Joseph Liu (WCAS00)
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An Associate Marketing Manager at Clorox, Joseph Liu (WCAS00) works on a team to drive the brand strategy behind product development, packaging, and marketing for the Glad brand, a position which he says combines his analytical, strategic, and creative skills.
While Liu earned an MBA at the University of Michigan, his undergraduate studies at Northwestern University laid the foundation for his career success, Liu says.
A psychology major and once self-described “hard-core pre-med” student during his years at NU, Liu says his time in the Tech building and two professors in particular taught him the kind of lessons he still relies on today.
Professors Arthur Schmidt in physics and Thomas O’Halloran in chemistry left an indelible mark on Liu. “They taught me how to systematically analyze problems and to think on my feet,” he explains. The high expectations of professors, the rigor of classes, and the drive of fellow students at Northwestern helped reinforce the work ethic and discipline necessary for success, Liu says.
Since graduation, Liu has also benefited greatly from NU alumni connections and networking. Looking to explore broader career options before committing to a future in medicine, Liu worked as a news anchor for National Public Radio in Honolulu and then spent three years with Avalere Health, a policy consulting firm in Washington D.C.
“Many of my post-NU opportunities came as a result of reaching out to NU alumni who helped me establish important professional connections,” Liu explains. In addition to appreciating the resourcefulness of the alumni network, Liu is grateful for the generous counsel and support of fellow alums as he reached out during times of career transition and important decisions about his future, especially when he decided to pursue a career in business rather than medicine.
“I feel very indebted to these alumni who took time to lend a hand,” Liu says. “Because of my own positive experiences with the Northwestern alumni community, I’m always happy to talk with students wresting with career decisions or related issues.”
Read more student and alumni spotlights.
Updated September 10, 2009. (12/4/08)
