Gies College of Business, Harper College, ICADE Comillas

Gies College of Business

I chose to major in Strategy, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Gies because of my experience running Becker’s Bakery and my desire to learn how to combine theory with hands-on practice. This program has given me valuable insight into how businesses can be both strategic and innovative, helping me apply what I’ve learned to real-world situations.

In Business Analytics I & II, I developed skills in analyzing data and using it to guide business decisions, showing me the crucial role data plays in shaping strategy and outcomes. My course in Innovation in Technology deepened my understanding of how businesses can navigate technological shifts and stay competitive through creative solutions.

In Business 301, I worked with a real estate company as part of a team of four. We helped them gain a better understanding of their finances and advised on how to optimize their space for greater revenue. This experience gave me hands-on practice in consulting and problem-solving, as we worked to spread awareness of their brand while improving their business operations.

These courses have all contributed to my growth as a strategic thinker, equipping me with the skills to adapt, innovate, and deliver results across various fields.

Harper College

Before attending Gies, I spent a year studying Business Administration at Harper College, a community college, on the Harper’s Promise Scholarship. During my time there, I took core courses like Intro to Computer Science, Calculus, and Accounting, which helped develop my analytical and problem-solving skills. These courses gave me a solid foundation in business principles and set me up for the next step in my academic journey at Gies College of Business.

ICADE Comillas Madrid, Spain

During the spring semester of my junior year, I studied abroad at ICADE Comillas University in Madrid, Spain. While there, I took courses in Spanish, Consumer Behavior, Sustainability in Business, and Human Resources Management. This experience gave me a fresh perspective on business, particularly how it operates in Europe, and expanded my understanding of global markets.

Being in classes with students from all over the world exposed me to diverse viewpoints and approaches, enhancing both my academic and cultural knowledge. Additionally, my time in Madrid helped me become proficient in Spanish, further enriching my international experience