MSM Student Spotlight: Emily Lyssenko

Lyssenko is completing her Master of Science in Management (MSM) at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business. After graduation, she will move to Washington, D.C., to join CAPSTONE DC as an Outreach and Events Associate.

 Q: Tell us about your background.

Lyssenko: “I have lived in Florida all my life, growing up in South Florida and growing into adulthood here in Gainesville. I am a proud student of the public school system and for undergrad (also completed at UF), I earned a degree in International Studies, minoring in both economics and Russian language.”

 Q: Why did you decide to pursue your MSM in the combination degree program?

Lyssenko: “I recognized a clear shift in my career interests and became increasingly curious about business and how I could expand my skill set through classes such as Database Systems Design and Global Strategic Management. I was further encouraged to join the program after speaking with current students and friends in the program. Today, my long term career goals include helping organizations across both the public and private sector revolutionize their approach to environmental, social impact, and governance goals.”

 Q: What are your best memories from the MSM program?

Lyssenko: “Honestly, I have loved watching so many of my friends join Hough. There is always a friendly face in the hallways and I have deeply appreciated being a part of this very connected, yet smaller corner of campus.”

Q: What are your plans after graduating from the MSM program?

Lyssenko: “I will be moving to Washington, D.C. to start my full-time role as an Outreach and Events Associate at CAPSTONE DC. I am so excited about this opportunity and feel grateful for the experience and knowledge that I have gained at Hough.”

Q: Any advice for future combination MSM program students?

Lyssenko: “I believe that participating in class goes a long way and allows you to make genuine connections with not only your professors but also your fellow classmates. Make learning an active pursuit in your life: ask questions, answer questions, and offer ideas. Professors are eager to learn about you and help you in any way they can. By participating in class and being a proactive student,  I have been able to benefit from the gracious help of professors to pursue research opportunities, access professional connections, and learn about job opportunities.”

Q: Tell us something you wish you had known before you started the MSM program.

Lyssenko: “Career Week and networking opportunities are everything, take the time to attend events and connect with alumni/company recruiters throughout your entire time at Hough. Entering Warrington from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, I was surprised to find out how big career week and networking events were here and I quickly realized that I needed to dedicate more time to preparing for these events and getting comfortable with networking. Career week creates some of the most viable touchstones for internships and job opportunities. I recommend every current and future student to dedicate consistent time to their career development journey, this encompasses research, networking, resume review, recruiter events, and meeting with your career advisor.”

Q: Tell us one cool fact about you.

Lyssenko: “​​I have studied abroad in Belgium!”