Sydney Norman
Information Science
Student Ambassadors
A great way to learn more about the experience you’ll have as UNC Master of Science in Management student is to talk with actual students in the program. We’ve profiled a small group of student ambassadors who would be happy to share their experiences and answer your questions about the day-to-day goings-on in the program. These students were in your shoes not long ago — researching graduate school options and contemplating their career development — so they will be excellent resources for you.
Meet our ambassadors.
(Select photo to view full profile.)
Sydney Norman
Undergraduate Major: Information Science
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hometown: Wilmington, NC
What are some of your hobbies?
Ministry work, going to the gym, outdoor activities, and socializing.
Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I knew it would be helpful for my future career, deep diving into tangible skills I’ll use forever. I also love UNC and didn’t want to leave yet!
Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I am loving the cohort learning style. It allows us to work toward a common goal of success together.
Will Holliday
Geophysics and Economics
Will Holliday
Undergraduate Major: Geophysics and Economics
Undergraduate School: University of South Carolina
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, lifting weights, cars, and geology.
Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
The unparalleled value in attending a graduate business program at the Kenan-Flagler Business School combined with the much shorter time frame than most graduate programs is what stuck out to me.
Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
In our introductory marketing class, our professor has opened my eyes to how in-depth and interesting marketing is. There is a lot more technical work and behavioral analysis that goes into effective marketing than I originally considered.
Peyton Hodak
Psychology and English
Peyton Hodak
Undergraduate Major: Psychology and English
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
What are some of your hobbies?
Running, cheerleading, and reading.
Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I felt it was a good bridge between my undergraduate majors (that aligned more with what I thought I was already good at) versus something more career-focused (that I knew I could be good at with practice).
Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I love learning all the psychology tricks that work in marketing, like Starbucks introducing the venti – it actually increased sales of the grande size rather than reducing them because it makes the grande size feel like a compromise. Also learning how to make a balance sheet is a fun puzzle I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did.
Alyse Wilson
Political Science and Peace, War, and Defense
Alyse Wilson
Undergraduate Major: Political Science and Peace, War, and Defense
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies are reading, playing golf, and traveling. I also love to watch movies and spend time with my friends!
Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I chose the program at UNC because as I explored different career paths, I realized that a strong foundation in business is essential across all of my areas of interest. The MSM program provides the opportunity to build skills in management, marketing, and strategy that will complement my background and broaden my career options. I see this program as the perfect bridge between my undergraduate studies and the professional goals I hope to pursue!
Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I really enjoyed the DISC assessment during orientation. I was surprised by how accurately the test reflected my personality based on just a short quiz. I strongly related to the results, and I believe they will be helpful not only for my own growth but also for the success of the cohort as a whole.
Shayma Ouazzani
Political Science
Shayma Ouazzani
Undergraduate Major: Political Science
Undergraduate School: North Carolina State University
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
What are some of your hobbies?
Watching Mandarin Chinese TV series, going to the gym, and doing yoga.
Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
To add a business credential to be more competitive in today’s market and expand my skillset (adding a finance perspective).
Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
It was interesting to see the diversity in student backgrounds in terms of our undergraduate majors and involvement outside of class. This contributes to an enriching classroom experience as far as discussions go. I find that there is so much value in connecting with others based on our differences — not just similarities.
Connect with current students to gain insights into the UNC MS in Management experience! To meet a student ambassador, please email our admissions team to schedule an appointment.
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