Graduate Alumni Spotlights

“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 graduate who are skilled strategic planners and, most importantly, skilled engaged leaders.”

Toni Caracciolo ’14
Executive MBA | Executive Vice President of Marketing & Branding | Falcon’s Beyond

“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.”

Brian Hartling ’19
Executive MBA | Senior Manager, Program & Project Management | Verizon

“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 ’01
Executive MBA | Chief Executive Officer | Orlando Magic

“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 ’13
Executive MBA | Chief Operating Officer | Correct Craft

“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 ’19
Executive MBA | Senior Analyst | Liberty Mutual Insurance

“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 ’24
Executive MBA | Senior Lab Manager | The Coca-Cola Company

“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 ’10
Part-Time PMBA | Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer | Halifax Health

“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 ’24
Part-Time PMBA | Technical Sales | 3D Barrier Bags Inc.

“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 ’17
Full-Time PMBA | Procurement Manager | L3Harris Technologies

“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 ’24
Part-Time PMBA | Senior Procurement Analyst | FIS

“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 ’17
Full-Time PMBA | President, Chief Executive Officer | Allure Advising & Marketing

“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 ’24
Part-Time PMBA | Business Intelligence Analyst | The Walt Disney Company

“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 ’16
Evening MBA | Owner | Tactical Brewing

“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 ’24
M.S. 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 ’24
M.S. Financial Technology | Senior Process Manager, Advent Health

“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 ’24
M.S. Financial Technology

“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 ’11
Professional MSM Human Resources | Chief Customer Officer, Executive Vice President | Hilton Grand Vacations

“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 ’09
Professional MSM Human Resources | Human Resources Manager | Workforce Planning

“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 ’20
Professional MSM Human Resources | Sales Consultant

“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 ’24
Professional MSM Human Resources | HR Manager | United Aero Group

“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 ’24
Professional MSM Human Resources | Business Development Associate | Microjig, Inc.

“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 ’20
MSM Integrated Business | Microsoft Project Manager, Customer Service Specialist | Insight Global, LLC

“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 ’20
MSM Integrated Business | Account Executive | Ogilby Health

“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 ’21
MSM Integrated Business | Operations Manager III | Amazon

“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 ’20
MSM Integrated Business | Talent Services Coordinator | Greenberg Traurig, LLP

“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 ’24
MSM Integrated Business | Operations Manager III | Amazon

“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 ’24
Professional MS in Real Estate

“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 ’22
Professional MS in Real Estate | Chief Executive Officer | Legacy Commercial Real Estate Consultants

“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 | Professor of Sustainability Accounting, Erivan K. Haub Chair in Business & Sustainability | York University | Toronto, ON

“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 | MSA GTA & Peer Advisor, Kenneth G. Dixon School of Accounting, UCF | Orlando, FL

“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 | Audit Partner, Carr, Riggs & Ingram | Orlando, FL