How this food and resource economics alumna benefitted from the Master of International Business

Adriana Alises Menendez (MIB ’20) is the current International Operations Director for author and international executive coach John Spence. She shares why she decided to join the Master of International Business (MIB) program, her advice to other food and resource economics students, what she’s up to in her current role and more.  

Q: Please tell us about yourself.  

Alises Menendez: “I am originally from Madrid, Spain. I came to the US to play basketball for Santa Fe College. When it was time to transfer, I learned about the food and resource economics (FRE) major at UF, and I knew it was for me. My family owns an international exportation business, and FREs major was the perfect complement to my knowledge in the industry.

I love spending time with my loved ones, traveling and learning about new cultures, eating good food, and working out, especially boxing!”

Q: Why did you decide to pursue the Master of International Business?

Alises Menendez: “I have always wanted to do something related to international business. Unfortunately, there is not an international business undergrad major, so when I learned more about the master’s program, I knew it was for me as well! Plus, the curriculum of classes and GIE sounded incredibly interesting, even though COVID took the GIE away from me and my classmates.

Furthermore, Dr. Misti Sharp always supported me and encouraged me to pursue my higher education. She helped me find the help that I needed to decide about the MIB program. I will be forever thankful to her.”

Q: What are your best memories from Warrington?

Alises Menendez: “The friendships that I made through the program. Not only with my classmates but with professors and mentors. You feel like you belong to this big family, and if you need anything, they will find the resources or connections to help you.”

Q: What advice do you have for undergraduate students studying food and resource economics at UF?

Alises Menendez: “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being part of an institution like the University of Florida means that they want to see you succeed, and if they have the resources or connections to help you, they will help you.

Do what makes you happy. Enjoy life. We only have one!!”

Q: What have you been doing since graduation?

Alises Menendez: “I graduated in Summer 2020 (COVID Class!)

Since then, I have been working as the International Operations Director for John Spence, one of the top 100 Business Experts in the world. Because of COVID, I have been working remotely. This granted me the opportunity to travel around the US. I spent a whole month working from California! I am currently working remotely from my hometown, Madrid!”

Q: Tell us 3 cool things about you.

Alises Menendez: “I have played basketball since I was 5 years old, which granted me some of the best experiences ever, like playing for the National Spanish Championship and the opportunity to play in the US. I have traveled all over Spain and many other European countries. The majority of my family members are entrepreneurs!”