How a Master of International Business degree prepared this alumna for a role at L’Oréal
Xin Xin Liu is a graduate of the Master of International Business program from 2017. She currently works as Product Manager for Armani Fragrances and Privé, L’Oréal Travel Retail Americas in Miami.
See why Liu chose the Master of International Business (MIB) program, how it helped her in her career and advice she has for current students.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
Liu: “I am a first-generation college student, born in China, raised in the States. I chose to attend UF not only because it was close to home (Jacksonville), but also because it was the best value college within my consideration set, not to mention the growing rankings year after year. When it came to choosing a major, I debated between finance and information systems and operations management for the longest time, but somehow life took me to marketing.”
Q: Why did you choose the MIB Program?
Liu: “Since a young age, I have always been interested in the growing interconnectedness of our world. My bicultural, bilingual background further fueled the impetus to study foreign cultures and learn about their ways of managing society. When evaluating different master programs, MIB stood out as the one that best aligns with my interest in international business while maintaining affordability with the combination degree option that lets me graduate early. However, looking back now, MIB has offered me so much more. Not only had I fostered an in-depth understanding of international commerce that led me to my first job, but I also met some of my best friends in the program through collaboration in class.”
Q: What is your best memory from the MIB Program?
Liu: “Out of too many great memories at MIB, the best one must have been being a MIB Ambassador! It was an amazing experience planning monthly events to connect students across social, philanthropic and professional perspectives. From organizing the Hough Woodser, coordinating golf lessons (in anticipation of one day, when we have to play at a work function!), volunteering at a horse farm, to hosting professional speaking panels, we provided a venue for students to bond, to develop and to maximize their experience at MIB. The best of all — I get to plan and attend with my friends who were also MIB Ambassadors!”
Q: Tell us about your journey after graduation.
Liu: “Two months after graduation, I joined L’Oreal in Miami as the Product Marketing Manager for Armani Fragrances, managing the zone of Travel Retail across North and South Americas. Beneath the fancy job title was my rough beginning as a corporate newbie attempting to survive/thrive in the professional environment. Nevertheless, hard work and dedication paid off. Thanks to the support of my manager and the rest of the team, I just happily celebrated my two-year work anniversary. Cheers to many more years to come!”
Q: What is your advice to current MIB graduate students?
Liu: “Make the most out of your free time while you still have plenty of it – once you start the corporate life, staying out until 2 a.m. on a weekday morning or going to the gym at 3 p.m. on a weekday afternoon just isn’t realistic.
Be open to feedback and advice – actively listen to what others have to say; most of the time, people are speaking from their experience in an attempt to help you avoid the mistakes they have made.
Be curious and willing to try – give it a chance to dip your toe in the water and push yourself a little. The result might surprise you!
Do put some thoughts into deciding your first job. In a good number of cases, it anchors the direction of your career path.”
Q: Tell us 3 fun facts about you that we do not know
Liu: “1. I can make really good sushi, 2. I have been inside an unfinished military aircraft once and 3. I can’t really swim despite having lived by the coast all my life.”
