a huge part of that is shaped by students who actively contribute to it. Whether it’s getting involved with campus leadership, working on cross-department projects, or even just showing up with intention and curiosity, your growth as a management student will be shaped by what you choose to invest in. So take initiative, stay open, and make the most of the community around you. It makes all the difference.
Jun 30, 2025