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Kyle Igarta

Senior Financial Analyst, American Express

Class of 2021
BBA in Management - Arts and Entertainment Management / Business Analytics (double major)

Member Of: Pforzheimer's Honors College

Meet Kyle Igarta, an honors student and double major in arts and entertainment management and business analytics. Kyle used to be a competitive dancer and soccer player for almost 15 years. These activities repeatedly brought him into the city, so he was already very familiar with New York City before his freshman year. We talked to him about his decision behind becoming a double major and his internships spanning from Broadway Music Inc. to American Express. Kyle had some amazing advice to share with other students looking for internships.

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

I chose Pace University because of its prime location in the Financial District of Manhattan. I grew up as a competitive dancer and spent many of my summers training in New York City, so I was no stranger to the area. I always knew that I wanted to go to school in a city because of its untraditional campus and the freedom that going to school in a city offers. I decided to enroll at Pace/Lubin because I felt that this business school was the most personable to me. From the very first time I toured the school, I knew that Lubin was going to do whatever it takes to make sure that their students succeed and are set up for great careers.

Tell us a bit about your internships. How will you apply what you learned on them to the rest of your career? What comes next?

I secured my first internship the summer going into my freshman year. I interned with a performance rights organization called Broadcast Music Inc. as an intern in their Musical Theater and Jazz department. I spent my summer looking at how royalties affect the theater industry and how artists are paid if their music is used in various productions ranging from off-Broadway to Broadway shows. I also had the chance to work on a project with all of the other interns from different departments, which allowed me to see how the company's various areas come together to work as one. I felt that it was a solid first internship experience that allowed me to get a little glimpse of the industry. I had my second internship this past summer at American Express as a Financial Analyst Intern in the Global Services Group. This internship was completely different from my first one in all aspects. My role on this team was to look at the financial side of various projects that improved workplace experience. This included, but was not limited to, conducting Cost-Benefit Analyses, assisting in Long Range Planning, and forming models that portrayed the overview of the projects. I was also given the opportunity to speak with senior leaders within the organization. I feel that the knowledge I gained through these two internships will help the rest of my college experience immensely, as well as serve as a building block to my future endeavors. I plan on returning to American Express next summer for another internship in Finance.

The fact that I have the opportunity to learn and grow in two different industries under the same roof will be extremely beneficial to me in my future endeavors and will allow me to see things from various viewpoints!

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

My advice for other Lubin students is to not be discouraged by the "no's." Use them to motivate you to keep working and bettering yourself in all aspects because that "no" doesn't mean a no forever; it is a "no" for now. There are endless opportunities out there, you just have to apply yourself and work to reach your goals. Also, networking will be a vital asset in your career. It will help your social skills, as well as help you make quality connections in the industry that you hope to work in.

What motivates you to work hard?

I feel that my knowledge of where I want to end up and my determination to get there motivates me to work hard. I know that the only thing stopping me from reaching my goals is me, so I think it is necessary to keep working hard in everything I do; eventually, my dreams will become a reality.

You are a dual major in Business Analytics and Arts and Entertainment Management. Tell us a bit about the idea behind combining these two disciplines and what value you are currently finding in their combination.

As I mentioned earlier, I grew up as a dancer and I always dreamed about working in the performing arts industry. As I grew up, I developed a passion for business and numbers, but still wanted to be in the entertainment industry. The Arts and Entertainment Management major was a perfect fit to satisfy my interests. When my sophomore year came around and I began to start my major specific courses, I felt that I was still missing something. That's when I picked up Business Analytics as my second major and it was a great addition because it allowed me to work with large amounts of data and make a story of it all, which is awesome. The fact that I have the opportunity to learn and grow in two different industries under the same roof will be extremely beneficial to me in my future endeavors and will allow me to see things from various viewpoints!

What does #LubinLife mean to you? (i.e. the Lubin culture)

To me, #LubinLife means that you are able to find the best version of yourself, whether it is professionally or personally, all in the same place, with the help of advisors and like-minded peers. The culture of Lubin is one that provides a nurturing environment that allows you to grow, as well as one that pushes you to reach your potential. Lubin provides all of its students with the tools to succeed, but it is up to them to put those tools to use in the ways that benefit them the most.

Partnership Offers Professional Development, Salesforce Training

NEW YORK and PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. (Feb. 2, 2021) — Pace University is partnering with Saberpoint, a leading IT consulting and digital solutions company with offices in the US, India and Israel, to provide specialized software, technology and skills training for students that will provide them with critical workplace experience and fast-track their careers.

In establishing the Saberpoint Technology Professional Development Fund at Pace, Saberpoint President and CEO Ajay Bhumitra intends to complement and augment academic learning by funding valuable hands-on internships, mentorship, and training programs. The initiative will also create a pipeline of professionals that have the skills that companies are looking for.

“As a Pace graduate, I am thrilled to establish the Saberpoint Technology Professional Development Fund in collaboration with the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University,” Bhumitra said. “With our shared goals of advancing a diverse and innovative workforce, I am committed to working with my alma mater to empower Pace students with the business and technology skills needed to succeed in the evolving global economy.”

The partnership started out in 2020 as a pilot program with 18 students, and was such a success that it continues to grow and evolve. Now, it’s expected to become a more formal part of the curriculum. A key aspect of its initial success was a 10-week program aimed at teaching students how to effectively use Salesforce, a leading software program widely used in industry to increase sales, maximize return on investment (ROI) and optimize communications with clients. The goal is also to help students gain potentially career-advancing certifications from the popular, yet complex sales tool, and award scholarships to cover exam costs.

“Partnerships like this are such a benefit to our students’ educational experience,” said Dr. Jonathan Hill, Dean of the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University. “Saberpoint, in particular, offers an excellent hands-on training process that allows students to gain in-demand skills in Salesforce, and to put what they’ve been learning in the classroom into practice directly. When they graduate from Pace, they will be even more prepared to enter the workforce and land great jobs where they can offer their skills in impactful ways.”

The partnership with Pace has been remarkably successful for Pawan Tilwani, a computer science major who graduated in May 2020. While at Pace, Tilwani worked as a graduate assistant to Dr. Anthony Joseph, professor and co-chair of the Computer Science Department, and received guidance from Pace’s Department of Career Services on resume writing, coaching, communications, and career advisement. He later completed a six-month internship with Saberpoint. Under the company’s tutelage and guidance, Tilwani earned several Salesforce certifications that he estimates would have taken up to five years on his own. He is now a 4X certified Salesforce consultant and works at Saberpoint full-time.

“They were invested in my success,” said Tilwani, of India, noting that everyone from the CEO to sales associates were helpful and eager for him to succeed. “They really cared for my professional growth. It’s a family environment. Everyone is there for you.”

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About Pace University
Pace University has a proud history of preparing its diverse student body for a lifetime of professional success as a result of its unique program that combines rigorous academics and real-world experiences. Pace is ranked the #1 private, four-year college in the nation for upward economic mobility by Harvard University’s Opportunity Insights, evidence of the transformative education the University provides. From its beginnings as an accounting school in 1906, Pace has grown to three campuses, enrolling 13,000 students in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in more than 150 majors and programs, across a range of disciplines: arts, sciences, business, health care, technology, law, education, and more. The university also has one of the most competitive performing arts programs in the country. Pace has a signature, newly renovated campus in New York City, located in the heart of vibrant Lower Manhattan, next to Wall Street and City Hall, and two campuses in Westchester County, New York: a 200-acre picturesque Pleasantville Campus and the Elisabeth Haub School of Law in White Plains. Follow us on Twitter or on the Pace News website.

About the Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems at Pace University

At Pace University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems, students experience a best-of-breed technology education at one of the first comprehensive schools of computing in the nation. Strategically located in the heart of NYC’s tech scene, the Seidenberg School places students on the doorstep of New York’s most promising companies, whether they are established tech giants or exciting new start-ups. Through partnerships with leading corporations, banks, federal agencies, and global entities, the School's curricula and programs are designed to give students the latest in computer science theory and invaluable hands-on practice to ground it. The faculty includes numerous cybersecurity experts who operate labs and centers providing students with practical experience and connections that lead to impressive internships and jobs.

About Saberpoint

Saberpoint is an IT Consulting company that provides technology and business transformation services to small, medium and large enterprises in the US, India and Israel. The company enables its customers to get a 360 degree view into their business, and their customers, by leveraging technology to promote efficiencies, revenue and profitability. Saberpoint has strategically partnered with market leaders in the technology industry, including Salesforce, SAP, Tableau, Shopify and Magento to provide CRM, ERP, Analytics, eCommerce and Marketing Solutions. In addition, Saberpoint has unique partnerships with companies that provide next generation solutions for Contract Lifecycle Management, Cyber Security, Customer Experience Analytics, digitalization and AI, to provide a well-rounded solution portfolio to its customers. Follow us on Linkedin and Twitter.

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Sarah Ackerman

Program Manager, ANA Educational Foundation

Class of 2021
Dual MBA in Business / Marketing Management

Member Of: Wilson Fund Internship Appropriations Committee, Graduate Assistant, Lubin Media and Entertainment Association

Meet Sarah Ackerman ’21, an entrepreneurial graduate student whose degree concentrations are in Business and Marketing Management. She is able to pursue both concentrations through Lubin’s new 39-credit MBA program. Sarah decided to attend business school when she started dedicating her time to working for a cause near and dear to her heart: food allergy education and awareness. Her resources blog, “Girl Behind the Hive,” landed her a video appearance with Allure magazine that now has over 400,000 views! We talked to Sarah about the journey that brought her to Lubin and her future goals.

You earned your BA in psychology and theater arts. Why did you decide to enroll in business school and why did you choose Pace University for your MBA?

I grew up acting professionally in New York, which is what led me to major in theater arts during my time as an undergraduate. It wasn’t until after graduating that I started to think about pursuing one of my other passions: food allergy education and awareness. After interacting with a number of food allergy families around the country, I realized that is where my true passion lies. Enrolling in an MBA program seemed to be the logical next step as I started to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors. The Lubin School of Business offers everything that I was looking for in a program. I wanted to attend a school in the heart of New York that could provide me with networking opportunities and individualized attention. The small class sizes in the graduate program allow MBA students to forge meaningful relationships with professors. I realized that Pace checked every box in what I wanted from a university so it stood out, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision!

As I explore my future options surrounding my entrepreneurial endeavors, I have found the faculty at Pace to be both receptive and helpful. I have had long conversations with different Deans, Professors, and Career Services Counselors. Each one has taken the time to meet with me to discuss different paths, resources, and potential networking opportunities to help me fulfill my goals.

Tell us a about your experiences at Lubin; what resources have you been taking advantage of?

I am honored to have received a graduate assistantship this semester. I have been working with Dean Eisner, helping him prepare his work for publication. I also served on the Wilson Fund Internships Appropriations Committee, where I reviewed and helped to select host organizations (Pace students have the opportunity to participate in paid internship programs). I found this experience extremely rewarding, as I learned about non-profit organizations throughout the five boroughs that are doing incredibly meaningful work to give back to the community. I also started the Lubin Media and Entertainment Association, but it is currently on hold since campus is closed! As I explore my future options surrounding my entrepreneurial endeavors, I have found the faculty at Pace to be both receptive and helpful. I have had long conversations with different Deans, Professors, and Career Services Counselors. Each one has taken the time to meet with me to discuss different paths, resources, and potential networking opportunities to help me fulfill my goals.

We just launched our new 39-credit MBA program that you were able to transfer into recently. What does this transition mean to you?

The new 39-credit MBA program has allowed me to pursue concentrations in Business and Marketing, and complete my respective programs in two years! Switching into this new program enables me to maintain the traditional two-year timeline of an MBA, even though I did not major in business in my undergraduate studies. I am thrilled by this opportunity and the classes that are being offered in this program. The flexibility of being able to choose from a multitude of concentration courses allows for an extreme personalization of my MBA track. I am able to enroll in classes that specifically align with my future plans, and as an added benefit, I can pick the brains of the amazing professors teaching these courses!

Tell us about the idea behind “Girl Behind the Hive” and your future goals for this initiative.

After meeting a number of food allergy families struggling to adapt to their restrictions, I was inspired to start something. I started “Girl Behind the Hive” a little over a year ago as a blog resource for parents, caregivers, teens, and anyone dealing with food allergies on a daily basis. Since then, the venture has grown exponentially. In the past year, I have been named one of the “Top 100 Women in Food Allergies”; I have participated in panels and corporate focus groups; I have partnered with national organizations: FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) and EAT (End Allergies Together): and I worked with Allure magazine to propel food allergy awareness and understanding. I found that parents of food allergic children yearn for more information and a “growing up with allergies” resource in the mainstream world. And this is a big population, since one in thirteen children in each classroom has a food allergy. Adults with food allergies continue to navigate uncharted territory as the first generation blindly managing their day-to-day challenges. Ultimately, I would like to reach a broader audience and continue to be the voice to help those with allergies navigate their daily obstacles. I hope to share my passion and energy for normalizing life with food allergies through showing how I have adapted and maintained a positive attitude!

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

To me, #LubinLife means being ready to absorb everything. I remember being overwhelmed by the opportunities presented at graduate orientation. One after another different department Chairs and Deans stated how their doors were always open and that they love to meet with students. I am SO glad I believed them. I have met with numerous faculty members and students already, and have learned so much by listening to other perspectives and ideas. Taking advantage of every opportunity is important in order to make the most of your time at Lubin!

Nina Conticello

Solution Specialist, Effectv

Class of 2021
BBA in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Professional Selling and Sales Management

Member Of: Brand Marketing Team, Lubin Sales Team, Advertising Club

As the first-ever Account Management Intern at ViacomCBS, Nina has had some unforgettable experiences that are setting her up for success in her career. Nina is a transfer student who has gotten to know Lubin’s Marketing Department like the back of her hand and she has made sure she does not leave any opportunities on the table. She has taken on leadership positions in the Advertising Club, brought home awards as part of the Lubin Sales Team, and is getting ready to represent Pace University at the National Student Advertising Competition as a member of the Brand Marketing Team.

Congratulations on your big win in this year’s Steel City Sales Challenge! Can you tell us what it is like to be a part of the Lubin Sales Team and your experiences in the sales competition?

Thank you so much! The Lubin Sales Team is truthfully Lubin’s hidden gem. Being on the Sales Team will teach you skills you will not learn elsewhere in your college experience; overall, being part of the team is very fun. I had been on the team for less than a month when I flew down to Tampa, Florida to compete in my first competition. At the Duquesne University Competition, which happened over Zoom, I roleplayed against sales teams from universities across the country, and my scoresheet placed in the finalist group awarding me a cash prize of $500. I wish more people knew about the opportunities you have access to by being on the team and participating in competitions. If you are a go-getter who likes to find solutions to problems, I urge you to check out the Sales Team.

What will your final semester at Pace look like? What are you looking forward to the most?

If I had to compare my final semester at Pace to a manicure, it would be the time where you just applied your top coat and now your nails are drying. I have done and achieved so much within the past three years at Pace. I will continue to participate in competitions representing the Lubin Sales Team and finish off my classes. I would say I am most looking forward to the National Student Advertising Competition that I will be participating in as part of the Brand Marketing Team at the end of April for the campaign we are currently working on. Lastly, I am very excited about planning for my future career after graduation and I have set high expectations for myself to have a job lined up when that time comes.

What I have learned in the past six months ranges from the basics of email etiquette all the way to booking ad space for both presidential candidates (Donald Trump and Joe Biden). I had my internship, where I currently help out on deals throughout ViacomCBS and all of its subsidiaries, extended into the Fall. It is very exciting!

You have some great marketing internships on your resume. What were those experiences like and how do you think they’ll impact your career?

I am very grateful for all of the internships I’ve had. My first internship at Crestron Electronics helped me develop skills that I was able to transfer into my current internship at ViacomCBS. I was a Digital Marketing Intern at Creston. I liked what I did, but I felt that I needed a more client-facing role because I like talking to people. That is when I found out what Account Management is and started seeking out opportunities in that field. This past summer I interned for ViacomCBS as an Account Management intern, where I mainly worked with an advertising agency to help reach their clients’ goals. What I have learned in the past six months ranges from the basics of email etiquette all the way to booking ad space for both presidential candidates (Donald Trump and Joe Biden). I had my internship, where I currently help out on deals throughout the company and all of its subsidiaries, extended into the Fall. It is very exciting! I am truly blessed to be given the opportunity to intern during a time like this. As a guiding star, I always make sure that networking is a priority while at my internship; I am very proud of the network that I am building.

Do you have any advice for other Lubin students looking to get involved on campus?

Go to the career fairs. Go to class. Do the extracurricular and academic things that you might not want to do or your friends aren’t doing because the little things are what make the difference. Make it known to professors that you care about learning and talk to other students who are on the same page. For me, when I first transferred to Pace, I made it a priority to get on the Brand Marketing Team because I knew it would help me become a better student and help me get a job. I joined the Advertising Club, went to every meeting, expressed interest, and became a part of the executive board. That is how I got to work with Dr. Chiagouris and Prof. Nankin, who run the Brand Marketing Team; they got to see my personality. Now, as an active member of the team, I have a better understanding of the industry and feel more prepared for the real world than I did two years ago.

What does #LubinLife mean to you?

I recently got a t-shirt from Pace that says “it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish.” I find this to be very relatable, especially to Lubin students. It’s very easy to cruise along in college and not do much to help yourself in becoming a professional. Lubin offers opportunities for you to become successful. Take a chance and become a part of it to find out!