As a nationally recognized setter on the Purdue women’s volleyball team, Daniels School alumna Hayley (Bush) Nisle excelled at making sound decisions and positioning her team for success. Today, she’s using those same skills in her new role as a product supply finance manager at Procter & Gamble.
Nisle, who earned a masterʼs degree in finance from the Daniels School in 2022, was introduced to Purdue early in her high school career.
“Purdue started recruiting me when I was only 15 years old, and I made the commitment before the end of my sophomore year,” she says. “Everyone made me feel like part of a family, and it was a relief going into my junior and senior years having already made a college decision.”
Nisle began her studies in veterinary medicine but soon switched to agricultural finance.
“That seemed like a good path to get me where I wanted to go because I always liked the numbers side of things,” she says. “And because I redshirted as a freshman and had another year of eligibility, I was already planning to attend graduate school. I just wanted my masterʼs degree to be something a bit different than my undergraduate degree.”
During her time on the volleyball team under Coach Dave Shondell, Nisle was named an AVCA All-American Honorable Mention, a VolleyballMag.com Third Team All-American, and First Team All-Big Ten. Her classroom performance was equally stellar, earning her Academic All-Big Ten honors.
“Being a student-athlete taught me how to manage my time and work as part of a team,” she says. “That was really important in the MS Finance program, which has a lot of group projects. The course content is also more difficult, but the professors are very helpful and encouraging.”
“I was a setter, so making quick decisions in a tight game situation was part of my role. Now, it helps me deal with the stress and pressure of deadlines and quick-turnaround projects.”
Nisleʼs graduate studies involved numerous case studies, which allowed her to address real-life business challenges and helped her further develop her teamwork, problem-solving and presentation skills. “It’s valuable to hear different perspectives and insights on an issue,” she says. “I feel like I learned a lot from those experiences.”
Nisle connected with Procter & Gamble during one of the school’s career fairs, giving her the opportunity to showcase her new skills. “I booked two meetings with P&Gʼs recruitment team, and both interviews went very well,” she says. “In the end, I accepted their offer and started immediately after graduation.”
In her current role at the consumer goods corporation, Nisle leads analysis and communication of financial data, with a direct impact on supply costs. This entails working closely with manufacturing sites to facilitate accurate forecasting, budget management, and cost-efficiency initiatives. “I feel like my masterʼs degree has set me up for success,” she says.
She also pulls from her time as a student-athlete. “I was a setter, so making quick decisions in a tight game situation was part of my role,” Nisle says. “Now, it helps me deal with the stress and pressure of deadlines and quick-turnaround projects.”
As a proud Boilermaker, Nisle shares the same grit and determination displayed by her fellow Purdue graduates. “That spirit is something unique to Purdue,” she says. “Hard work is part of our makeup.” It also echoes advice that her father gave her when she left for college: “Give 100% to everything you do. If you don’t fully invest, you won’t be able to accomplish what you want.”
As she awaits her next rotation in P&G’s employee development program, Nisle expresses confidence in her future. “I’m happy and feel supported,” she says. “I’m looking forward to the next stage of my career.”
Meanwhile, Nisle is enjoying her place among the Daniels School’s global network of alumni. “I meet someone from Purdue wherever I go,” she says. “It’s great to be a part of that community.”
