MSM Student Spotlight: Derek Fletcher
Derek Fletcher, MIB graduating student and he will join RSM as a Risk Consulting Associate in Fort Lauderdale. RSM is the leading provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services to middle-market businesses with offices all over the world.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
Fletcher: “My name is Derek, and I graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Business Administration in December 2024. I am on track to graduate with my Master of International Business in May 2025, all within four years! I have dedicated years of extracurricular service to the Warrington College of Business through the Leadership Development Program, Florida Leadership Academy, and Warrington Diplomats. As a first-generation American with a multicultural background—my mother from Chile and my father from Canada—I have developed a strong appreciation for diversity and community engagement. My travels to 34 countries across six continents, experience at the Warrington College of Business, and Global Immersion Experience within the Master of International Business have further enriched my understanding of different cultures and perspectives, allowing me to connect meaningfully with people from all walks of life.”
Q: What was your undergraduate major, and why the MIB Program?
Fletcher: “My undergraduate major was Business Administration, and I applied to the MIB Program to learn more about the global economy. This has aided me in my search for an internship and full-time role in consulting, where I will work with multinational organizations.”
Q: What is the best thing you like about the MIB program?
Fletcher: “The best thing about the MIB program is the opportunity to attend a Global Immersion Experience, where I visited Lima, Peru, and worked on a case study for a jewelry company to expand operations from Peru to the United States.”
Q: Please share your GIE experience with us.
Fletcher: “The Global Immersion Experience was unforgettable. In addition to working on a case study for a jewelry company to expand operations from Peru to the United States, I developed meaningful relationships with other students that I will cherish forever.”
Q: What are your plans after graduation? How did the MIB program help you?
Fletcher: “After graduation, I will begin my career at RSM as a Risk Consulting Associate in Fort Lauderdale. The MIB program helped me develop relationships and learn about company events, which was pivotal in getting an interview and landing my internship at RSM in Risk Consulting during the summer of 2024.”
Q: What is your advice to other students looking at the MIB program?
Fletcher: “My advice is to know your why and take advantage of all the incredible resources available to help you achieve your goals. You will learn things and develop relationships that elevate you to places you never thought you could reach.”
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? Yes, very important!
Fletcher: “In addition to my full-time role at RSM, I am launching a business I co-founded called We Know Campus with a friend and peer within the Warrington College of Business. We connect high school students with experienced college students to get on 30-minute Zoom calls to help them succeed and maximize their time at the campus they will be attending. This is all thanks to the MIB program, as I took an Entrepreneurship elective, which pushed me to develop a strategy to launch a business!”
Q: One really cool fact about yourself.
Fletcher: “I have traveled to 34 countries across six continents and do not plan on stopping anytime soon!”
