Graduating Student Spotlight: Gabriel Martinez
Gabriel Martinez is graduating from the Master of International Business (MIB) program this semester. He has accepted a position as an Operations Manager at JP Morgan in Tampa and is looking forward to beginning his position soon. As he prepares for life after graduation, Martinez reflects on the highlights of his time at Warrington and offers advice to future MIB students.
Q: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from?
Martinez: “I am originally from Nicaragua. I went to Lincoln International Academy in Managua, Nicaragua for most of my youth and moved to the United States to go to high school in Tallahassee, Florida. Then, I got my bachelor’s in Marketing from the University of South Florida. I aspire to get a PhD in Neoclassical Social Theory or in Behavior Science/Economics after working for a few years.”
Q: What are your best memories from the MIB program?
Martinez: “The people I met. UF and Hough have this aura or vibe to them. Everyone is extremely competitive and eager to stand out, but at the same time Gators are always helping each other out. The UF community and University will always be a special place for me, and I cannot wait to come back as an alumnus.”
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
Martinez: “After graduating, I am hoping to start a career in consulting and would love to eventually transition into Tech consulting. I am still not sure where I will work post-graduation. However, I should have a good idea before my actual graduation date.”
Q: Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Martinez: “Five years from now, I can see myself transitioning from tech consulting to an actual big tech firm. My goal is to work for a company with values, vision and competitiveness, such as Palantir Technologies, which focuses on solving the world’s most difficult problems by enhancing human decision-making using AI technology. After a few years of that, I would love to start my own company or firm and, eventually, I’d like to get a PhD.”
Q: What advice would you give to future MIB students?
Martinez: “Network as much as possible. Say yes to everything! The more you are exposed to different experiences, organizations and people, the more your experiences, network and time at Hough will be worth. I also suggest that you always put yourself first and focus on being the best you for yourself so that you can also be the best you for others.”
Q: Share a cool fact about yourself.
Martinez: “I can leg-press 1,100 pounds for six repetitions. I’m a big fitness and mental health enthusiast, and this is something I’ve been working on for the past five years. I hope to eventually get to 1,500 pounds.”
