Hannah Keogh

Customer Manager, PepsiCo North America Nutrition

Chicago, Illinois

Major: Marketing

As a leader in Eller clubs, Greek life, and various honoraries, Hannah learned how to balance priorities, best manage her time and take intelligent risks. All of which ultimately lead to a skill set that allowed Hannah to pursue her passions.

How did you secure your dream job?

The Eller College of Management’s Professional Development Center was instrumental in preparing me for interviews for both internships and full time positions. My internship with Altria in Denver provided a solid foundation in the consumer packaged goods industry, which I was then able to leverage when interviewing with PepsiCo. The constant exposure to a diversity of thought, community of innovators, and the opportunity to work with many high value brands with a global impact makes my role at PepsiCo my dream job.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

UA offers a plethora of opportunities for students to get involved outside of the classroom. As a leader in Eller clubs, Greek life, and various honoraries, I learned how to balance priorities, best manage my time and take intelligent risks, all of which ultimately lead to a skill set that allowed me to pursue my passions. These lessons have served me well both in achieving my academic and professional goals by pursuing my MBA and continuing to grow at PepsiCo.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The community! I’ve exchanged "Bear Down Arizona" not only in Chicago, but also around the world. Bear Down represents Arizona’s resilience, energy, and can-do attitude. The proud and engaged Wildcat network is one of a kind.

Kareem Miller

Project Manager, Smokeball

Chicago, Illinois

Major: Public Policy & Management

How did you secure your dream job?

I secured my dream job by working in a completely different role. When I first graduated I was managing a team at a fortune 100 that was responsible for improving processes within the company. Having taken initiative to increase the efficiency of some of our more prominent processes I was provided the opportunity to lead a project automating these processes through various CRM's, like Salesforce, we were using at the time. Once I was able to understand how these systems worked, I was able to customize the same manual processes we were doing into various systems. When It came time to switch roles and work on systems full time, networking helped me secure a position that would allow me to solely focus on system customization.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

UA taught me how to navigate through a number of different problems at once. The ability to create calm in chaos was a skill set first picked up juggling classes, extra curricular activities, and a social life. This skill set quickly translated to juggling broken systems, panicked customers, and tight deadlines. If it weren't for this skill set from UA I would spend more time worrying about a problem instead of searching for a solution. By challenging me early on, Arizona helped me obtain the skills that help to facilitate such a demeanor.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

We are everywhere. Regardless of being in Arizona, Chicago, San Francisco, or even overseas people recognize the UA brand. The network that UA creates spans various industries and has a clear track record of prominent alumni taking full advantage of the degrees they obtained at Arizona.

Juan and Cameron

Dir Business Development and Dir of Operations - The Commencement Group

Chicago, Illinois

Major: Juan - Entrepreneurship, Bus Econ, Bus Management Cameron - Nutritional Sciences & Biochemistry

How did you secure your dream job?

Networking, networking, networking! The University of Arizona really does provide such an immense opportunity to meet countless of people from so many different areas of life and we both directly owe The U of A for finding this dream.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

We both pushed ourselves to be involved in so many organizations, clubs, jobs, and events that we had an excellent opportunity to fill our schedules while learning to prioritize what really mattered to us. Now we’re able to successfully balance a challenging career while while also managing to travel and have a fulfilling social life in Chicago.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

Such a large university made it possible to explore and find so many amazing communities and groups of people to meet. The friends and memories we made from our years being Wildcats are what we truly value.

Brian

Mine Engineer

Tucson, Arizona

Major: B.S. Mining Engineering, Mine Operations

After taking advantage of internship opportunities as an undergraduate at the UA, Brian secured his dream job with the world’s largest publicly traded copper producer.

How did you secure your dream job?

Working in several internship roles as a student helped me understand the various career paths that are available in my industry. Having this knowledge helped me position myself for success in my dream job. Campus events, especially career fairs gave me an irreplaceable amount of exposure to industry.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

I think goal setting is a very important milestone toward success. The University of Arizona has great resources that can help undecided or curious students work toward a self-rewarding career. Knowing these resources during my time at the University of Arizona was instrumental in preparing me for success in academics as well as in my current role.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

My favorite part about being a Wildcat are the countless instances in which I have connected with other alumni. I have exchanged "Bear Down Arizona" on several times on multiple continents. It feels great knowing we are part of a proud, connected alumni community.

Carly

Former Account Manager, Brooklyn Nets VIP Services

New York City, New York

Major: Business Management

Before landing her job with the Pac-12 Networks, Carly broke into the sports industry as an account manager for the Brooklyn Nets using the skills she gained at the UA.

How did you secure your dream job?

The biggest factor in securing my dream job at the Brooklyn Nets was networking. I reached out to a manager on LinkedIn and asked if he was willing to sit down and discuss his experiences in the sports industry. He was generous enough to agree to this, and after we met for coffee, we stayed in touch until a position opened up on his team. To this day, he says my taking the initiative to get coffee with him and following up until a position became available is what got me the job. Whether connecting with friends I already had or making new connections, the network I formed ultimately got me to where I am.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

The UA prepared me to be real-world ready by providing opportunities beyond the classroom to grow as an individual. Being a part of Greek life, the Sports Marketing Association, and interning at Arizona Athletics all contributed to my life today. The biggest factor in preparing me for the world after college was my internship at the Jim Click Hall of Champions. My bosses became fantastic mentors by providing me with opportunities to learn what working in sports really meant. Without my internship, I likely would not have gotten my first job for an NBA team.

Another reason why my internship was so important was it gave me the opportunity to meet interesting, experienced, and successful professionals already in the industry I wanted to become a part of. I used my time as an intern to extend myself and ask people in almost every department about their role and what I could do to be in their spot. The relationships I made by doing this have lasted still, and whenever I return to the UA, I visit Arizona Athletics to check in.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

My favorite part about being a UA Wildcat is the pride for our school. While traveling around the country and even internationally, it’s rare to pass someone wearing the UA logo and not hear a “Bear Down.” The pride every alumni, current student, and employee has for the University of Arizona is special. It says so much about the school and the people who choose to go to the UA.

Arteen

Vice President, Venture Capital

Los Angeles, CA

Major: Entrepreneurship

Since earning his degree from the UA, Arteen has launched a successful career and was even included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the venture capital category.

How did you secure your dream job?

I met my current business partner while I was still working in Chicago. We hit it off instantly and he said to contact him if I ever was in Los Angeles. Sure enough, a few months later I was in LA working with my next company, Built in LA, and I reached out to him. Over the next few months while I was launching Built in LA, he and I formed an even closer relationship. He approached me about joining my current firm, Karlin Ventures, shortly thereafter. Karlin Ventures is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Los Angeles. We invest between $250,000 and $1.5 million at a time in enterprise software, marketplaces, and commerce platforms. In 2015, I also created and launched Karlin Fellows, a peer-to-peer fellowship program for LA’s rising tech leaders.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

The UA taught me how to work hard to stand out. The UA community breeds really incredible people, and pushes you to be extraordinary. My favorite thing about the UA is that there’s truly something for everybody. Once you identify the things you care about, which for me was entrepreneurship, the world is really your oyster at the UA. The community supported my ambitious ideas and allowed me to pursue all of my passions.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

Everywhere I go, whether it’s Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, San Francisco or otherwise, I can always find a strong Arizona community. As a proud Tucson local, or “T-loc,” Arizona doesn’t just represent college for me. It represents home. I love seeing pieces of my home scattered all over the world when I travel, being able to find a bit of solace and nostalgia no matter where life takes me.

Krista

Guest Talent Coordinator, Musical Guide and Youth Education Series Facilitator

Los Angeles, CA

Major: Music Education

After earning her music education degree from the UA, Krista was able to land her dream job working at Disneyland – otherwise known as the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

How did you secure your dream job?

I didn’t realize this was my dream job until I started working for the Disneyland Resort. In 2012, while participating in the Disney College Program, I learned about the Disney Youth Education Series, which is a series of guided educational programs in our parks, and Disney Performing Arts, where students perform on Disney stages and learn from entertainment professionals. I knew immediately that I wanted to be part of the Guest Talent Programs team and help host these groups at the Disneyland Resort.

What is it like working for The Walt Disney Company?

It is everything someone would expect it to be: fast-paced, inspiring, life changing and unique. Every day I am inspired by the people I work with and their passion for storytelling and changing people’s lives through entertainment. I feel blessed that I come to work each day “to create happiness and make dreams come true.”

What are your main responsibilities?

As a Guest Talent Coordinator, I help facilitate special events that involve guest talent. I also manage logistics for Disney Performing Arts performances and workshops, which involves acting as stage manager and ensuring workshops are set up properly. I am a Music 101 teaching artist who demonstrates the influence music has on each themed land. Similarly, as a Youth Education Series facilitator, I utilize the park and some of our attractions to help illustrate physics, animation, leadership or California history.

In addition, I help facilitate Traditions, which is our orientation class that all cast members, crew members and Imagineers take on their first day working at the Disneyland Resort. My role is to share my passion for Disney and its heritage with our newest cast members as they begin to learn how we create magic and how it all began with Walt Disney.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

My bachelor’s of music education gave me the training I needed as a musician, and skills for problem solving and public speaking. After the summer I studied abroad in Spain, I saw a bigger picture of the world and gained a stronger cultural appreciation. I think I learned the most through the Wesley Foundation, Symphonic Choir, living on campus and being a part of the ZonaZoo section at sporting events. I discovered who I was and created memories with friends that will last a lifetime.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The sense of community I found on campus is truly all across the nation. I see people at work wearing the recognizable red, white and blue “A” on their shirt and I’ll say to them “Go Wildcats!” and get a “Bear Down!” reply. UA alumni are proud of their roots and it feels great to see that representation wherever I go!

Morgan

Professional Dancer, Choreographer and Actress

Los Angeles, CA

Major: Dance

Graduating from the UA’s elite School of Dance helped launch Morgan’s professional career, allowing her to share her love of dance with many others.

How did you secure your dream job?

I would say I secured all my dream jobs in Los Angeles by being extremely decisive with my intention on what I wanted from dance. I wanted to be a part of jobs that brought dance to film. I enjoy being part of projects that my grandparents can watch as well as all my nieces back at home. I think when I left Wisconsin, I wanted to make it so badly and have every person I left still be a part of my life in California somehow. That is why I enjoy dancing on film. The vast audience that watches and connects with the projects are so large and diverse. Sharing my love for dance and bringing it to life on camera excites me and I have always established a clear direction on what I wanted from my dance career.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

The UA experience helped me define and articulate my own voice. The professors were always challenging me to figure out who I was as a person and with their guidance, I grew into an artist with purpose. The UA gave me a diverse array of opportunities both within the fine arts department and through other academic experiences. I now know that I can succeed in challenging environments and leave a solid, lasting impression wherever life takes me.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The reputation of the dance department brought me to UA. I never imagined how much the UA would continue to make an impact in my life. The great friendships I made are still dear to my heart. I have made friendships across the country. It is the wildest thing to continue to see friends along the way.

After graduation, everyone seems to scatter off and utilize their degrees in different ways to pursue their own dreams, but we all share this same experience and deep connection. That’s the magic of being a UA Wildcat. No matter where we are, we have this irreplaceable bond.

Carlos

Art Director at Macy’s - Video/Motion Graphics

New York City, New York

Major: Visual Communications

Moving from his hometown of Tucson to New York was a big transition for Carlos. Fortunately, he found out the Wildcat Family can be found all over the world.

How did you secure your dream job?

I had an ever-growing passion for design the moment I started the visual communications program at the UA. Even though I had my heart set on motion graphics and video editing, it wasn’t where I started. Upon graduation, I was offered an Art Director position for a print press at Macy’s flagship store in New York. In this role, I took the opportunity to network as much as possible and soak everything in. In doing so, it led me to meet some colleagues that noticed I could do more for the company. I wake up every morning eager to animate, color correct, make cuts, retouch and most importantly, provide an experience on screen for all to see.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

Network, network and more networking. I will always remember what my design professor, Jackson Boelts, said during one class: “It’s great that you get your work done for class, but what more are you doing to get yourself out there?” That really hit home because he was right. I needed more than just technical skills to be successful.

The UA has so many groups, clubs and opportunities that anyone can take advantage of, regardless of their career path. This thinking led me to doing an annual report for the family and consumer sciences department at the UA. While freelancing for this department, I was gaining experience that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t push myself. This helped me get out of my comfort zone and surround myself with business professionals. With the countless hours of networking, finishing projects at late hours of the night and enjoying all that the UA had to offer, it made the transition to the New York City grind as smooth as possible.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The best part of being a UA Wildcat is simply put into one word: family. Having grown up in Tucson, it was a big decision to leave my comfortable bubble and move out to New York where I have no family. The second I moved out here, it felt like the first day on campus. I was completely lost and put out of my comfort zone. Little did I know the amount of Wildcats that were out here! From meeting with fellow NYC MetroCats for happy hours to PAC-12 events, it has always given me a sense of feeling at home with family. Attending the UA set me up for success and made me grow to the person I am today. I’m now living in one of the greatest cities in the world with my dream job but most importantly, I always stick to my roots and I’m proud to be a Wildcat for Life.

Jen

Fashion Blogger and Former Assistant Manager at Ann Inc.

New York City, New York

Major: Psychology

Attending the University of Arizona helped Jen gain confidence to succeed in the fashion industry as an Assistant Manager of Field Communications at Ann Inc. and founder of her own blog, “Skirt the Rules.” Today, she is now a Corporate Communications Manager at JetBlue, while continuing her work as a fashion blogger.

How did you secure your dream job?

I think I’ve always been interested in fashion, but it really started to peak while I was in law school. … During my time at the UA, I earned a bachelor’s in psychology and a JD (Juris Doctor). After I graduated from the UA, I made it a goal to move to New York and become part of the fashion industry. … I worked up from communications to marketing firms to landing my dream job here at Ann Inc.

Skirt the Rules is my personal life and style-focused blog. I like to call it my “five-to-nine” after my “nine-to-five.” My blog started off as a hobby, and over time it evolved into a business. Managing my blog is almost a full-time job.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

The skills I learned at the UA have really applied in both my everyday job and working on my blog. Some of the skills the UA taught me included leadership during my time being part of student government, connecting with people, and building a network of Wildcats. And also creative writing – it’s a huge part of what I do in my day job and in my side-gig as a fashion blogger.

The UA helped me become real-world ready by teaching me to be fearless – to chase my dreams and put myself out there. I think if it wasn’t for the friends and mentors I met on campus, I wouldn’t have had the courage to move across the country and pursue my dream of being in fashion.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The best part of being a UA Wildcat is the community and the fact that wherever you go, you can bump into someone wearing a UA t-shirt on the street. Here in New York, there’s a huge network of MetroCats who are UA alumni. (You can) go wherever and see the same school spirit that you see on campus.

Nick & Kevin

Entrepreneurs, Venley

Los Angeles, CA

Major: Nick - History, Kevin - Regional Development/AG Tech Management

These fraternity brothers-turned-business partners were able to launch their apparel business, Venley, with help from UA BookStores.

How did you secure your dream job?

The support that the University gave us when we were starting our business was amazing. The University basically said “Hey listen, here’s a shot. We’re opening the door for you. If you can prove to us that you have a good product, we’ll support you.” And they did just that. Without the support of UA BookStores, we would not be where we are today; running our own business – Venley, an apparel company.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

It was very awesome to see your Alma mater not only provide a great education, but really help you kick start your dreams. They really helped us get things off the ground. That’s why we feel so indebted to the UA.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The UA has a very wealthy alumni base. It’s well connected with a lot of people who own businesses, many of whom we have connected with in our own ventures. It always helps to be a UA alum when pursuing your career.

Kyle

Video Production / Entrepreneur

Seattle, WA

Major: Business Administration & Media Arts

An on-campus job at the University of Arizona helped Kyle gain valuable experience that he used to establish his own video production business.

How did you secure your dream job?

Because of our video experience at the UA, my brother and I were able to step into the business world with actual content we had created for a major university and begin our own video production business in Seattle.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

Working for the internal marketing department at the UA pretty much changed my entire life. I can say that with 100% confidence. If I can stress anything, it’s that getting an on-campus job will be the best stepping stone for most aspects of your life. It will boost your resume, connect you with others and give you skills you would otherwise never learn.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The UA has a thousand different opportunities for you to network and get involved. By putting yourself out there, you will get more comfortable going up to people and introducing yourself, which will give you a big leg up in your career. It’s not something that ever came naturally to me, but my experience at the UA definitely helped me get to a better place.

Sarah

Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering

Amherst, MA

Major: Chemical Engineering

From student to teacher, Sarah balances her time developing research and advising students at the University of Massachusetts using fundamental skills she developed as a University of Arizona student.

How did you secure your dream job?

Coming out of high school, I actually wanted to be an astronaut, but being a professor is a close second. I chose the UA because of its strengths in science and engineering. I love science and I love sharing that joy with students and helping them grow.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

My favorite memory from the UA is all of the support I received from professor Paul Blowers. He helped guide me through my entire academic curriculum and has continued to be a close friend and mentor now that I am in academia as well.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

There are always fun and exciting things happening on campus. The UA is a great place! The faculty on campus truly care about you.

David

Advocacy & Outreach Specialist

Phoenix, AZ

Major: History and Education

Real-world experiences prepared David for his dream job advocating for hunger initiatives for St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance.

How did you secure your dream job?

I secured my dream job at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance by being myself, by connecting with a network of friends and mentors and by utilizing the skills I learned both in and out of the classroom while a Wildcat.

Through my studies at the UA to become a middle school social studies teacher, I knew how to engage educators about the impact of hunger on children, and through college mentors and actual experience as a student leader, I learned how to speak professionally about opportunities, embrace challenges head-on, and implement lessons learned to better ourselves and our work. All of those factors led to an opportunity to expand child nutrition programs at St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance and lead to my current dream role in advocating for a mission I care deeply about.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

My experiences at the UA helped me by opening doors that were previously unimaginable to a first-generation college student. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, my professors and mentors showed me what it means to be part of the Wildcat family, empowering me to excel in my education – both in and out of the classroom. Through their encouragement, I became a congressional intern, served in student government and as a gubernatorial appointee to the Arizona Board of Regents, and student-taught with seasoned educators. Now, I’m taking those skills and applying them in a nonprofit setting to advocate in city halls, at the Arizona Capitol and in the halls of Congress.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The best part of being a Wildcat is knowing I’m part of the Wildcat Family – a family filled with traditions and heritage – and being able to embrace the “Bear Down” spirit in all aspects of my life.

Geoffrey

Chemical Engineer

Richmond, CA

Major: Chemical Engineering

Research experience at the University of Arizona gave Geoffrey an advantage he needed to build a successful career in engineering.

How did you secure your dream job?

My education and experiences at the UA have continued to be a differentiating factor for me and have played a crucial role in my success. I didn’t have an exact dream job coming into the UA. However, that changed when I arrived at the UA. There were so many opportunities to work in various research areas and so many classes to take that my interests changed with that increasing exposure. My interests ranged from environmental engineering to biomedical engineering, and I finally settled in the energy sector and working in energy manufacturing.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

There was a lot learned outside the classroom and it was a major factor in enhancing my education. My research experiences have allowed me to contribute in non-traditional areas. Working in a refinery, I get to apply these core curricula every single day to ensure safe and reliable operation, while also maximizing profitability.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The UA’s focus on providing a sound and fundamental education provides the tools and skills you need to succeed, regardless of where life and new opportunities take you.

Stephanie

Senior Associate, PBS Station Services

Washington, D.C.

Major: Business Administration

For Stephanie, a summer internship in the nation’s capital quickly turned into a full-time job offer at the Public Broadcasting Service.

How did you secure your dream job?

You always hear that it’s about who you know, not what you know and that’s right for the most part. Sometimes who you know can get you in the door and what you know can secure you the position. Through networking, I met someone who was a close friend of my current boss and sent my name over as a possible candidate for the PBS Summer Internship Program. After a few phone conversations, I found myself moving my life to Washington, D.C. from across the country to take a chance and see where PBS could lead me. After two weeks in the intern position, my boss offered me a full-time position as a senior associate.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

Looking back at my college experience made me realize how much the UA really prepared me in every possible way to be ready for the real world. First, as a business major in the Eller College of Management, every single class was directly applicable to my job today. Second, Career Services helped me polish my résumé and interviewing skills that ultimately helped me secure my job and maintain the level of professionalism I need in the workplace. Lastly, the student organizations I was involved in over the years refined my interpersonal skills, as well as my ability to work well with others and in a team setting.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

The best part about being a Wildcat is that we are everywhere! From coast to coast, you will always find someone to “Bear Down” with and celebrate the unity we share.

Jacob

Admissions Counselor and Author

Tucson, AZ

Major: Italian and Psychology

When he’s not connecting high school students with their college pursuits, Jacob follows his passion for writing and has even become a published author.

How did you secure your dream job?

I feel fortunate to be doing two different things that I love and to be receiving so much support for both. On one hand, I’m an admissions counselor. It’s so rewarding to work with high school students who have big dreams of going to college, and then work with them to make that a reality. I also supervise a fantastic student team who does a lot of the up close and personal peer-to-peer work with these high school students. I got in this role by building strong connections while I was a student recruiter here.

One thing I really love about this job is that it’s given me the flexibility to pursue my passion as a writer. It was almost euphoric when I was offered a contract to publish my first novel, which is a Pinocchio story that will be published under a pen name. I’ve never felt pressured to quit my day job or to treat my writing as a lesser priority. Everyone seems to trust me to find my balance, and I think that’s a big part of how I landed my dream jobs in the first place – by finding support and finding my balance, especially in college.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

The UA really helped me to be open-minded and comfortable with a nonlinear career path. We have to be comfortable with branching out and seizing a wealth of opportunities. The UA was the perfect place for me to explore and really dip my feet in different waters.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

Part of the marketing campaign for the UA is that we have “limitless possibilities," and the best part of being a Wildcat is that it’s true. There are forty-something thousand people at the UA every year, and I have yet to run into two people who have the exact same story to tell. With over 100 majors, 23 residence halls, 600 clubs, and countless other elements that shape the college experience, nobody is getting a “cookie cutter” education. With so much to do and so many people to meet, how could anybody be bored here?

The other best part of being a Wildcat is the Highland Market breakfast burritos. It’s like Christmas in a tortilla.

Cori

Segment Producer

Los Angeles, CA

Major: Regional Development and Business

The University of Arizona helped put Cori on the path to her dream job with one of television’s most popular shows, The Voice.

How did you secure your dream job?

Everyone struggles to figure out their strengths and weaknesses, and what they want to be when they grow up. I was the same way.

Working as a segment producer on The Voice? Never in a million years did I think that would be me. But I am proof that dreams really do come true. Now that I’m in the entertainment field, I want to ride out this wave. I really enjoy it.

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

The UA offers so many amazing classes and the professors and students provide such great support that you will find your path in life. The UA experience is such a mirror of my career. Go to the UA. It’s just the right place to go.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

Two of my bosses went to the UA, as well as one of our lead editors. We have this great Wildcat connection, which is really awesome!

Kelsey

Business Owner

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Major: General Studies (Global & Intercultural Understanding)

Kelsey’s education at the University of Arizona led her to launching her own cupcake business across the world.

How did you secure your dream job?

While I was studying abroad my junior year in Tanzania, I had this wild idea. Nobody was doing cupcakes at the time and I have a baking background. My grandmother was in the business of catering and baking, so that’s how I learned to bake.

When I tell you I started small, I started really small. I had an oven that was the size of a toaster that would make six cupcakes at a time. I hadn’t graduated from the UA and I was laying the groundwork for this business, which is now – thank God – a success!

In what ways did the ua prepare you to be real-world ready?

Sophomore year, I was two years into studying Swahili and part of that major requires studying abroad. I ended up landing the Gillman’s Scholarship, which is for critical-need languages. That’s what brought me to Tanzania, and I just never left.

My time at the UA really helped me mature. It really teaches you how to be a grown up and it taught me a lot about business. You really have to be responsible with your time. You have to work well with other people. The good thing about the UA is that it fosters such a close community environment.

What's the best part about being a UA wildcat?

Being in the international sphere, the UA really goes above and beyond. Take advantage of the UA study abroad programs. I studied abroad in Tanzania for the same exact price of tuition I paid at the UA. There are plenty of study abroad programs where you pay the exact same tuition as you would at the UA. It’s worth it. These are things that employers are looking for.

The UA really offers a great all-around experience. You’re going to learn so much while you’re there and it’s really the best value for your money.