Name: Tobey Reichman
Degree Program: B.S. in Business Administration – Management, with a minor in Marketing
Grad Year: Fall 2024
Current Job Title and Company/Organization: Area Manager, Amazon
Hometown: Culver City, CA
Current City: Los Angeles, CA
Why did you choose your major?
I knew from the start that I wanted to be in business, but choosing the exact major took some time. I’ve always had a wide range of interests and strengths, and I wanted a program that would give me a strong foundation while keeping my career options open. I’ve always envisioned myself in a top leadership role, and I knew that broad, well-rounded management skills would be essential for reaching that level. Management felt like the right fit because of its versatility and its focus on leadership, decision-making, and team dynamics.
Another big influence was my family. Both of my parents are CSUN alumni from the class of 1999. My dad was also a Business Administration student at the Nazarian College, with an option in Management Information Systems, which was offered at the time. That program is no longer available at CSUN, but it led him into a successful career in technology, automotive, and leadership. I’ve always looked up to him and wanted to follow a similar path, so I chose what I felt was the next best option that aligned with both my goals and interests.
What career aspirations did you have when you started at CSUN?
Early on, I was fascinated by the future of business and technology. I was especially interested in emerging areas like artificial intelligence and robotics, and how they are shaping and will continue to shape our future. My long-term dream has always been to hold a C-suite leadership role or serve on the board of directors for a forward-thinking, mission-driven company. When I was a kid, my parents had business cards made for me with the title “Future CEO.” I want to play a key role in shaping strategy, guiding innovation, and influencing how businesses grow, operate, and adapt. Making an impact at that level means helping set the vision, empowering teams, and driving meaningful change across the organization and beyond. These aspirations have remained consistent and continue to guide the steps I take in my professional journey today.
Did you do any internships or experiential learning?
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure an internship during my time at CSUN, but I did take the two incredible consulting courses: BUS 491CS and BUS 497B. In both courses, we had the opportunity to work directly with real small businesses, helping them solve real-world challenges. These experiences taught me how to lead a team, delegate tasks, stay organized over long-term projects, and deliver strategic recommendations and presentations to clients. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a clearer understanding of how business problems are solved. Most importantly, they boosted my confidence and equipped me with communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that I now use every day.
What have you done since graduating?
After graduating, I began applying to jobs right away—close to 500 in total. There were moments of doubt, and I faced a lot of rejection, which was very discouraging at times. But I stayed persistent, kept refining my resume, cover letters, and applications, and continued to believe in myself. Eventually, I landed an interview for an Area Manager role at Amazon. The process was thorough, but it went really well, and I was thrilled to receive an offer shortly after. I’ll now be leading frontline last mile logistics operations in a fast-paced environment, learning every day, and laying the foundation for a long-term career in leadership.
What was your favorite class and why?
It’s impossible to choose just one, but a few classes really stood out. BLAW 280 and BLAW 308 gave me some of the most practical and relevant knowledge I gained at CSUN, covering everything from contracts and torts to real-world legal scenarios. They were probably the most difficult classes I took as well, requiring a lot of memorization and attention to detail, but the lessons have stuck with me and I still reflect on them almost daily.
Another standout was BUS 497B with Professor Drew Foley. Getting to work closely with an actual business and present a full consulting report was incredibly rewarding. It brought together everything I had learned throughout my time at CSUN and served as a meaningful and memorable capstone to my degree.
What advice do you have for current CSUN Nazarian students?
Don’t just show up, take your classes, and go home. I know it’s easy to fall into that routine, especially if you’re commuting or juggling other responsibilities. But CSUN has so much more to offer if you’re willing to engage with it. Be curious. Ask questions. Talk to your professors. Join clubs or student organizations. Go to events, workshops, or guest lectures, even if you’re not sure what to expect. Get to know the people around you. Some of my best memories came from stepping out of my comfort zone and building those connections. The friendships and networks I formed made my time at CSUN far more meaningful and enjoyable. They also gave me confidence, opened doors, and helped me grow both personally and professionally in ways I didn’t expect. Some people just do the bare minimum. Don’t let that be you. Your college experience is what you make of it, so make the most of it.
