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With a BBA in Finance from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business and a new role as a risk analyst at Crédit Agricole CIB, Angela Kamps ’26 is launching her career at the intersection of financial analysis, lending, and global markets. Through coursework in valuation, financial statement analysis, Excel, and financial modeling—as well as employer events, student organizations, and connections with faculty and alumni—Angela built the technical skills and professional confidence to evaluate corporate credit risk and help inform high-stakes banking decisions.

Where are you headed after graduation, and what will you be doing in your new role?

I will be joining Crédit Agricole CIB as a risk analyst. In this role, I will help analyze the creditworthiness of corporate counterparties across sectors such as TMT and transportation, supporting decisions about whether the bank should extend, maintain, or reduce exposure. I will also evaluate financial performance, industry risk, and legal protections to help inform internal credit recommendations and lending decisions.

Tell us a little about yourself and what drew you to finance.

I’m a finance major at Pace and I’ve always been interested in how money moves through markets and how financial decisions are made behind the scenes. My coursework and experience have helped me connect what I learn in class with how things work in the real world, especially in areas such as lending, markets, and risk.

What made your Lubin experience especially valuable?

During my time at Lubin, I pursued coursework in financial analysis and valuation while strengthening my technical skills in Excel and financial modeling. I also gained exposure to real-world applications of finance through case studies and independent projects, where I honed my ability to analyze companies, interpret financial statements, and communicate key insights clearly.

How did your classroom experience and Pace resources help prepare you for this role?

A combination of technical preparation and the resources available to me at Pace played a key role in helping me secure this position. Building a strong foundation in financial statement analysis, along with developing my Excel and modeling skills, gave me confidence throughout the interview process. I also really appreciated the employer events and student organizations I was involved in at Lubin, which helped me learn more about the industry and connect with professionals. Speaking with professors, alumni, and industry professionals gave me a clearer understanding of the role and helped me communicate my interest in counterparty risk more effectively.

What advice would you give to future Lubin students?

Don’t wait until you feel fully ready before going after opportunities. The students who tend to stand out are the ones who take initiative early, stay curious, and make the most of what’s available to them. Attend networking events, get involved in clubs, and take the time to build genuine connections with your professors. Most importantly, stay open and eager to learn wherever you can. It might feel inconsequential at the beginning, but those small, consistent steps build on each other quickly—and they can end up making a real difference in where you go next.

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With a BBA in Finance from Pace University’s Lubin School of Business and a new role in asset management operations at Goldman Sachs, Evan Glušić ’26 is turning a lifelong interest in investing into a career at one of the world’s leading financial institutions. Through finance coursework, hands-on leadership with Pace Mart, experience managing Pace’s student-run business operations, and the discipline developed as a student-athlete, Evan built the technical foundation, communication skills, and real-world business experience to support investment transactions for institutional clients.

Where are you headed after graduation, and what will you be doing in your new role?

I will be joining Goldman Sachs as an operations analyst in asset management. In this role, I will support the infrastructure that ensures investment transactions are executed accurately and efficiently on behalf of the firm’s institutional clients. I will be responsible for trade settlement, reconciliation, and ensuring the accuracy of investment records.

Tell us a little about yourself and what drew you to finance.

When most people turned 18, they bought a lottery ticket; I started my portfolio. I have always been interested in investing and knew I wanted to use those skills in my career. I have also always enjoyed helping my friends become more financially literate, which helped me strengthen my ability to translate finance into English.

What made your Lubin experience especially valuable?

One of the greatest opportunities I had was through Dr. Kathy Winsted and the student-run businesses. Pace Mart allowed me to get real work experience while living on campus and maintaining a full course load. Serving as CFO and later as general manager of a small business gave me the opportunity to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to a real business.

Playing football and representing Pace also instilled so many strong skills that employers are always impressed to see.

How did your classroom experience and Pace resources help prepare you for this role?

Classes such as FIN 325 with Professor Nam, FIN 357 with Dr. Braga-Alves, and FIN 356 with Dr. Lobo really opened my eyes to what finance is all about. Professor Nam put the pressure on us to succeed and replicated complex problems that we would face in the office. Dr. Braga-Alves created weekly discussions around managing Pace’s portfolio of nearly $1 million. Dr. Lobo helped us understand how events happening around the world directly affect finance and the economy as a whole.

When I told Dr. Lobo I was interviewing for this role, he immediately told me to send him the role description, my résumé, and times I could meet with him. He gave me so much advice that made me extremely confident going into the three-hour final-round interview.

What advice would you give to future Lubin students?

Just say yes. There is so much opportunity on campus to get involved—all you have to do is put yourself out there. The range of opportunities, from professional to cultural, can benefit you in the long run. There were times when I would check the CORQ app just to see what events were happening, and I would find myself at some random event meeting new people. You never know what saying yes to something will lead to, so take advantage of it.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) remains one of the most sought-after graduate degrees—and for good reason. It’s one of the highest-paying degrees, offers broad applicability across industries, and empowers students to tailor their career paths to their unique goals.

With a wide variety of MBA specializations available, how do you determine which one is the best fit for your career? Explore our breakdown of some of the most popular specializations and get practical tips on choosing a program that aligns with your professional aspirations.

What is the Structure of an MBA Program?

Similar to many master’s degree programs, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) typically requires 30–60 credit hours to complete, depending on the institution and program format. At the Lubin School of Business, MBA programs require 39 credit hours.

A full-time MBA can be completed in one to two years, while part-time programs, tailored for working professionals, typically take two to four years. Executive MBA (EMBA) programs, designed for mid-career professionals, are often completed in 18–24 months, and accelerated MBAs may be finished in as little as 12–18 months. At Pace, you can complete your MBA in 18 months by taking just 13 courses (39 credits).

The MBA curriculum includes core courses in foundational business disciplines such as finance, accounting, management, leadership, and marketing. Other topics often include disruptive technologies, business analytics, economics, global business, ethics and corporate social responsibility. Students may also select electives or specializations in areas like portfolio analysis, social media and mobile marketing, entrepreneurship, human resource management, or international business.

While general MBA programs are effective ways of learning all the essential elements of business, earning a specialized MBA can further tailor your education to specific career goals.

What is an MBA Specialization?

MBA specializations enable you to focus your education and build expertise in a particular industry or function. MBA specializations will include all the core courses required for all MBA students in addition to a series of elective courses tailored to a specific industry or role.

MBA specializations can be particularly valuable for students who already know they want to pursue a career in a particular field or position.

Top In-Demand MBA Specializations

Specialized MBAs can help position you for success and high-paying salaries along certain career paths. The business school analysis site Poets & Quants lists finance, strategic management, and information technology as some of the top-paid MBA specializations.

Here’s a look at the best MBA specializations for future business graduates, including prospective career opportunities.

1. Accounting, MBA

Public Accounting and CPA Prep MBAs combine core business fundamentals with specialized courses in accounting. These programs will offer you advanced knowledge of financial reporting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting. It’s an essential degree if you want to navigate complex financial regulations and drive strategic financial decisions in organizations.

CPA prep courses include Certified Public Accountant review courses integrated into the curriculum. These courses are meant to prepare you for the CPA exam, which will grant full CPA licensure. Because of the structure and rigor of the accounting courses, the necessary credit hours can vary from 53 to 71 credits.

Example courses include: Financial Reporting, Auditing, Analysis of Financial Statements, Sales and Exchanges of Property, and Fundamental Concepts of Taxation.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a job growth of six percent over the next ten years, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Graduates can expect to find careers as accounting managers, financial analysts, and certified public accountants (CPAs).

Did you know? Pace University’s dual accreditation in both business and accounting programs by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International is a distinction shared by fewer than 2% of business schools worldwide.

2. Arts and Entertainment Management, MBA

An MBA in Arts and Entertainment Management focuses on the business side of creative industries, blending core management principles with specialized coursework in areas like arts administration, media production, event planning, and entertainment marketing. These programs combine aspects of accounting, finance, and marketing with instruction on budgeting, talent management, and intellectual property law.

Example courses include: Leading and Managing Teams, Project and Event Management, Managing Operations and Projects, Marketing, and Agent Representation in Arts and Entertainment.

There’s a projected job growth of eight percent through 2033 for agents and business managers of artists, performers, and athletes, faster than the average for all occupations. This MBA specialization is ideal if you’re interested in a leadership role in film, music, theater, or cultural organizations.

3. Business Analytics, MBA

An MBA in Business Analytics is designed to equip you with advanced skills in data-driven decision-making for better business management. Combining core business principles with analytics-focused coursework, this specialization instructs you in how to leverage big data and insights to solve complex business problems and drive strategy.

Example courses include: Decision Modeling, Predictive Analytics, Machine Learning, Disruptive Technologies and Innovations, Statistical Analysis, and Database Management Systems.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of 9 percent for management analysts, faster than the average for all occupations. This specialization prepares you to thrive in roles such as business analyst, management consultant, or market research analyst.

4. Corporate Finance, MBA

Corporate Finance MBAs concentrate on financial management and strategic decision-making within organizations. Within this specialization, you’ll learn how to analyze financial data, optimize capital structures, and drive profitability in dynamic corporate environments. Focus areas include capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, and financial forecasting.

Example courses include: Entrepreneurial Finance, Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting for Managers, Creating Value Through Finance, and Valuation of the Firm.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of three percent for professionals in securities, commodities, and financial services, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This is the MBA specialization favored by chief financial officers, investment bankers, and financial auditors.

5. Human Resources Management, MBA

An MBA specialization in Human Resources Management focuses its training on fostering workplace culture, enhancing employee engagement, and aligning human capital with business objectives. This program will prepare you to lead organizational talent strategies and manage workforce dynamics. The curriculum combines core business courses with specialized topics such as talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, and organizational development.

Example courses include: Recruitment and Staffing, Negotiations and Bargaining, Human Resources Analytics, Training and Development, Compensation and Assessment, Talent Management, and Leading and Managing Teams.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of five percent for human resources managers, faster than the average for all occupations. This MBA specialization is ideal for aspiring human resources directors, chief diversity officers, or labor relations directors.

6. Investment Management, MBA

An MBA in Investment Management equips you with the skills and knowledge to make informed, data-driven decisions that maximize returns and drive financial growth. This specialization combines core business principles with specialized courses in asset valuation, risk management, securities analysis, and global financial strategies to teach the complexities of financial markets and portfolio management.

Example courses include: Portfolio Analysis and Management, Fixed Income Markets and Analytics, Behavioral Finance, Real Estate Finance, Risk Management and Capital Market, and Business Economics for Decision Making.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of three percent for investment bankers and similar professionals, about as fast as the average for all occupations. If you want to play a central role in financial institutions, brokerages, insurance companies, and many other finance-driven industries, then consider this specialization.

7. Marketing Analytics, MBA

An MBA in Marketing Analytics combines traditional marketing principles with advanced data analysis techniques to optimize marketing strategies. As a student in this program, you’ll learn to interpret consumer behavior, measure campaign effectiveness, and leverage tools like predictive analytics, machine learning, and data visualization to make data-driven decisions that enhance customer engagement and drive business growth.

Example courses include: Marketing Research, Visual Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Business Analytics and Statistics, Advertising and Sales Promotion, and Driving Marketing Performance.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of seven percent for market research analysts, faster than the average for all occupations. If you enjoy conducting market research, making data-driven decisions, and managing customer relationships, then this MBA specialization could be your calling.

8. Marketing Management, MBA

If you want to get into marketing but are more interested in management than analytics, then an MBA in Marketing Management can be an excellent specialization. This specialization is more about learning how to build customer relations, manage cross-functional teams, and drive business growth through innovative marketing solutions—though your decisions are still informed by market research.

Example courses include: Marketing Research, Consumer Behavior, Strategic Marketing Planning, Value Creation, Driving Marketing Performance, and New Product and Service Planning and Development.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of six percent for advertising, promotions, and marketing managers, faster than the average for all occupations. An ideal choice for aspiring marketing managers, brand strategists, or account executives, this specialization offers focused training in brand management, consumer behavior, digital marketing, and market research

9. Strategy and International Business, MBA

An MBA specialization in Strategy and International Business emphasizes strategic planning, economic analysis, and leadership across a range of disciplines, usually on a global stage. This specialization will equip you with the skills to navigate global markets and supply chains for international market entry and to drive organizational growth. The strategic training will help prepare you to manage the complexities of changing laws, technological disruptions, organizational and sociocultural issues, and domestic and international trends.

Example courses include: Competitive Business Strategy, Corporate Diversification Strategy, Comparative Business Systems and Cross-Cultural Management, Global Business, Ethics, and Social Responsibility, and Leading and Managing Teams.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of three percent for compliance officers and around five percent for sales managers, about as fast as the average for all occupations. If you’re excited about the idea of tackling complex challenges and creating value in an interconnected, competitive global economy, then this could be the best MBA specialization for your future career.

10. Business Administration, MBA/Juris Doctor, JD

A combined Business Administration and Juris Doctor (JD/MBA) specialization offers advanced business management training with a comprehensive legal education. Earning these dual degrees will prepare you to address complex business challenges that require legal expertise, such as corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, or compliance.

Example courses include: Legal Methods, Administrative Law, Securities Regulation, Contract Law, Business Strategy, and Global Business, Ethics, and Social Responsibility.

The BLS projects a job growth rate of four percent for legal experts, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This dual degree specialization is a great choice if you want to understand the intersections of business and law and build a career as an executive, legal consultant, or in-house counsel.

*Salary estimates were sourced from Glassdoor in December 2025 and are based on the New York Metropolitan area.

Choosing the Right MBA Program

Choosing the right MBA specialization can be challenging, especially with so many options available—including some that might not be on this list. It’s important to remember that the best MBA program is the one that aligns with your unique goals and aspirations. Here are a few tips to help you identify the specialization that fits your career ambitions.

• Start by Considering Your Interests and Strengths
  You won’t get very far in a career or program that you’re not passionate about. Assuming that you’re determined to get a business administration degree, what is it that you enjoy learning about different aspects of business? Do you feel yourself drawn to specific topics such as marketing or analytics? Or is your pursuit of a degree part of a specific goal, such as working in entertainment or the finance industry?
  
  MBA specializations are a good choice if you know exactly what you want to do in your career and the field or industry in which you want to work long term.
• Consider and Set Your Career Goals
  Once you’re confident about what you’re interested in, consider what you need for your career. Continue your research to determine which job positions offer the salary level that you want. What do different positions and companies offer for benefits such as insurance coverage, time off, or a flexible work schedule?
  
  The more you’re able to define a specific job title that you’re after, the more you can focus your studies to tailor your credentials to stand out from other candidates with MBAs, especially at competitive companies.
• Take the Time to Research Program Details
  General MBAs provide a broader curriculum, with a wide choice of electives, while specializations are more focused on a specific set of required electives. Consider the types of courses that you’ll need to take, and look at the specializations offered by different schools and programs.
  
  Every school is unique, so you’ll want to consider the overall ranking and reputation of the business school. Is the school nationally ranked or recognized? Where are graduates finding employment? Does the school offer online courses that could work with a busy schedule?
• Prioritize the Opportunity to Network with Alumni and Peers
  In the business world, sometimes it’s not about what you know, but who you know. See what a program’s alumni network looks like, and reach out to graduates to learn about their experiences. This will help you understand current market demands and what current employers are prioritizing.
  
  MBA programs that offer the ability to connect and network with local businesses can provide a head start on a successful career.

FAQ

Which MBA specializations are most in demand?
Some of the most in-demand MBA specializations include finance, marketing, data analytics, and entrepreneurship. These fields are highly sought after for their strong job prospects and alignment with growing industries. Finance and data analytics, for example, cater to the demand for strategic decision-making, while marketing drives consumer engagement. Always consider your career goals when choosing a specialization.

Which MBA specialization is the highest paid?
The highest-paying MBA specializations often include finance, technology management, and data analytics. These fields command competitive salaries due to their focus on in-demand skills and leadership roles. For example, finance MBAs often pursue careers in investment banking or private equity, while technology management and data analytics professionals lead digital transformation. Salaries can vary based on industry, role, and experience, so it’s important to align your specialization with your long-term career goals.

Can you have two MBA specializations?
Yes, many MBA programs offer the option to pursue dual specializations, enabling students to develop expertise in two areas. For example, you could combine finance with data analytics or marketing with arts and entertainment management. This flexibility can broaden your skill set and career opportunities. However, dual specializations may require additional coursework, potentially extending the time and cost of the program. Be sure to consider your career goals and discuss options with your program advisor.

Does an MBA specialization matter?
An MBA specialization can matter, depending on your career goals. Specializations such as finance or data analytics provide focused skills for specific industries or roles, enhancing your employability in those areas. However, a general MBA offers flexibility, equipping you with broad business knowledge. The right choice depends on whether you aim for a specialized career path or prefer versatile skills applicable across industries. Consider your professional aspirations before deciding.

If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the business master’s programs at Pace University’s Lubin School of Business. With tailored curriculum options and industry-relevant training, these programs provide the skills and knowledge to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. Reach out to Pace today for more information and guidance on fulfilling your education goals.

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Historic newsroom photographs and contemporary artworks explore how images are edited, altered, and understood

Pace University Art Gallery presents three exhibitions exploring how photographic meaning is shaped by manipulation, from analog newsroom edits to contemporary digital practices. The interrelated shows—Retold: Altered Photography, Cut and Paste, and Open for Interpretation—open with a free public reception on Thursday, June 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The project is inspired by historic newsroom prints from the George Stephanopoulos Collection at Pace that retain visible marks of manual editing, including pen lines, white‑out, and incisions. Created in the mid-20th century, these alterations reflect editorial judgment and the technical constraints of newspaper production, shaping interpretation while meeting the demands of reproduction and layout.

For contemporary audiences accustomed to digital manipulation and fully fabricated images, these analog edits appear strikingly overt.

Yet their transparency reveals a foundational truth: photographs have always been shaped, edited, and constructed.

Removed from their original context, these images prompt renewed attention to what is revealed or omitted in producing visual meaning.

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Curated by Sarah Cunningham, art gallery director and associate clinical professor, with Roger Sayre, professor and associate chair of the Art Department, the exhibitions include:

• Retold: Altered Photography (Pace University Art Gallery): an exhibition featuring work by six contemporary artists—Nouf Aljowaysir, Garth Amundson and Pierre Gour, Juyon Lee, Negin Mahzoun, and Wendel A. White—who use photographic alteration to reclaim and reframe personal narratives and social histories, challenging photography’s authority as a neutral record.
• Cut and Paste (Student Exhibition Lab): a CMS 338: Media Criticism student-curated selection of historic newsroom photographs from the George Stephanopoulos Collection analyzing visible evidence of manual editing in print media.
• Open for Interpretation (Student Exhibition Lab): a display of ART 356: Experimental Photography student digital works responding to these historical practices, exploring how images can be reinterpreted through construction and deconstruction.

By placing contemporary artworks in dialogue with historic newsroom photographs, the exhibitions highlight photographic alteration’s dual capacity: to assert authority and to question it.

Across all three, acts of cutting, editing, layering, and erasure reveal that photographs are never neutral; they are constructed, contingent, and open to interpretation.

The exhibitions remain on view through July 30, 2026. The gallery is located at 41 Park Row in Lower Manhattan. All exhibitions and events are free and open to the public. Summer hours for drop‑in viewing are Wednesday through Saturday, 1:00–6:00 p.m. Please check the gallery’s Instagram for updates to hours and holiday closures.

About the Pace University Art Gallery

Founded with the conviction that art is integral to society, the Pace University Art Gallery is a creative laboratory and exhibition space that supports innovation and exploration for both artists and viewers. Open to students, staff, and faculty from across the Pace campuses and, equally, to the Lower Manhattan community and visitors from around the world, the Art Gallery encourages personal investigation and critical dialogue via thought-provoking contemporary art exhibits and public programming. Enhancing the Art Department’s Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs, the Art Gallery offers students real-world opportunities to exhibit their own art and to work directly with professional artists to install and promote exhibitions. All exhibits and events are free and open to the public.

About Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

Pace University’s liberal arts college, Dyson College, offers more than 50 programs, spanning the arts and humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and pre-professional programs (including pre-medicine, pre-veterinary, and pre-law), as well as many courses that fulfill core curriculum requirements. The College offers access to numerous opportunities for internships, cooperative education and other hands-on learning experiences that complement in-class learning in preparing graduates for career and graduate/professional education choices.

About Pace University

Founded in 1906 and celebrating 120 years of preparing students for success in 2026, Pace University pairs real-life learning with strong academics to launch meaningful careers. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, Pace serves 13,600 students across a range of bachelor, master, and doctoral programs through the College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, Sands College of Performing Arts, School of Education, and Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

For Pace University alum Onye Ohiaeri (MS in Computer Science ’21), building a career in technology was an unexpected path. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Onye came to the United States to attend UC Berkeley, earning his undergraduate degree in political economy in 2018. But after graduation, he realized he wanted to pivot toward a more technical career without having to start over from scratch.

That search led him to Pace’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems. “I was looking for a program that took AI and machine learning seriously as a discipline, that was located somewhere I could build a real network alongside the degree, and that had professors who actually worked on the kinds of problems I wanted to solve,” Onye said. “Pace's Seidenberg School checked all three boxes. Being in New York meant I'd be surrounded by industry, and the curriculum focused on the technical areas I wanted to grow into. Looking back, choosing Seidenberg was one of the best decisions I’ve made—it gave me both the technical foundation and the location to launch the career I have now.”

The architecture decisions I make today all trace back to the foundation Professor Simo gave us.

A Foundation for Success

One Seidenberg course in particular would go on to shape much of Onye’s professional career: CS 610: Introduction to Parallel and Distributed Computing, taught by Professor Altion Simo.

“Professor Simo had a way of taking concepts that sounded abstract—parallelization, distributed coordination, scalability—and making them feel intuitive and practical,” Onye described. “He didn’t just teach the theory; he showed us how distributed systems actually get built at scale.”

The lessons from that class extended well beyond graduation. “I use what I learned in that class every single day,” he said. “The architecture decisions I make today all trace back to the foundation Professor Simo gave us.”

Like many students whose graduate studies overlapped with the COVID-19 pandemic, Onye’s experience at Pace looked different than he originally imagined. Traditional networking opportunities disappeared almost overnight, forcing him to find new ways to connect with the industry he hoped to enter. “What I learned from that experience ended up being one of the most valuable lessons of my entire education: when the obvious paths close, you have to build your own,” Onye said.

Since he couldn’t rely on career fairs or in-person recruiting events at the time, Onye began reaching out directly to engineers and technology leaders whose work he admired. He researched the projects they were building and sent thoughtful messages engaging with their work, sometimes sharing ideas and solutions he had learned at Seidenberg that related to those challenges. “That approach is how I landed my first internship at Code and Theory, and it’s ultimately how I got to Amazon,” he said.

Soon after Code and Theory, a Seidenberg professor connected him with an internship opportunity at Take-Two Interactive, where he worked from 2020 through early 2021 while completing his degree. By the time he graduated, Onye had built both a professional network and a portfolio of technical experience through a combination of persistence, initiative, and support from the Seidenberg community.

Choosing Seidenberg was one of the best decisions I’ve made—it gave me both the technical foundation and the location to launch the career I have now.

From Student to Engineer at Amazon

After graduating in 2021, Onye joined Amazon Prime Video as a software engineer, where he spent four years working on large-scale systems serving millions of users worldwide.

During his time there, he contributed to projects including Prime Video’s “Top 10 Movies” feature, improvements to the platform’s search infrastructure, and the integration of Thursday Night Football into the search experience.

He also became the lead engineer responsible for dynamically scaling traffic infrastructure during major live events. “Scaling distributed systems to handle real-world traffic patterns—especially unpredictable traffic from live sports—is one of the harder problems in distributed computing and being trusted as the scaling lead for a service of that magnitude was a defining experience,” Onye said.

The role drew directly from the distributed systems concepts he first explored at Seidenberg.

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Launching Something New

In January 2026, Onye’s position at Amazon was eliminated as part of a company-wide reduction in force—a reality that has impacted many engineers across today’s tech industry. But rather than viewing the moment as a setback, he used it as an opportunity to focus fully on a personal project he had already been building on the side: Cheqmate.

The idea for the app came from a familiar frustration during group dinners and trips with friends. “People would forget who owed whom, and figuring it out in the moment was painful,” Onye said. “Existing bill-splitting apps were clunky enough that nobody wanted to use them at the table.”

Convinced there had to be a better way to deal with these situations, Onye built one. Cheqmate streamlines the process by automatically surfacing venues and friend groups, allowing users to split bills quickly and discover places their friends already enjoy visiting. “The vision is that Cheqmate makes going out with your friends easier, more spontaneous, and more fun—from the moment you decide where to go all the way through splitting the check at the end,” Onye said.

Built using the same distributed systems principles Onye learned at Seidenberg and refined at Amazon, the app launched publicly on the Apple App Store in April 2026 and has continued to grow driven entirely by word-of-mouth adoption.

If your path looks messy or non-linear, that’s not a problem to solve. It’s often the source of your edge.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Onye has also stayed connected to Pace since graduating. Most recently, he returned to Pace to judge final project presentations for a Seidenberg computer science course, offering feedback to current students developing their own applications. “It was a full-circle moment,” he said.

His advice to students and recent graduates centers on initiative, persistence, and embracing unconventional paths. “Build something real before you graduate,” Onye said. “Classes give you the foundation, but the engineers who stand out are the ones who can point to something they built.”

He also encourages students not to underestimate the power of outreach and networking. “Cold outreach works better than you think,” he said. “Most students underestimate how willing people are to respond to a thoughtful, specific message from someone early in their career.”

Above all, Onye believes students shouldn’t feel pressured to follow a perfectly linear career path. “My path certainly didn’t look clean and linear from the outside. But every step taught me something, and the combination of all of it is what made me capable of doing what I do now,” he said. “If your path looks messy or non-linear, that’s not a problem to solve. It’s often the source of your edge.”

Choosing the right college is a big decision for both students and their families. At Pace University, we understand that you’re not just sending your student off to school—you’re investing in their future. Here are five reasons you can feel confident about what’s ahead for your student at Pace.

1. Career-Ready from Day One

Pace isn't just about getting a degree; it's about launching a career. From day one, your student is gaining real-world experience through internships, co-ops, and hands-on projects that make their resume stand out. Employers love seeing practical experience, and your student will have plenty to showcase.

2. Top-Notch Employment Rates

A whopping 93% of Pace graduates from the Class of 2025 are employed, continuing their education, or pursuing service. This impressive statistic means your student is set for a successful post-graduation path, providing peace of mind for both of you.

3. High Earning Potential

Pace alumni are in the top 11% for highest earning graduates in the US. Your student won't just find a job; they'll find a well-paying one. This translates to a great return on investment and financial security for the future.

4. NYC: The Ultimate Launchpad

Located in the New York metro area, Pace offers unparalleled access to internships and networking opportunities. Your student will have the chance to connect with industry leaders and gain valuable experience in one of the world's most dynamic cities, setting them up for a successful career.

5. Stellar Alumni Network

With notable alumni in every field—from CEOs to entertainers—Pace’s network is vast and influential. Your student will join a community of successful professionals eager to support and mentor the next generation, opening doors to incredible career opportunities.

So, parents, rest easy knowing your student's choice of Pace University is a ticket to a successful and rewarding career. With a focus on practical experience, high employment rates, and strong industry connections, your student’s future is bright!

Getting ready for college is a big deal—and joining the Pace Community makes it even more exciting. Your student isn’t just heading off to college; they’re stepping into a world of opportunity. Here are five ways to help them navigate the transition and start strong at Pace:

Embrace Emotions and Open Communication

Your student may be excited, scared, or both—there's no wrong way to feel. Be open to their big feelings and celebrate their journey to becoming a proud Pace Setter! We also offer on-campus resources to help them when you're not able to answer the phone. Encourage your student to explore the Counseling Center and Pace's Center for Wellbeing.

Encourage Their Independence

At Pace, students are empowered to become leaders and self-starters. Encourage your student to manage their time, handle finances, and make decisions. Consider setting up regular check-ins to provide a balance of support and independence.

Visit Campus Together

Familiarizing your student with their new environment can alleviate anxiety. Take a campus tour, explore the facilities, and participate in Orientation events. From NYC to Westchester, Pace offers unique experiences at every corner.

Discuss Academic Resources

Highlight the academic resources available at Pace, such as tutoring centers, libraries, and faculty office hours. Pace’s commitment to academic excellence ensures your student has the support they need to thrive.

Promote Involvement in Campus Life

Campus life is buzzing—and students who dive in get the most out of their college experience. Encourage your student to attend events, join student clubs and orgs, read emails from the University, and follow along on social media to stay in the loop. There’s always something happening at Pace.

Your student’s future starts here. With your support and Pace’s real-life learning opportunities, they’re set to thrive. Get ready to cheer them on as they dive into this exciting new chapter.

Welcome to the Pace Community—Go Setters!