#WhyZicklin? Review our Graduate Student Ambassadors profiles!
MBA
Marianela
Name: Marianela
Hometown: Bronx, New York
Languages spoken: English & Spanish
Degree program: Full-Time MBA
Previous degree: BBA in Marketing at Baruch College
Most recent position: Commerce Manager, Essencemediacom (Coca-Cola Account)
Favorite course: MGT 9600 – Strategy & Competitive Advantage
Hobbies: I enjoy film photography, having showcased my work in exhibitions and love to document my travels of different cultures and places.
About me: I am an MBA student with a strong background in media strategy and a passion for creativity and innovation. I thrive at the intersection of marketing and storytelling, leveraging analytical skills to drive impactful campaigns and connect with diverse audiences.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Opportunity
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Marketing Analytics & Computer Information Systems
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My career goal is to work in brand management and marketing strategy, leveraging consumer insights and innovative approaches to drive brand growth and differentiation. I aspire to collaborate with cross-functional teams to create impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences and deliver measurable results.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Semi
Name: Semi
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Languages spoken: English
Degree program: Full-Time MBA
Previous degree: Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from SUNY Albany
Most recent position: Executive Special Projects Manager, City Year New York
Favorite course: MGT 9600 – Strategy and Competitive Advantage
Hobbies: I enjoy physical activities from biking to playing basketball, adventuring, and laughing/hanging out with friends and family.
About me: I am a second-year MBA candidate with a strong passion for finance, strategy, and leadership. With three years of professional experience across strategic management, finance, and workforce development, I bring a deep understanding of aligning financial planning with short and long-term strategic goals. I am committed to supporting others and fostering growth through collaboration and meaningful connections that create positive, lasting impact.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Mobility
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Strategy & Finance
Career goal (s) after degree completion: Working in a people facing role or team orientated role that lies at the intersection of strategy and finance, leveraging financial analysis and strategic planning to drive business growth and innovation.
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2026
Serena
Name: Serena
Hometown: Fujian, China
Languages spoken: English & Mandarin
Degree program: Full-Time MBA in Accountancy
Previous degree: BA in Corporate Communication from Baruch College
Most recent position: Program Coordinator, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office
Favorite course: ACC 9110 – Financial Reporting
Hobbies: Running on the Manhattan Bridge in the morning and studying at a local coffee shop in my lower Manhattan neighborhood.
About me: I returned to Baruch for an MBA Accountancy after working for six years as a paralegal. Zicklin has enabled me to pivot from legal to accounting, and I look forward to gaining more knowledge through my program to establish a business career.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Value
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Accounting
Career goal (s) after degree completion:
To establish a career in accounting and contribute to the financial health of companies. With a legal mindset, I also aspire to sit for the CPA exam and work in public accounting early in my career to assist clients comply with regulations and achieve financial integrity.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Yash
Name: Yash
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Languages spoken: English and Hindi
Degree program: Full-Time MBA
Previous degree: Bachelors of Science in Hospitality & Hotel Administration – Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Mumbai, India
Most recent position: Assistant Executive Chef, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts (The Bay Club, Mumbai)
Favorite course: FIN 9770 – Corporate Finance
Hobbies: I am a certified scuba diver who loves exploring the underwater world and a passionate traveler excited about experiencing new places and cultures. I have a love-hate relationship with fitness, but I strive to stay active. I also enjoy late-night sessions diving into internet rabbit holes, and discovering random topics. I appreciate all kinds of music and am an avid fan of movies from various languages and cultures, valuing their unique perspectives and storytelling styles. Additionally, I am deeply passionate about anime and manga, which fuel my appreciation for imaginative worlds and creative narratives. Exploring new experiences and learning about different cultures remain at the core of my interests.
About me: I am an international MBA student with a non-traditional background in luxury hospitality, driven by the transformative power of meaningful connections and extraordinary experiences. My goal is to transition into asset management and investments within the luxury hospitality sector. I aim to combine my passion for creating unforgettable moments with a vision to shape iconic destinations and foster innovative growth in the industry.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Legacy
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Asset Management, Financial Strategy, and Investments in Luxury Hospitality
Career goal (s) after degree completion:
My career goal is to work at the intersection of asset management and strategic investments in the luxury hospitality sector. I aspire to leverage my unique blend of industry experience and financial acumen to identify and develop high-impact projects, driving innovation and sustainable growth while shaping iconic destinations worldwide.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Akshay
Name: Akshay
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Telugu
Degree program: Full-Time MBA (STEM)
Previous degree: Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Warangal (NITW)
Most recent position: Product Analyst, Maustro (NY)
Favorite course: CIS 9340 – Principles of Database Management Systems
Hobbies: Traveling, Reading self-help books, and mentoring peers.
About me: I am a STEM MBA candidate at Zicklin with 7+ years of professional experience in product analysis, data analytics, and technology-driven business operations. I enjoy working across FinTech and technology domains—especially digital payments, fraud and risk analytics, and digital product analytics. I work extensively with SQL, Python, and analytics tools, and I am passionate about understanding how systems, data flows, and user behavior drive business outcomes. At Zicklin, I aim to deepen my expertise in business analytics and product analysis while building meaningful professional connections.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Transformation
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Business Analytics, Product Management, FinTech, & Digital Product Analytics
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My goal is to pursue senior roles in Business Analysis, Business Systems Analysis, BI/Product Analytics, or Product Management within FinTech and technology firms, where I can leverage data, systems thinking, and user insights to solve complex business problems.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Rezwan
Name: Rezwan
Hometown: Staten Island, New York
Languages spoken: English
Degree program: Evening MBA
Previous degree: Bachelors of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering | CUNY City College of New York
Most recent position: Operations Intern at HapticNav
Favorite course: MKT 9703 – Data Driven Marketing Management
Hobbies: Running, Photography, Bouldering, Hiking and Skiing.
About me: I am an MBA student at Zicklin School of Business with a background in engineering and a strong passion for product management. Through five internships across technology, analytics, and early-stage startups, I have gained hands-on experience working at the intersection of business, data, and user needs. I am deeply interested in tech, entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystems, and I enjoy building user-centric products that solve real problems. As a Zicklin Ambassador, I hope to represent the school by sharing my experiences, supporting prospective students, and contributing to a collaborative and innovative community.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Adaptability
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Product Management, Marketing Management, Data Analytics
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My career goal is to build a career in Product Management in one of the FAANG companies. I believe that my creative mindset will be an asset in this everchanging world of digital media.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Master of Science
Name: Matthew
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Languages spoken: Cantonese, English
Degree program: MS Accountancy
Previous degree:
BS Environmental Science from Montclair State University
Most recent position: Gaming Assistant, Tulip Games
Favorite course: ACC 9993 – Internal Audit
Hobbies: I like to play Fencing, I have a maltese-shih zhu mix dog, and I am an Eagle Scout
About me: I am a purpose-driven Zicklin graduate student with a multidisciplinary background spanning marine science, GIS, and accounting, using your analytical mindset, adaptability, and heart for community-building to bridge disciplines and empower fellow students through mentorship, career navigation, and meaningful connection.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Challenge
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Accounting
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My goal is to begin my career in public accounting, primarily in audit, with a long-term focus on sustainability reporting to help organizations operate responsibly and transparently.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2028
Helly
Name: Helly
Hometown: Mumbai, India India
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, & Gujrati
Degree program: MS Business Analytics
Previous degree: Bachelors of Commerce (Hons) From GLS University, Ahmedabad, India
Most recent position: Handshake AI
Favorite course: CIS 9340- Principal of Database Management
Hobbies: I enjoy meeting new people, traveling to explore new places, dancing to unwind, love trying new type of food and am passionate about learning more skills to further develop in my field.
About me: I’m a Business Analytics student with a focus on Data Analytics, passionate about how data can drive insights and decision-making. I am also fascinated by how different people approach tasks and view situations uniquely, which makes me eager to hear diverse perspectives.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Environment
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Data Analytics
Career goal (s) after degree completion: I aspire to work at the crossroads of data analysis and business strategy. My goal is to use data-driven insights to help organizations make strategic decisions, enhance operational efficiency, and stay competitive in their respective industries.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Moksha
Name: Moksha
Hometown: Mumbai, India India
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, & Gujrati
Degree program: MS Business Analytics
Previous degree: Bachelors of Commerce from Mithibai College, India
Most recent position: College Assistant, Office of Sponsored Programs and Research at Baruch College & Marketing Analytics Intern, Grown Brilliance
Favorite course: MKT 9737 – Marketing Analytics
Hobbies: I am all about diving into a good fiction book, my favorite way to escape reality. When I am not turning pages, I am probably bingeing a great TV show or exploring cute cafes to fuel my love for coffee and cozy vibes.
About me: I am an international student, with a passion for leveraging data and analytics to drive impactful marketing strategies. I enjoy exploring how insights can shape campaigns, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to meaningful business growth.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Opportunities
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Marketing Analytics
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My career goal is to work at the intersection of marketing and analytics, leveraging data to uncover actionable insights and drive strategic decisions. I aim to contribute to innovative marketing campaigns and customer-centric strategies supported by data analysis that create meaningful business impact.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Name: Sanaya
Hometown: India
Languages spoken: English & Hindi
Degree program: MS Finance
Previous degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSUB), Vadodara
Most recent position: ALOIS SOLUTIONS, Associate Financial Analyst
Favorite course: LAW 9250 Financial Regulation of Emerging Technologies
Hobbies: I enjoy taking long walks to unwind and explore new neighborhoods. Music is a big part of my life. I love discovering new artists and sounds. Recently, I started learning to play a musical instrument, which has been both challenging and exciting.
About me: I am a finance professional with a strong foundation in valuation, risk management, and financial modeling, currently pursuing my Master’s in Finance with a concentration in FinTech at Baruch College’s Zicklin School of Business. With prior experience in M&A advisory and financial analysis, I’m passionate about combining analytical insight and innovation to drive data-driven financial decisions and sustainable business growth.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Opportunity
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Financial Technology (FinTech)
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My career goal after completing my degree is to work in financial planning and analysis, where I can help organizations make strategic, data-driven financial decisions. I aim to combine my analytical skills and FinTech knowledge to develop innovative financial strategies, optimize resource allocation, and contribute to long-term business growth and sustainability.
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2027
Name: Nirmit
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Telugu, Marwari, & some Gujarati Degree program: MS Finance
Previous degree: Bachelor’s of Business Administration from St. Joseph’s Degree and PG College
Most recent position: Relationship Manager-Wealth Management, PCS Securities Limited
Favorite course: FIN 9759 Mergers and Acquisitions
Hobbies: I’m mastering the art of cooking italian food, board game fanatic, and if you are a F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan, I immediately consider you to be my friend.
About me: I am the kind of person who digs into economic models one minute and plans a family meet-up the next. Curiosity drives me, and I enjoy refining ideas until they shine. Friends and teammates know me as someone who is respectful, adaptable, and not afraid to admit what I need to learn next. I like to think of myself as a connector who keeps things moving forward while making sure the journey feels human.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Prestige
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Mergers & Acquisitions, Risk Management, Corporate Strategy and Valuation, Investment and Portfolio Management
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My career goal is to excel in investment research and risk management, leveraging financial analysis, quantitative modelling, and market insights to help clients make disciplined, data-driven investment decisions. I aspire to work on portfolio optimisation, mergers & acquisitions, or transaction advisory, applying both analytical rigour and strategic thinking to solve complex financial challenges.
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2027
Name: Gary
Hometown: Queens, NY
Languages spoken: English
Degree program: Online MS Finance
Previous degree: MS Learning Analytics and Artificial Intelligence from, University of Pennsylvania.
Most recent position: Counselor, NY Edge
Favorite course: ECO 9740 – Macroeconomics
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, working out, and watching movies, such as horror, comedy, action, etc.
About me: I’m a graduate student who is an analytical thinker, naturally curious, and highly-driven.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Opportunity
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Finance
Career goal (s) after degree completion:After completing my degree, my career goal is to work in asset management. I find analyzing markets, selecting assets, and crafting strategies both intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I also aim to take on leadership roles where I can drive investment strategies and mentor others while contributing to the firm’s success.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2027
Mitu
Name: Mitu
Hometown: Bangladesh
Languages spoken: English, Bengali, Hindi, & Urdu
Degree program: MS Financial Risk Management
Previous degree: Bachelor of Science in Zoology from National University Bangladesh.
Most recent position: Provisionary officer
Favorite course: ECO 9730-Fundamentals of Microeconomics
Hobbies: I am a big fan of traveling and love discovering new places and cultures. Also, I enjoy photography, especially capturing nature and city landscapes. In addition, I am a huge fan of podcasts and love listening to ones about business, mindset, and personal growth.
About me: I am a graduate student focused on Financial Risk Management, and I am passionate about identifying and managing financial risks. I love applying these principles to real estate and investments, aiming to make smart, long-term decisions that add value
#WhyZicklin in one word: Opportunity
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Financial Risk Management
Career goal (s) after degree completion: My goal is to work in real estate investment, where I can focus on managing risks to help companies make smart, informed decisions. I want to use my skills to create long-term value in the real estate sector by identifying and mitigating potential risks.
Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026
Name: Catalina
Hometown: Staten Island, NY
Languages spoken: English, Spanish, Mandarin (Low advanced)
Degree program: MS Information Systems
Previous degree: Bachelor’s of Arts in Chinese Language and Literature from Hunter College
Most recent position: Facilitator/Backend Support, The Opportunity Network
Favorite course: CIS 9350 – Networks and Telecommunications
Hobbies: I love crocheting/sewing, reading fantasy novels or historical fiction, and traveling to underrated locations.
About me: I am a first-generation graduate student with a deep love for academia and learning languages. I am passionate about exploring the intersection between technology and human communication.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Innovation
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Cybersecurity & Information Systems
Career goal (s) after degree completion: Pursuing a PhD research program to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in information systems, machine learning, and NLP. I would love to one day become a professor in this field and teach the next generations of thinkers.
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2026
Juliana
Name: Juliana
Hometown: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Languages spoken: Portuguese, English, & Spanish
Degree program: MS Marketing
Previous degree: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie
Most recent position: Talent Partnership Manager, ThoughtLeaders
Favorite course: MKT 9716 – Consumer Behavior
Hobbies: I have a deep love for traveling and immersing myself in different cultures; I’ve lived in 5 countries so far! Fun Fact: I can say ‘I don’t speak French’ in French and ‘I don’t speak German’ in German – always a fun way to kick off a conversation!
About me: I’m an international student who grew up in Brazil and spent the last three years in Israel. Originally from a civil engineering background, I made a career change to marketing about two and a half years ago.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Opportunity
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Digital Marketing
Career goal (s) after degree completion: I’m looking to join a big company where I can help them grow in new markets. With my international experiences and what I’ve learned at Zicklin, I feel I can really help connect different markets together.
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2025
Ira
Name: Ira (Xiuxian)
Hometown: Yanji, Jilin, China
Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, & Korean
Degree program: MS Quantitative Methods & Modeling
Previous degree: Bachelor of Science at Boston College Carroll School of Management
Most recent position: Quantitative Research Intern, SkyIT
Favorite course: STA 9700- Modern Regression Analysis
Hobbies: I love Korean and Japanese culture, especially movies, anime, and food!! I periodically do yoga. I love fashion!
About me: I am organized, goal-oriented, curious, and proactive. I love learning about different people. #WhyZicklin in one word: Career
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Data Science/Analytics
Career goal (s) after degree completion: working at the intersection of data and fashion
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2024
Jonathan
Name: Jonathan
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Degree program: MS Real Estate
Previous degree: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science from the College of Staten Island
Most recent position: College Advisor, College Access: Research & Action
Favorite course: BUS 9551- Business Communication I
Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer, working out, and video games in my free time.
About me: I am a first-generation college student who enjoys learning and learning from those around me. I enjoy socializing and building bonds with people that are around me.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Home
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Real Estate Transactions
Career goal (s) after degree completion: After completing my degree, I plan to land a job in a commercial real estate development firm. I want to learn about the work behind closed doors to build commercial and residential properties.
Expected Graduation Date: 2025
Our Student Ambassador program is continuously expanding. Unfortunately, at this time we don’t have an ambassador to represent our MS Statistics program. If you would like to connect with a current student, we recommend selecting a MS ambassador. All ambassadors are able to answer questions about the student experience at Zicklin.
Yiyang
Name: Yiyang
Hometown: China
Languages spoken: English & Mandarin
Degree program: MS Taxation
Previous degree: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accountancy from Baruch College
Most recent position: Tax Consultant Intern, Deloitte
Favorite course: TAX 9866 – Corporate Taxation I
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, exercising, and networking.
About me: With a great interest in exploring different types of taxation, I am a motivated and rising tax professional who pursues self-improvement along the growth path. I am also a member of the Zicklin Tax Society (ZTAX) at Baruch College.
#WhyZicklin in one word: Connections
Area (s) of focus within degree program: Financial Planning
Career goal (s) after degree completion: Becoming a CPA is my career goal. I would love to utilize my tax knowledge learned from school and soft skills obtained from events to prepare for future career paths and help more clients worldwide.
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2024