Matthew Martinez

Client Associate, Rockefeller Capital Management

Class of 2021
BBA in Finance with a minor in Mathematics

Member Of: Student Government Association, Investment Club, Delta Sigma Pi

Meet Mathew Martinez, Lubin’s Student Ambassador for Pleasantville’s Student Government Association, who is very dedicated to keeping #LubinLife vibrant on campus. As a finance major with a minor in mathematics, Matthew has been growing the Investment Club on campus. He has also been taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Career Service, and he even landed an internship through the on-campus Job and Internship Fair! We talked to Matthew about what his life as a Lubin student is like.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I transferred to Pace University’s Lubin School of Business after my freshman year at University at Albany. One reason I transferred to Pace was for the smaller class sizes, I learned quickly when I first started college that it was difficult for me to learn with 400 other people in the class. I also love how the teachers here are very accessible. I know if I need one on one help, I can get it. I also chose Lubin because of the hands-on experience-based education model they have. Before coming to Pace, I already had the belief that it is essential, especially in the business field, to get hands-on experience before you graduate from college. Pace offers precisely that with the Career Services office, internship fairs, and multiple companies they bring on campus to talk to students.

You are the Lubin Student Ambassador for the Student Government Association. Tell us what this position entails and what motivated you to take on this role.

The position of Lubin Student Ambassador entails advocating for the students in the Lubin School during our bi-weekly senate meetings. I also strengthen the connection of individuals in the business school by holding a community meeting where all students, teachers, and faculty can meet and discuss common business topics each semester. I have always loved networking and meeting new people, so when I found out that this role offered the opportunity to connect students with faculty in the business school, I immediately set my sights on it.

You had a finance-focused internship last Spring. Tell us about your experience at this internship and what you have learned.

I interned at Foresters Financial Services, now known as Cetera, during my Sophomore year. Throughout this internship, I learned how to professionally conduct meetings with potential clients and what product a financial services company can offer to help individuals reach their monetary goals in the future. Through their internship program, I was able to sit in team meetings and attend client pitches, which was probably my favorite part of the internship.

I highly recommend attending the Job and Internship Fair because that is where I got my internship. Make sure to research the companies that you are most interested in before attending the job fair so that when you engage with the representatives, they can see that you have a high level of interest in their company.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking for internships

It is essential that you meet with a Career Services counselor at the start of every semester so you can update your resume and LinkedIn profile in the most effective way. I also highly recommend attending the Job and Internship Fair because that is where I got my internship. Make sure to research the companies that you are most interested in before attending the job fair so that when you engage with the representatives, they can see that you have a high level of interest in their company. My last piece of advice is to apply to as many different types of internships as possible. Before you graduate, you need to try different kinds of jobs to figure out what you really want to do in your career.

You are the President of the Investment Club. Tell us a little bit about this role.

As President of the Investment Club, I try to connect students with similar interests in the stock market and investing in general. I put together our bi-weekly meetings and implemented an online platform to constantly communicate about the fantasy portfolio we manage and changes occurring in the market.

What motivates you to work hard?

What motivates me to work hard is the idea that the business industry is a very competitive place. I am not only competing against the other well-educated business students at Pace but all the other business students around the country looking for similar jobs. To differentiate yourself from other business students, you need to make the most out of your college experience, especially with all the things Lubin has to offer.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife, to me, is all about hands-on experience. That is what made me choose Pace over other schools. They prepare you for the real world with hands-on internship experience before you graduate. They understand it is just as essential to get experience in the business world before you graduate as it is to get your academic degree.

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Matthew La Sala

Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual

Class of 2021
BBA Public Accounting / MS in Financial Management

Member Of: Delta Sigma Pi, Center For Student Enterprise

Meet Mathew La Sala '21, a sophomore majoring in Public Accounting who was ready to start innovating as soon as he set foot on campus. Before he started his first semester, he knew about the Center for Student Enterprise and that he wanted to be a part of it. As he got into his new routine as a student at Pace, he started noticing some business opportunities on campus and came up with a great idea: Pace Fit. Wrapping up its first year of operations with Matthew as its General Manager, Pace Fit has a bright future ahead.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

When I was looking at universities, I felt that Pace offered the most hands-on experience opportunities and I could ensure I would take advantage of them through the Pace Path program. The student-run businesses really appealed to me because I thought that the experience I could get through them would give me a helpful set of skills to achieve my career goals.

You are one of the founders of Pace Fit. How did you come up with the idea?

I came up with the idea during my first semester at Pace when on a Saturday I was looking for some place on campus to get a snack and a cup of coffee. I realized that nothing was open until 10:00 am on weekends. I knew then that the campus needed a morning option for places to grab a bite. Additionally, when I went to the gym, I noticed that there were plenty of active people on campus that were out and about early in the morning. I combined these two insights and saw that there was an opportunity to carve out a space where people could get snacks right at the gym. In order to serve the market of people that go the gym, we needed to offer a healthy option. It also had to be something of high quality, since clients would be using their flex-dollars, for which they expect high value for their money. We thought smoothies were the perfect option since they are easy to make, taste delicious, and are very healthy.

What challenges did you face when you were trying to start Pace Fit?

The first challenge we faced was gathering a team that would be dedicated to taking a leap and starting this new project from scratch (and being willing to fail). Pace Fit took a lot of time and planning, and there are very few people willing to put in time for something that may fail. Personally, I made an effort to never let that thought stop me, because I knew I would be disappointed if we failed, so I gave it everything I had. Once the idea came together and the Lubin School of Business was on board, the biggest challenge was getting the space that we needed in the gym. We went through presentations and negations with the Athletic Department. We had to overcome multiple “no” responses before finally agreeing on a deal that would allow us to start operating.

My goal is to be a successful entrepreneur, and all the experience I have gained from Pace Fit will give me the skill set to be successful. I love running a business. I feel that by running a business there are no caps to how successful you can be.

What motivates you to work hard?

I am motivated by my future. My goal is to be a successful entrepreneur, and all the experience I have gained from Pace Fit will give me the skill set to be successful. I love running a business. I feel that by running a business there are no caps to how successful you can be. Everything you do has an impact and means something. At the same time, you’re in a position where you can easily fail. I am motivated by the thought of failing, learning, and starting over. I can never be content with something I do unless I succeed at it or make sure I learned something that will help me move on to the next thing.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife represents all the resources and activities that Lubin has to offer. I feel that everyone should get involved as much as they can, because in my opinion, experience is the best way to learn.

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John Carlo Bautista

Director of Legislative Affairs, NYC Department of Correction

Class of 2021
BBA in Finance

Member Of: Pace Mart, Student Government Association, Lubin Business Association

If you walked through Times Square early this summer, you might have seen a familiar face on the billboards at 1585 Broadway. It was John-Carlo, a rising senior currently pursuing a Finance BBA with a stellar Pace Path. As a Pleasantville student, he has been very involved on campus. He is part of student government, the Lubin Business Association, Lubin’s student-run businesses, and often visits career services counselors. As a resident of Westchester, he has also been very involved in politics; he was elected to a democratic local party office at 18, and was just re-elected this year. We talked to John-Carlo about his experiences at Pace and what it is like to be part of the Morgan Stanley Summer Analyst Program.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I come from a Pace University family; my mother graduated from Pace in 1992. I chose Pace because of the great diversity I found in the student body. It was also great that it was close to home and the scholarship that I was granted played a big role in my decision as well.

What type of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as an Undergraduate student at Lubin?

I have received assistance from Career Services, worked for Lubin’s student-run businesses at the Center for Student Enterprise, and was a member of the Lubin Business Association (a student club on campus). All of the organizations taught me valuable skills and introduced me to people who are active in the Finance industry, the industry in which I am interested in pursuing a career.

Working at Pace Mart taught me how to lead, how to manage a small business, and how to work with others. Pace Mart is a great start for anyone who wants to get work experience and learn how to develop leadership skills.

How do you think that your experience working for Pace Mart, one of our student-run businesses, will impact your career?

Working at Pace Mart taught me how to lead, how to manage a small business, and how to work with others. Pace Mart is a great start for anyone who wants to get work experience and learn how to develop leadership skills.

You’ve landed a summer analyst internship with Morgan Stanley. How has that experience been so far?

My experience at Morgan Stanley, so far, has been excellent. I have met many smart, affable, and driven individuals from all different backgrounds. I have learned a lot about compliance, especially how critical it is for our Investment Management business. My experiences at Morgan Stanley have developed my communication and presentation skills, but also my analytical skills, as I’ve been tasked with reading and writing policies and procedures.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking for internships?

Take full advantage of everything you are offered at Lubin, whether it’s through your BUS 255 class or an event with a potential employer. It’s important to realize that your knowledge, professional reputation, and communication skills are critical to landing a job on Wall Street. Try to get to know as many people as possible in the field you’re interested in and develop relationships with them, as they’ll be able to help you with your career in the future. Developing relationships will also give you a new perspective and a better idea of what kind of career you want to pursue.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

#LubinLife means taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. At Lubin, you’ll find many opportunities to meet others in your field and start your career. Get to know your professors and even fellow students, as all of them may one day be able to help you in your future.

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Joey Wong

Prime Finance Liquidity Reporting Analyst, JPMorgan Chase & Co

Class of 2021
BBA in Finance with a minor in Economics

Member Of: Pace Investment Club, Pforzenheimer Honors College, Business Honors Program, Student Government Association, Beta Alpha Psi

Joey Wong, originally from Parkland, Florida, is currently working towards his BBA in Finance with a minor in Economics. On campus, Joey is the president of Lubin School of Business’ very own Investment Club. Joey took advantage of the opportunities offered by Pace University by participating in the prestigious and selective Wall Street Careers Workshop. Fun fact, aside from his campus involvement and his school work, Joey also works as a life guard.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

When I visited NYC before becoming a student, I knew that I wanted to live here one day. Once I found an interest and passion for Finance, I knew that the place to pursue a career for it would be here, the financial capital of the world. This is one of the main reasons why I chose Pace - its unique location in Manhattan’s Financial District. It gives the university and its students a huge advantage. Aside from location, I knew the Lubin School of Business has a very good program for Business and Finance and that it would help me reach my goals of working in the Finance industry. I knew that attending a business school, in a non-traditional campus in Manhattan would be a great learning experience for me.

What type of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as a student at Lubin?

There are so many networking opportunities and events here at Pace. The school gives you the chance to connect with and meet many employers and alumni. Some colleges do not get this opportunity because of where they are located but because we are in NYC, it makes it all that much easier for us. Additionally, Lubin’s location gives me access to a lot of employers and internships, sometimes even within walking distance of the campus. Lastly, a great resource that Lubin has is its professors. The majority of them have real world experience, having worked in large global companies or other notable entities. My professors were always glad to help students out and genuinely want us to reach our full potential.

I am motivated by the city: New York City is inspirational because the people here are some of the hardest workers I have ever met. I am motivated by my peers: we are tirelessly working and staying competitive, but we want each other to succeed, as well

What motivates you to work hard?

I am motivated by what I do not know: what lies ahead of me and where my potential can take me. I am motivated by what I do know: my career goals and what I want to do in my near future, right out of college. I am motivated by the city: New York City is inspirational because the people here are some of the hardest workers I have ever met. I am motivated by my peers: we are tirelessly working and staying competitive, but we want each other to succeed, as well.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

It is the drive behind Lubin students and the characteristic that a lot of them display. We are proactive both on campus and outside of it, constantly busy with interning, working, learning, growing, volunteering, etc. This is what #LubinLife means to me.

Jillian Lewandoski

Marketing & On-Air Promotions Associate Producer, MSG Networks

Class of 2021
BBA in Sports Marketing with a minor in Arts and Entertainment

Member Of: National Society of Leadership and Success, Trustee Recognition Award Recipient

Meet Jillian Lewandoski, a Sports Marketing major who constantly knows how to keep an ear to the ground to make sure that she is taking advantage of all of the opportunities that come her way. In the Spring of 2020, Jillian will be adding a third internship to her resume as part of the Student Associate Internship Program at Madison Square Garden in the Marketing Department. But her efforts have taken her beyond landing great internship opportunities. By staying in touch with her advisors, Jillian had the chance to attend the Leigh Steinberg Sports Conference for free. Additionally, last month she traveled all the way to Chicago representing Pace at the Sports Marketing Association Conference. We talked to her about how her experiences beyond the classroom have helped her keep her career moving forward.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

I always kind of knew that I wanted to pursue a career in sports. When it came time to apply to colleges that offered a degree in Sports Marketing, which isn’t that common, no school grabbed my attention until I visited Pace University. When I learned that Pace has such unique specialized concentrations, such as Sports Marketing and Arts and Entertainment Management, I knew that I would get an experience here that other schools could not offer. Being in New York City and getting the chance to study within a highly accredited business school made this a very easy decision for me.

What type of opportunities and resources have you been taking advantage of as a student at Lubin?

I am constantly on the lookout for events that pop up. Pace has a large professional network based right here in New York City and I make sure to take advantage of that whenever I can. Recently, Pace hosted the Leigh Steinberg Sports Career Conference. By staying up-to-date with Lubin’s social media and with my advisor, I was able to attend this conference for free and meet many professionals from companies such as the NFL, ESPN, the New York Daily News, MSG, the New York Mets, Open Sponsorship, and more.

You recently attended the Sport Marketing Association’s Conference in Chicago. Can you tell us a bit about that experience and what it meant to you as a student?

It was an awesome experience to say the least. I got the chance to build relationships with numerous professionals within the industry, renowned professors from all over the country, and aspiring students, like myself, who have the drive to excel on the business side of the sports industry. It meant so much to represent Pace and our Sports Marketing program. Getting a private tour of Wrigley Field was memorable too.

To me, #LubinLife means having my professors and peers push me to be the best version of myself. The atmosphere everywhere in Lubin is so motivating and inspiring, it pushes me to want to be the better than I was the day before.

Tell us about your internship experiences. What have you learned and how will you apply what you have learned to the rest of your career?

To date, I have held two internship positions. My first was in Business Development and Marketing at the Institute of Management Accountants and my current position is at the Rutgers University Athletic Department, working in Sports Marketing and Fan Experience. In both positions, I have accumulated an array of skills involving the creation of new promotional strategies, and currently I am learning what it takes to implement in-game promotions during collegiate sporting events. Knowing when to use both my analytical and creative skills in future positions is something I definitely will carry with me for the entirety of my career.

What motivates you to work hard and seek opportunities outside of the classroom?

I have a big drive to build an amazing future and career for myself. While the classroom work is incredibly important, getting real-world, hands-on experience is something you cannot learn from a textbook. My own motivation for wanting to reach a high level of success, in both my personal and professional life, is what pushes me to keep looking for more outside the classroom.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking to take on new challenges and opportunities?

My greatest advice would be to never let fear decide your fate. It can be overwhelming to go through a very transformational and important phase in your life, but you never want your fears to control your future. Take advantage of every opportunity and new challenge, even if they are scary; this is so crucial to your growth in any aspect of your life.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means having my professors and peers push me to be the best version of myself. The atmosphere everywhere in Lubin is so motivating and inspiring, it pushes me to want to be the better than I was the day before

Deniz Ilgaz Sen

Strategist, Business Solutions, Horizon Media

Class of 2021

BBA in Management - Arts and Entertainment Management with a minor in Psychology

Member Of: Sigma Alpha Pi National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, Pace Photography Club

Meet Deniz Ilgaz Sen, an international student from Turkey and an Arts and Entertainment Management major who quickly made New York City and Pace University her new home. She credits her great experiences at Pace to faculty and friends. To take a little break from the city that never sleeps, Deniz decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, where she was able to adapt to yet another different culture. There, she also took a Pairing Food and Wine class, which taught her many new local recipes. She believes that international education helps students grow and provides valuable opportunities for the future.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business?

While attending the Italian high school in my hometown, Istanbul, Turkey, my dream was always to set foot in New York City for college. I was having a hard time finding the right major for me, until I stumbled upon Arts and Entertainment Management at Pace University. Looking at the curriculum, all the internship opportunities, various workshops, and the countless number of clubs, I knew Pace University and the Lubin School of Business was where I belonged. As an international student, I never felt homesick at Pace thanks to the undivided attention of my professors, advisors, and all the new friends I have made.

Why did you choose to study abroad in Florence?

Over the years, I had visited Italy many times and I always found myself coming back to Florence. After spending two years in one of the most crowded and fast-paced cities in the world, I wanted to challenge myself, and furthermore cherish calmness in a city full of history, art, and impeccable cuisine.

What were the greatest challenges you had to overcome during your experiences of studying abroad?

For me the biggest challenge was adapting to the diverse lifestyle of Italy, especially in such a small city. Even though there are many tourists during the day, this doesn’t affect the culture at all. Everything in my daily life changed -- from what I ate, how I commuted to school, how I interacted with people, and what I did during the weekends. My experience gave me an understanding of how much a person can develop and reach a different stage of self-actualization.

You will make so many unforgettable memories, meet amazing people from all over the world, travel to other countries, and expose yourself to new cultures and languages.

Any advice for other Lubin students looking to study abroad?

Absolutely, do it! Even though it might seem scary at first you don’t realize how rewarding an experience like this can be until you’ve gone through with it. It will empower you with personal strength and open a door to endless possibilities. You will make so many unforgettable memories, meet amazing people from all over the world, travel to other countries, and expose yourself to new cultures and languages. I have met with so many other study abroad students who found their true passions in Florence and extended their semester into a whole year, and that could be you!.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me #LubinLife is the beginning of a world of success, strong connections, and a sense of belonging to a community full of ambitious, yet welcoming people. #LubinLife provides students with endless opportunities from organizations in their desired field to professional settings that help prepare them for the future. The culture at Lubin is challenging, yet gives students a chance to grow personally into outstanding businessmen and businesswomen.

Darshan Vithlani

Marketing Data Analyst, Agilysis

Class of 2021
MS in Marketing Analytics

Why did you choose Lubin for your MS in Marketing Analytics?

Diversity, exposure to real-world projects, experience-based learning, and access to a pool of resources. These are only a few of the reasons I chose Lubin for my master's degree. Rankings from US News and QS Top universities further supported my decision. At Pace, international students are treated with respect and have access to opportunities, which was very important to me. Additionally, Pace’s campus in New York City was the cherry on top. Lubin has notably reaped the benefits of its location, as this is reflected in the quality of the networking events and the career fairs taking place on campus and virtually.

What was your favorite Lubin experience?

Well, the whole master’s program was a splendid experience; however, my favorite Lubin experience was working as a Graduate Research Assistant with Professor Larry Chiagouris. It was my first professional experience working in the U.S. and it was life changing. I had the chance to work on market research for corporate clients and to contribute to publishing research reports and whitepapers. It was all possible because of the database access offered by the Pace Library. The library also helped me gain access to articles and books that were not in their catalog. The support I received from faculty and staff was also commendable.

What is your main takeaway from our MS program?

My MS in Marketing Analytics program contained a balanced composition of theory and practice. All of the professors start out by teaching from a conceptual foundation and slowly take things to an advanced level. I think this is hard to find at other schools. We learned how to use all the tools a marketing analyst needs in their profession. We had access to non-technical programs and learned programming languages such as R, and operating statistical tools such as IBM SPSS, and data visualization tools such as Tableau.

The real-world course projects made a difference on my resume. Many recruiters reached out because they saw these projects; I landed three summer internship offers.

How has what you learned in the MS program influenced your career?

The real-world course projects made a difference on my resume. Many recruiters reached out because they saw these projects; I landed three summer internship offers. I interned with WalletGyde, based out of Denver, CO, during Summer 2020. I also interned at Justin Alexander in Springfield, NJ, in Spring 2021, where I am now working full time as a Digital Marketing Analyst. All the skills I needed for this job I l acquired while earning my MS in Marketing Analytics at Lubin.

How do you define #LubinLife?

#LubinLife is a journey that transforms your personal and professional life. You will be exposed to talented minds and have the opportunity to make life-long connections. #LubinLife is not just about academics and networking; it is also about extra-curricular activities, student clubs, social events, case study competitions, and so on. Lubin is ot just an experience; it is a way of life.

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Colin Myers

Associate, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP

Class of 2021
JD / MBA - focused on Environmental Law and Sustainability

Member Of: Pace Environmental Law Review, Pace Sustainable Business Club

Meet Colin Meyer, a student enrolled in our JD/MBA combined program. Colin began this program in 2017 and attended Pace’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law, where he completed his JD within two years. This is his first semester as an MBA student on our New York City Campus and he is already taking the business world by storm. This Eagle Scout is a Graduate Assistant, a Compliance Analyst at an advising firm, and a volunteer Legal Intern at a clean energy investment firm. Additionally, he is working with Lubin Professor Steven Mezzio on starting the Pace Sustainability Business Club. Colin has combined both his studies in law and business administration in a closely integrated curriculum that he focused on environmental studies and sustainability. We talked to him about his motivation for working hard and how he manages his time.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business to advance your business education?

I chose Pace because of the law school’s top tier ranking in environmental law and its proximity to New York City. Additionally, I come from a Pace family. Both my father and my sister attended Pace!

What value have you found in tackling sustainability from both a business and legal point of view.

While studying law the past two years, I realized the importance of understanding how businesses function and what internal factors drive their decision-making. Having this understanding will allow me to better be able to advise business clients on legal risks and opportunities. This dual understanding is particularly important in the sustainability realm. With the impending dangers of climate change, business managers must figure out how to stay profitable while risks are increasing and the world transitions into a low carbon economy. This dual program allows me to understand the ever-expanding regulatory framework around climate change and how it impacts businesses, but also what financial strategies can be used to reduce risk, remain profitable, and most importantly, positively contribute to society.

While studying law the past two years, I realized the importance of understanding how businesses function and what internal factors drive their decision-making. Having this understanding will allow me to better be able to advise business clients on legal risks and opportunities. This dual understanding is particularly important in the sustainability realm.

You are working on starting Pace’s Sustainable Business Club as a student organization. Tell us a bit about that project.

When I transitioned to Lubin, I a noticed the lack of a sustainability curriculum despite the prevalence of this topic in the business world today. I discussed this with Dean Neil Braun and he suggested that I meet with Professor Steven Mezzio, a former PwC Partner that specializes in business-related sustainability. Our conversation led to our decision to found the Sustainable Business Club. This club will differ from and be complementary to the other environmentally-focused student organizations on campus. It will focus specifically on the role, responsibilities, and impact public and private companies have on delivering and reporting traditional financial results, while at the same time prioritize positive environmental, social, and governance impacts for society. As a club, we will explore and understand business-related sustainability trends, impacts, and reporting practices, and serve as a learning hub, supporting thesis research and professional skills development. We will also facilitate networking and career options for students in the area of sustainability and collaborate to convene thought leaders, practitioners, regulators, influencers, academics, recruiters, and students to contribute to the dialogue on sustainable business.

What motivates you to work hard?

My motivation stems from knowing that I’m not where I want to be yet. This chip on my shoulder motivates me to work harder to achieve high grades, take on as many relevant jobs as I can handle, and constantly network. After graduation, I would ideally like to end up in the sustainability and climate change practice/service group of one of the Big Four or other consulting firms, or at a big law firm. Later down the road, I may want to transition to the public sector because being a part of the Boy Scouts instilled a sense of public duty in me.

You have a heavy class load, you are a graduate assistant, and you also have two jobs. Do you have any advice on time management skills?

Prioritization and using the weekend as an extension of your work week – both are essential. I find it very helpful to take some time at the beginning of the week to look at deadlines and prioritize the things that are due soon, as well as the work you may find challenging or time consuming. This helps prevent work from sneaking up on you at the last second. Additionally, by getting as much work done on the weekend as I can, it helps make my week a little less stressful and actually allows me to do better work because I am usually more well-rested. I am also a big proponent of meal prepping healthy food on Sundays. It saves me time during the week and also helps my brain fire on all cylinders during the week because of good nutrients. Although using weekends for schoolwork might not be very fun, it definitely pays off and provides dividends in the long run.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means excelling in the business world, as well as leveraging the great network and location that our community is exposed to.

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Bhavna Mansinghka

Account Technology Specialist, NetApp

Class of 2021
MS in Marketing Analytics

Member Of: Lubin Graduate Marketing Society, Toastmasters

A go-getter is someone who is active in developing their career, but who also makes time for friends, fun, exploring, and getting out of their comfort zone. Bhavna is a go-getter. This international student from Mumbai, India, came to the Lubin School of Business equipped with a passion for numbers, a hunger for networking, a merit scholarship, and an open mind.

Why did you choose Pace University and the Lubin School of Business to advance your business education?

Pace University offers a wide range of opportunities and resources. Along with the diversity of the student body, being in New York City and studying near Wall Street gives you access to a lot of opportunities and networking events. The Lubin School of Business has a lot to offer to international students like me. The MS in Marketing Analytics program offered precisely what I wanted to study and the perfect combination of all the modules that I needed. The program checked every box for me in terms of professors, post-graduation opportunities, career services, and networking events.

What types of opportunities and resources have you taken advantage of as a graduate student at Lubin?

Early on, I was honored to be a recipient of the Graduate International Merit Scholarship. Additionally, I had received a Graduate Assistantship with Professor Samir El-Gazzar, helping him with his research for publication. I also worked as a Student Assistant in the International Admissions office. I was also awarded the Janetschek Professional Growth Fund, which I used towards attaining a professional certification in data science. Apart from these opportunities, Lubin enabled me to work with like-minded people on exciting projects, including being part of leadership teams in graduate student clubs. I have also been able to network with alumni and attend professional growth workshops.

I have a genuine interest in the subjects that I have studied. The drive to be better and excel at what I like plays a vital role in keeping me motivated. Additionally, the way that my courses' modules and assessments were designed felt like a perfect way to progressively enhance my knowledge in specific areas.

Tell us a bit about your internship experience. How will you apply what you learned to the rest of your career?

I started interning with NetApp as a Solutions Engineer in May 2020 and have been working with them ever since. I found this experience extremely rewarding and I learned a lot about analytics in the storage industry. I am glad to have built some tremendous long-term connections at NetApp. This experience has helped me professionally as well as personally. I've loved numbers since my youth, so collecting data and working on research projects with my supervisors turned out to be an enriching experience for me. My role at NetApp lets me utilize and enhance my skills in a collaborative environment, where I can learn from some of the best minds in the industry.

In addition to being very involved outside of the classroom, you've managed to maintain a 3.9 GPA every semester. What motivates you to work hard?

I have a genuine interest in the subjects that I have studied. The drive to be better and excel at what I like plays a vital role in keeping me motivated. Additionally, the way that my courses' modules and assessments were designed felt like a perfect way to progressively enhance my knowledge in specific areas. More importantly, I believe that in the long-term, discipline triumphs motivation; a systematic work ethic allowed me to always finish my studies before deadlines, which created time for other activities at Lubin.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking to make the most out of their experiences?

Academically, make detailed plans well ahead of time so that you can balance the focus on readings and assignments along with other activities of interest. This approach will give you a realistic idea about how much you can take on and allow you to maximize your learning. Being well informed about course content will better equip you to take advantage of Lubin's many professional development opportunities, including internships. Build your network organically: ask for help and guidance when in need, and be gracious to others when you are in a position to help. A strong work ethic and a sound support system are the foundation for a promising career.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

Luck is when preparation meets opportunity, and for me, #LubinLife is about excellence and capitalizing on opportunities. #LubinLife kept me motivated and involved, even during the pandemic, and helped me meet some great minds/people. #LubinLife is also about broadening your horizons by being part of diverse groups and projects.