It’s been almost two years since graduation for Shyam “Shy” Desai, ’17, who has flourished in his dream career at 360Fuel, an Internet of Things (IoT) company delivering connected fueling and C-Store retail.
As the Digital Director, Desai works with 360Fuel’s disruptive technologies to progress the physical world with frictionless commerce and personalization.
The path to this opportunity with 360Fuel did not come easily, as Desai had to face a lot of failures before landing the job, or as the College of Business has coined it, “getting to the one.” After multiple failures at Auburn his freshman year and realizing his dream of becoming a veterinarian was not what he wanted anymore, Desai moved back home to Kissimmee where he grew up and received inspiration from his family.
Desai is from a traditional Indian family and his parents are from a successful arranged marriage of 33 years. He along with his sister Supal, experienced nine years of living in his father’s motel on Highway 192 during their childhood years. Through his father’s inspiration of owning multiple businesses and making a living for himself, Desai knew the art of business was in his blood. He credits his father for his support and guidance into making him into the person he is today.
Through learning not only from his own hardships, but also through his father’s adversities, Desai knew quitting school was not an option. A new goal was set to transfer to UCF for its innovative reputation after receiving his associate degree from Valencia College.
“UCF made a huge difference in my life as I was able to be pursue the coursework that fit with my career goals and learning style,” Desai said. “I could have received a degree from any school or program, but through the Integrated Business Program at UCF, I was emerged in various situations that taught me how to deal with people in real-life scenarios, harness my communication skills and give me experience in solving real world problems. I’ve learned that while the technical skills may get your foot in the door, your soft skills are what open most of the doors to come.”
Desai implemented what he learned from the Integrated Business program while he was working part-time selling wine as a full-time student. One of his customers happened to be the chairman and CEO of a well-known local pest prevention company, and it was clear Desai had the soft skills of someone he may want to work for him. After giving him his card, Desai received an unexpected call a week later from the SVP of Marketing to interview for a position. This interaction resulted in a full-time career job as a Digital Marketing Specialist even before graduation.
“Outside of the Integrated Business program, the College of Business prepared me in multiple ways as a professional. The Career Professionalism Series with Lonny Butcher taught me everything I know today on how to land a job and carry myself as a business professional,” said the former Integrated Business Professional Association member. “My work ethic, attitude, communication skills, emotional intelligence and a whole host of other personal attributes have become crucial in my success.”
Desai credits his success to his College of Business professors for the seamless transition into post-graduation life, including Dr. Chris Leo, Integrated Business professor, for urging him to take a leap of faith into a new career industry at TEKsystems that changed his life.
“My role at TEKsystems allowed me to implement the soft skills I learned at UCF,” Desai said. “I was able to positively impact the careers of those I worked with.”
After almost two years at TEKsystems as the Digital & Creative Career Partner, Desai received an offer from the CEO of 360Fuel, and Dr. Leo again encouraged him to say yes to this new opportunity.
“It’s not often that professors are lucky enough to have a student like Shy Desai. Don’t let his name fool you, there is nothing shy about him,” Leo said. “Shy is a natural born leader, has charisma, drive, ambition, and is always looking for ways to grow and develop. I am 100% confident that he will continue to be successful and add value wherever he lands.”
As an alumnus, Desai stays active by attending multiple Professional Selling Program events and judges the Integrated Business Competition each semester. Desai also has a goal to lead people and drive positive culture building throughout 360Fuel’s fast scaling organization.
“I am passionate about helping the world become a better place through the use of technology as well as helping organizations grow, cultivate and evolve their company culture,” he said. “I’m a firm believer that great culture translates into great customer experience, which evidently translates into growth and increased revenue.”