Graduate Alumni Spotlights - College of Business

As the top provider of talent in Central Florida, UCF College of Business prepares students to be successful in a variety of disciplines.

Our graduate alumni have navigated careers across industries in technology, accounting, retail, hospitality, government, finance and more. While at UCF, we challenge students to take risks, get out of their comfort zones and collaborate with people who are different from them. These graduate alumni are examples of students who rose to the challenge and found a career path that suits their talents.

Choose an alumnus below to learn more about their journey and how UCF College of Business impacted their career.

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Graduate Program Alumni Testimonials

Executive MBA

“This program has certainly improved my overall business acumen, as well as my ability to think and strategize more like an executive or even a CEO. The educational value of this program is priceless as the Central Florida community benefits from graduates who are skilled strategic planners and, most importantly, skilled engaged leaders.”

Toni Caracciolo
Executive MBA 2014

“My Executive MBA program was a tremendous experience, rewarding financially, personally and professionally. It’s paid for itself with the doors it has opened for me, and I have formed lifelong bonds with friends from my cohort. I would absolutely recommend UCFs Executive MBA program for those looking to advance in their careers, create a broad academic foundation and grow their professional networks.”

Bryan Hartling
Executive MBA 2019

“There is no doubt in my mind that if it were not for my MBA from the UCF College of Business, I would not be in the CEO role that I am responsible for today. My experience at the UCF College of Business gave me the strategic, financial and managerial education that I lacked to make a well-rounded executive, capable of tackling the challenging business environment that comes with operating a professional sports franchise.”

Alex Martins
Executive MBA 2001

“Attending the UCF Executive MBA program was the best experience I have ever had. The program gave me the tools to think more strategically and effectively in my job. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone looking to advance their career with an MBA.”

Angela Pilkington
Executive MBA 2013

“My Executive MBA experience was invaluable for building lasting friendships and expanding my professional network. The program’s collaborative environment fostered connections with diverse, accomplished peers, enhancing both my personal and professional growth. Additionally, the curriculum and leadership training significantly prepared me for future challenges.”

Darcy Smith
Executive MBA 2019

“My Executive MBA program was a tremendous experience, rewarding financially, personally and professionally. It’s paid for itself with the doors it has opened for me, and I have formed lifelong bonds with friends from my cohort. I would absolutely recommend UCF’s Executive MBA program for those looking to advance in their careers, create a broad academic foundation and grow their professional networks.”

Guangxiang Wu
Executive MBA 2024

Professional MBA

“The PMBA program was truly impactful for me — it helped me sharpen my leadership instincts, lead with greater confidence and clarity, and better understand how I add value in complex, cross-functional environments. Just as meaningful were the relationships and cohort bonds built along the way.”

Jasmin Gebon
Part-Time Professional MBA 2020

“The UCF PMBA allowed me to fulfill a dream and achieve a goal. It is masterfully created for those with busy careers and family commitments who want to further their education and career. The curriculum is very engaging and provides a foundation of knowledge and proficiency in all areas of business.”

Kimberly Fulcher
Part-Time Professional MBA 2010

“Pursuing an MBA has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has required a lot of hard work, but I feel fulfilled and prepared for the next chapters of my career.”

Michael Gilliam
Part-Time Professional MBA 2024

“The cohort structure of the PMBA program helped me not only learn more efficiently, but also make lifetime friends. I enjoyed the set schedule throughout the program and of course the amazing UCF faculty that made the program enjoyable. I gained valuable skills and knowledge that will help me for years to come!”

Dhruv Tank
Part-Time Professional MBA 2024

“If you’re on the fence about applying to this full-time PMBA program, do it. The schedule is demanding and leaves little time for full-time employment. The benefits that come with this full-time schedule and the relationships you build during this time make it well worth the 12 months. It will help catapult you ahead of your current peers and will allow you to shine brighter in your future job interviews. Take the leap.”

Trey Johnston
Full-Time Professional MBA 2017

“The cohort experience provided a unique challenge with fruitful results. I have now have 25+ people who know me and my work style and can speak to my professional character.”

Ally Keith
Part-Time Professional MBA 2024

“The UCF PMBA is carefully crafted to provide students with concierge service, that allows academic and professional development to be the number one priority. After the completion of this program, my MBA gave me the competitive advantage to land a position in my dream industry. The UCF PMBA program is one of the best investments you could make for yourself.”
Alicia Rambarran
Full-Time Professional MBA 2017

Evening MBA

“My UCF degree helped build the foundation for starting my own company. While earning my MBA, I directed almost every class and group project towards opening a brewery. I would stay after class and get advice from some of the great professors I had. I also created the entire business plan alongside fellow students from all different walks of life. The networking was phenomenal as well and I continue to be in touch with several of the students I met while getting my two degrees from UCF.”

Doug Meyer
Evening MBA 2016

M.S. in Financial Technology

“The FinTech program at UCF has been essential to get my technical and business skills up to date through projects that mirror the real world. This set me apart, enabling me to co-start a business, speak at events, receive awards and travel the country to meet new people. UCF has many resources ranging from entrepreneurship, professional development, networking and competitions, and it’s all up to you to use them!”

Nathan Kurelo Wilk
M.S. Financial Technology 2024

“The Master’s in FinTech program effectively combined practical, real-world examples with academic theory, covering a broad spectrum from macroeconomics to investment analytics. The online format offered valuable flexibility, allowing me to integrate the program with my existing schedule.”

Kenny Choi
M.S. Financial Technology 2025

“The faculty is amazing and want to see you succeed. The program is intense and you will get out of it what you put in. I feel that I now have the tools necessary to make a positive change in the financial industry!”

Zachary Roch
M.S. Financial Technology 2024

Professional MS in Management
Human Resources Track

“The PMSM HR program has become a tremendous asset in my life. Not only was it an amazing academic experience, but a great personal journey as well. I would highly suggest anyone seeking a higher education to invest in this program.”

Derek DeSalvia
Professional MSM Human Resources 2011

“A graduate degree, especially one from UCF, is well respected. For my current role, a graduate degree was a preferred qualification and is a minimum qualification for potential future roles. I use the Human Resource concentration information, knowledge and management skills each day in my career and in the volunteer work I do, including my work with HR Florida.”

Heather “HD” Deyrieux
Professional MSM Human Resources 2009

“The PMSM Human Resources degree gave me the knowledge and tools needed for career growth and persuading my leadership teams with ideas to grow the company. Along with my work ethic, I have been given the opportunity to take on multiple responsibilities and provided year-over-year growth results.”

Michael Groves
Professional MSM Human Resources 2020

“This program allowed me to further advance my HR career while working alongside other HR professionals. I enjoyed the cohort experience and the lifelong relationships I have been able to develop through the program. I am thankful to have had this experience as part of my professional career!”

Kimberly Mallette
Professional MSM Human Resources 2024

“There is no better way to learn HR principles than the cohort system. You get to interact with the people and professionals who become your friends and family. The relationships are just as, if not more, valuable than the educational content.”

Quinn Mott
Professional MSM Human Resources 2024

MS in Management
Integrated Business Track

“The MSM Integrated Business program provided me with the skills needed as a business professional and allowed me to form connections with other business professionals which in turn led me to my current employment at Insight Global where I am a contractor for Microsoft.”

Milica Dragoljevic
MSM Integrated Business 2020

“There were so many beneficial things I learned during the MSM Integrated Business program, but probably the most beneficial was learning how to work in a team effectively. Group work and teamwork is rarely easy, and so learning how to navigate certain obstacles such as avoiding groupthink and social loafing, how to give constructive feedback, motivating group members, and using effective communication technique.”

Jessica Gelband
MSM Integrated Business 2020

“One of Amazon’s leadership principles is to hire and develop the best. This means they not only develop the best employees, but they also only hire the best candidates in the world. The UCF MSM Integrated Business program prepared me to be the best and provided me with the right skills to stand out among the best with confidence.”

Giorgi Beruashvili
MSM Integrated Business 2021

“The most beneficial thing I have learned from the program was how to balance. Each class not only had class assignments but weekly updates on the end of the semester projects. Also, we worked in teams every single class, so being able to understand other ideas and opinions while working on big projects and assignments taught us all patience and respect for one another. This is something we can transfer over to future employment.”

Saxsen Norton
MSM Integrated Business 2020

“The MSM Integrated Business program has vastly transformed my professional and personal life, fully equipping me for the challenging career path ahead of me. Each course is meticulously designed to teach skills that are critical in business. My public speaking, professional writing, and creative problem-solving skills have improved greatly. Additionally, the team communication and time management skills I have acquired are invaluable.”

Lauren Swain
MSM Integrated Business 2024

Professional MS in Real Estate

“This program changed my life in ways that I could not have imagined. The network and community surrounding you and your success is unwavering. The lifelong friends I have made and education I received are unmatched. I truly wish I could do it all over again. I can proudly say that I would not be where I am today without the Professional M.S. Real Estate Programs.”

Jonathan Colecraft-Peters
Professional MS in Real Estate 2022

“After completing the Professional MSRE, I plan to use my experience in real estate and asset management, executive leadership and project management to become a developer.”

Socrate Exantus
Professional MS in Real Estate 2022

“UCF College of Business was a wonderful educational experience. Not only was the cohort a great networking experience with professionals in our industry, but we are provided the knowledge, tools, and resources for future business transactions and career advancement.”

Cassandra Guzman
Professional MS in Real Estate 2024

MS in Accounting

“I actually have three degrees from UCF – a Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. in Accounting. My undergraduate degree helped me land a job at one of the Big 4 (5 at that time) accounting firms, namely KPMG LLP (Orlando office). My Master’s helped me complete my CPA license requirements and, importantly, get admitted to the Ph.D. program. My Ph.D. allowed me to become an academic faculty member at reputable universities in different countries. This terminal degree not only changed my entire career, it brought another dimension and gave me a different perspective on life.”

Charles Cho, Ph.D.
M.S. Accounting

“The best way to describe the MSA is eye-opening. You’re challenging your mind in ways that you haven’t before, and it gives you a whole new perspective on accounting. As an auditor, the MSA is what made the ‘big picture’ of an audit and why we do things click into place, setting me up for success once I graduate.”

Jake Glidden
M.S. Accounting

“I figured I was going to be an accountant, so why not do an MSA? I needed the additional credits for my CPA license. Let me get the degree that’s most relevant to what I’m going to do. You know, I contemplated, and I had friends whot took the MBA route, but at that period in time, my thinking was ‘I’m an accountant — this is what I’m going to do.'”

David Knowlton
M.S. Accounting