First-class ambition: Keele graduate set to join prestigious U.S. business school
Nicoleta Treica, 22, has just graduated from Keele Business School with a First-Class degree in International Business Management - and is about to take her next steps at one of the world’s leading business schools. Originally from Reșița, Romania, Nicoleta’s journey has taken her across Europe, having also lived in Italy and Malta, before finding her home at Keele.
“Business has always been part of my life,” she explains. “My family owns a multinational company, so I grew up observing a range of challenges, all centred around balancing risk and reward. The business struggled during the Covid-19 pandemic and difficult investment decisions had to be made. This experience showed me how complex business decisions can be and how they often carry both financial and emotional weight.
“I knew I wanted to be part of the business world, but I wasn’t sure which area to focus on. That’s why I chose International Business Management - it gave me the flexibility to explore different areas and discover what I was truly passionate about. I chose Keele Business School for its diverse modules, rigorous academic environment and great opportunity for growth”.
During her time at Keele, Nicoleta embraced all aspects of university life. She describes the campus as a grounding force: “It’s such a peaceful place, surrounded by nature. Whenever things got overwhelming, I’d take time to explore and reflect. It really helped me to stay focused.”
Her motivation to achieve a First-Class degree came from a personal commitment, rather than a title. “It was about proving to myself that I could stay committed, work hard, and perform at a high level, even when things felt difficult.”
Outside the classroom, Nicoleta made a significant impact as a course representative. “In my first year, I spoke with several students who were struggling but didn’t know how to ask for help,” she recalls. “I took on the role to be that bridge between students and staff, and by consistently speaking up and advocating for my peers, I was ultimately able to drive meaningful change, contributing to making the Business School more open to student feedback.”
One class proved pivotal to Nicoleta. Taught by Dr Witold Bahr, a supply chain management module sparked a genuine interest that ultimately shaped her future. “Dr Bahr’s teaching style was so engaging and interactive, it made me want to explore the subject in more depth. I was fascinated by the complexity of global supply chains and how integral they are to everyday life.”
One of the most memorable assignments for Nicoleta was a cross-cultural group project with partner university, DHBW Villingen-Schwenningen in Germany. “We worked on a project about a company expanding into the U.S., and it really challenged me to communicate and collaborate effectively across cultures and time zones. It was the kind of real-world experience that sticks with you.”
That interest led her to apply for postgraduate study, and she received offers from the University of Michigan, the University of Arizona, the University of Manchester, and the University of Southern California (USC). Nicoleta has now accepted a place at USC’s Marshall School of Business, where she will study a Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management. “I was overwhelmed with pride when I got the offer. Achieving a 4.0 GPA and a First-Class degree wasn’t easy, but the moment I was accepted, I knew all the hard work was worth it.”
Nicoleta hopes to become a supply chain consultant, helping businesses build more ethical and resilient supply chains. “There are so many unethical practices in supply chains today - exploitation, corruption, even human trafficking. I want to help companies succeed while doing the right thing.”
Her advice to new students is to take every opportunity seriously. “Each assignment, each presentation, even the ones that seem small, help you grow. Get involved, push yourself, and take on roles like course rep if you can. It’s one of the most valuable experiences I had.”
Looking back, what stands out most to her at Keele are the people: “I’ll always remember the professors who really cared. Their encouragement and belief in me made such a difference.” She also credits her experience of living in multiple countries for shaping her people skills and deepening her appreciation for cultural diversity - something she found reflected in Keele’s inclusive community.
Now preparing for her move to California, Nicoleta is excited to immerse herself in American culture and take her learning even further - with the same determination and drive that’s carried her this far.
