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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.)

Cole Watkins

Cole Watkins

Economics

Cole Watkins

Cole Watkins

Undergraduate Major: Economics
Undergraduate School: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hometown: Greenville, NC
Concentration: Finance

What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy being with friends and family, working out, playing golf, and watching sports, especially the Tar Heels.

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
The MSM program drew my attention because I had a background in economics, but I did not have much experience in the business and finance industry. I came here to refine my existing analytical skills and strengthen my practical skills throughout the finance track. I also wanted to expand my network and UNC Kenan-Flagler is an excellent place to do that.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
Throughout orientation, one of the most interesting exercises was a team activity where we had to “climb Mt. Everest” together, working through different team roles and decision-making processes. It highlighted how important communication is when everyone brings different perspectives and strengths.

Jacqueline Nguywen

Jacqueline Nguyen

Information Science and Psychology

Jacqueline Nguyen

Jacqueline Nguywen

Undergraduate Major: Information Science and Psychology
Undergraduate School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Hometown: Burlington, NC
Concentration: Marketing

What are some of your hobbies?
Playing the guitar, window shopping, swimming, trying new foods, and building knick knacks

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I chose the MSM program because it provides me with a foundational business understanding that will complement my background in technology.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I’ve learned that a majority of my classmates did not come from a business (or business-adjacent) background during their undergrad, so that makes entering this program less daunting, knowing that this will be many others’ first introduction to business.

Patricia Freytes

Patricia Freytes

Psychology

Patricia Freytes

Patricia Freytes

Undergraduate Major: Psychology
Undergraduate School: William & Mary
Hometown: Houston, TX

What are some of your hobbies?
Soccer, tennis, bike riding, and drawing

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I chose the MSM because I wanted to pivot into business and this program offered all of the foundational coursework to succeed in that area. Additionally, I knew I would be challenged at UNC Kenan-Flagler.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
Something that stuck with me in my first few weeks is that you don’t need to do everything perfectly. All experiences are good experiences when you walk away having learned something new and are able to use/share that knowledge as your journey continues.

Mahi Patel

Mahi Patel

Information Science

Mahi Patel

Mahi Patel

Undergraduate Major: Information Science
Undergraduate School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Hometown: High Point, NC
Concentration: Marketing

What are some of your hobbies?
Baking, scenic walks, coloring, listening to music, and playing video games

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I chose the MSM program to get a stronger understanding of business. As someone who majored in technology, I realized I was lacking business fundamentals after my internship at NCDOT.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I have learned that essentially there are no wrong answers if you are able to back up claims through proper data analysis and market research.

Hugh Collie

Hugh Collie

Economics

Hugh Collie

Hugh Collie

Undergraduate Major: Economics
Undergraduate School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Concentration: Finance

What are some of your hobbies?
Guitar, meteorology, golf, and pickup basketball

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I wanted to be part of UNC Kenan-Flagler and the possibilities, experiences, and tight-knit network the school provides, as it has a knack for developing students into leaders in the business world.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
In orientation, we had the opportunity to reflect on our key strengths and weaknesses. The results noted my people-oriented nature and enthusiasm in group settings. However, I learned that my positive nature can be taken advantage of, and I am working to address this by advocating for myself more effectively.

Natalia Rodriguez

Natalia Rodriguez

Psychology

Natalia Rodriguez

Natalia Rodriguez

Undergraduate Major: Psychology
Undergraduate School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Hometown: Apex, NC and Hillsborough, NJ
Concentration: Finance

What are some of your hobbies?
Running, baking, and cooking

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I chose the MSM program for the opportunities it will provide when combined with my undergraduate degree. After graduating, I initially wanted a career in healthcare and worked as a Medical Assistant for a year. When I realized this wasn’t the path I wanted anymore, I applied to the MSM program to gain the business education I did not obtain during my undergraduate studies.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I have found it interesting to learn about how to present yourself, whether that be through data or your actions. Additionally, I have already learned key marketing and finance concepts in my first week of class.

Nicholas Roberts

Nicholas Roberts

Economics and Sports Administration

Nicholas Roberts

Nicholas Roberts

Undergraduate Major: Economics and Sports Administration
Undergraduate School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Hometown: Durham, NC
Concentration: Finance

What are some of your hobbies?
Fitness, nutrition, Excel, marathoning, golf, weightlifting, swimming, cooking, and chess

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I ultimately chose the MSM program to build a stronger business foundation and have access to a network that can benefit me in my job search. I talked to a student from last year’s cohort and learned about how the program had helped him, and that is what solidified my decision.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I think I learned a lot about my fellow students and what kind of diverse backgrounds come to this program. I honestly have really enjoyed how passionate all the professors and career services people have been. It has made me really excited to become close with my cohort and gives me a lot of belief that this program is going to help me find a job.

Alyssa Chen

Alyssa Chen

Biology and Psychology

Alyssa Chen

Alyssa Chen

Undergraduate Major: Biology and Psychology
Undergraduate School: UNC-Chapel Hill
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Concentration: Marketing

What are some of your hobbies?
Crocheting, painting, and Just Dance

Why did you choose the MSM Program at UNC?
I want to pursue a career in healthcare administration, but I didn’t have the business skills to support that career. I joined the MSM program to work on those skills and utilize UNC Kenan-Flagler’s network to help me get a job.

Tell us some things you’ve learned in the classroom or in Orientation that you’ve found especially interesting or useful.
I’ve enjoyed learning about my strengths through CliftonStrengths and DISC, and how to apply them in my everyday life and career.

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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