Talk to a graduate student ambassador
Our graduate student ambassadors are available to talk with prospective and incoming students about their graduate program and experience at Gies. Ambassadors are a great resource to hear about classes, what it’s like to live in Champaign-Urbana, how to get involved on campus, and even what to do for fun.
MSA Featured Ambassadors
I completed my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Attending the MSA program at UIUC has proven to be one of the best decisions I've made in my life. The program is distinguished by its outstanding faculty members and delivers curricula of unparalleled quality... By the end of the program, you will be pleasantly surprised by the amount you have learned, the strong friendships you have formed, and the support you have received from the faculty. I am confident that the knowledge and experiences gained during my time in the MSA program will greatly contribute to my future career.
Chaewon Kim
MSA '24
Seoul, South Korea
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering . When I decided to change my career path to Accounting, I believed that the MSA program would help me specialize and meet the growing demand for accounting professionals. I am grateful to be a part of the MSA program because it provides opportunities to learn from some of the nation’s top faculty and to interact with a diverse group of professionals in this field. With the resources and support from this program, I successfully landed a job as a tax consultant at Deloitte Chicago [before graduating]. I have no doubt that the skills and information I gained from the MSA program will be extremely beneficial to my future professional endeavors.
Adila Mohd Jamal
MSA '24
Shah Alam, Malaysia
I graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a bachelor's degree in economics. One of the MSA program's strengths is its diverse student body and experienced faculty, which enhances the learning environment. Additionally, the Office of Career and Professional Development has provided me with invaluable resources in my job search process, with their professional pathway sessions, advising services, and career fair events leading to offers from multiple Big 4 accounting firms. I believe that enrolling in this program will offer aspiring accountants a strong educational pathway towards achieving their career goals.
Steven Staubus
MSA '24
Chicago, IL
MSBA Featured Ambassadors
I completed my undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. After working in a big-4 for 3.5 years as a business analyst, I am now excited to delve deeper and challenge myself in the world of data analytics. I hope to land a role where I can apply my skills and use data to drive important business metrics.
Kanchan Singh
MSBA ‘24
Delhi, India
After earning my bachelor’s degree in electrical and Electronics Engineering, I worked for three years in the finance industry, focusing on business development and business intelligence. My passion lies in extracting meaningful insights and mastering the art of storytelling through data analysis. I aspire to work in the data industry and make a meaningful difference in the lives of people.
Nikhil Nagendra
MSBA ‘24
Bangalore, India
MSF Featured Ambassadors
Upon obtaining my undergraduate degree in Business Administration, I worked for 2 Big-4 companies for 3 years as an Audit Associate and was promoted to a Senior Associate role. With the goal of leveraging my strong background in financial analysis and becoming a well-rounded finance professional, I joined the MSF program at Gies which is renowned for its cutting-edge research and distinguished faculty. I am currently pursuing a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification and planning to build my career in Asset Management/Investment Banking.
Mehri Aliyeva
MSF '24
Baku, Azerbaijan
After completing my bachelor's degree in finance at the University of Illinois, I made a purposeful decision to pursue the Gies MSF program. With a focus on data analytics and strategic financial decision-making, the MSF program equips me with the skills necessary to thrive in the ever-evolving financial landscape. The program lays the foundation for career success by combining academic knowledge with practical experience. My goal is to leverage this knowledge to contribute effectively to the finance field.
Gerardo Gonzalez
MSF ‘24
Chicago, IL
After earning my Master of Commerce degree in India, I began my career as a research analyst at Citigroup. Driven by a passion for expanding my knowledge and specializing in core finance, I found the Gies MSF program to be an ideal fit. It offers a blend of relevant coursework, world-class faculty, and a stellar reputation. Looking forward, I am looking to pursuing a career in Investment Banking and Equity Research.
Dhruv Kothari
MSF '24
Mumbai, India
MSM Featured Ambassadors
I completed my undergraduate degree in tourism management at University of South Carolina. I opened my own education company in China, and I also have a lot of internship experience in the United States in places like Hilton Hotel, Marriott Hotel, and so on. After completing my Masters of Science in Management at Gies, I will look for a job related to management. After accumulating enough experience, I’m excited to run my own business and become an entrepreneur again!
Yuhao (Chester) Chen
MSM '24
Beijing, China
I earned my bachelor's degree in Earth, Society, and Environmental Sustainability at UIUC. During my time here, I gained valuable project management experience through involvement in a registered student organization. After I complete my master's degree, I intend to pursue a career in either project management or environmental consulting.
Kayla Nowinski
MSM '24
Brookfield, Illinois
I completed my bachelor’s degree at NC State University in Biological Sciences. I have a background in healthcare, specifically dentistry, with work experience in medical insurance. After graduation, I hope to pursue a career in healthcare management/consulting.
Mallika Acharya
MSM ’24
Raleigh, North Carolina
MSTM Featured Ambassadors
I have a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Management from MSRIT and co-founded All-Rounders Education, an ed-tech startup, managing operations and strategy. I have led the volunteering team of U&I, an NGO and taught underprivileged children. My passion for innovative technology, combined with the MSTM degree offering a blend of business and technology, drives my commitment to making education accessible. Fun fact, I am trained in 11 dance forms. As an MSTM ambassador, I'm here to inspire others in their journey, serving as a go-to resource for a successful experience.
Roshini Jacintha Shiva Kumar
MSTM '24
Bangalore, India
Following the attainment of my bachelor's degree in finance, I made the deliberate choice to embark on the MSTM program at Gies. This program equips aspiring business leaders with a unique combination of managerial understanding and technological expertise, essential for navigating the continually evolving landscape of the business world. My aspiration is to leverage my proficiency in both finance and management to embark on a career in consulting upon completion of the program.
Elizabeth (Liz) Kampiire
MSTM ‘24
Kampala City, Uganda
I'm a tech enthusiast with a Bachelor in Technology in Computer Science and Engineering, deeply passionate about blending tech with business acumen. That's why I hitched my wagon to Gies' MSTM program; it's the ideal trailhead to navigate the convergence of technology and management. As an MSTM program ambassador, I plan to be a trailblazer, inspiring others to embark on this journey. In the saddle, I envision myself as a project manager at a tech-savvy firm, corralling innovation, and strategy.
Shrinkhala Singh Chauhan
MSTM ‘24
Uttar Pradesh, India