Meet Someone Like You

Academic background: Geophysics and Economics, University of South Carolina

Will Holliday entered the Master of Science in Management Program at UNC Kenan-Flagler with a clear goal: pivot from his STEM background into a business career with purpose and impact.

He always planned to pursue graduate school, but finding the right fit proved challenging until he learned about the MSM program. After initially considering MBA programs, he realized many followed a one-size-fits-all model that didn’t align with his goals. The MSM program’s fast pace, small cohort, and individualized approach made the decision simple.

“I had the opportunity to obtain an education from one of the best business schools in the country, while also pursuing my own unique career goals without breaking the bank. It seemed like a no-brainer,” Will says.

Will graduated from the University of South Carolina’s Honors College in 2025 with degrees in geophysics and economics, a paleontology thesis, and the successful launch of an automotive racing program. Despite his varied academic interests, his long-term ambition is rooted in the oil and gas industry. Inspired by his grandfather’s career in the sector and its impact on his family’s trajectory, Will sees the MSM degree as the final step toward contributing to an industry undergoing rapid transformation.

At UNC Kenan-Flagler, the tight-knit MSM cohort has been one of his biggest highlights. The small class size fosters genuine relationships, inside jokes, and collaboration across disciplines.

“Even by the end of the first module, I knew I could have a meaningful conversation with every person in the program,” he says.

Though he arrived set on finance, he found an unexpected interest in marketing, a class he wasn’t initially excited about but surprisingly loved.

With strengthened leadership skills, a broadened business foundation, and a clear career path, Will is confident the MSM program will accelerate his path and empower him to make a real difference in the energy sector.

• Learn what it takes to follow Will's path.

Academic background: Political Science, North Carolina State University

From the moment Shayma Ouazzani finished her undergraduate degree in Political Science, she knew she wanted to pursue a business master’s program. An MBA felt premature for her early career stage, but the Master of Science in Management program stood out as the perfect fit.

“It matched exactly where I am in my career,” she says. “I knew I’d get the most value from a program designed for early professionals who want to build strong business foundations.”

Before enrolling, she spent a year and a half as a program coordinator and later completed a market research internship. Those experiences helped her realize if she wanted to pursue an analyst, project management, or product marketing role, she needed a stronger quantitative and business background. The MSM program offered that, plus exceptional faculty to provide mentorship.

One professor spent over an hour helping her navigate job-search uncertainty and refine her career direction.

“I left feeling so much more confident — and shortly after, I landed two interviews,” she says.

She describes the cohort culture as lively, collaborative, and supportive. Her classmates bring energy that lifts spirits on busy days, and the program’s emphasis on understanding team dynamics has made group work efficient and rewarding.

Most importantly, she has developed an appreciation for data-driven decision-making.

“Data alone isn’t the answer—you have to know what matters and how to tell the story behind it,” she reflects. With strengthened leadership skills and the UNC Kenan-Flagler alumni network behind her, she sees her MSM  degree as an investment in lifelong growth.

• Learn what it takes to follow Shayma's path.

Academic background: Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Music, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

When Scott Gilliam graduated from Carolina with degrees in Exercise and Sport Science and Vocal Performance, he thought his path would stay rooted in the arts and wellness. But after realizing how much he enjoyed the people-driven side of her experiences, he started looking for a way to connect those strengths to the business world. That search led him back to Chapel Hill and to UNC Kenan-Flagler’s new Master of Science in Management (MSM) program.

“I never took a business class while I was an undergraduate at UNC, but I wanted the opportunity to learn at Kenan-Flagler,” he says. “I’ve discovered that my interests really align with people-focused business.”

Now enrolled in courses that range from analytics and finance to leadership and communication, Scott is exploring how his performance background translates into business — especially in marketing and consulting.

“I’m looking forward to utilizing my performance and leadership experience in a job where connecting with people is key,” he says.

The closeness of the MSM program’s cohort has also been a highlight.

“As a smaller group, we’ve gotten to know each other very quickly,” he says. “Our cohort has been incredibly welcoming, and we come from all kinds of disciplines.”

He credits the MSM faculty for helping bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

“Our professors are incredibly knowledgeable and provide plenty of opportunities to network and gain insight into their careers,” he says.

Reflecting on his experience so far, he encourages other recent graduates who are passionate about an industry but uncertain about their exact direction to consider the program.

“If you’re still figuring out which specific role suits you best, this program is designed for you,” he says. “It gives you the foundation and the confidence to explore where your skills can take you.”

• Learn what it takes to follow Scott's path.