Meet seven combination degree students admitted in Fall 2024
The Warrington College of Business offers seven combination degree options for students interested in pursuing business beyond their bachelor’s. Combination degrees allow students to double count graduate credits toward their bachelor’s degree, helping them graduate with a master’s at an accelerated rate. Over 250 students were admitted to the varying Warrington combination degree programs this Fall. Meet just seven of these outstanding students.
Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (MSE)
Year: Senior
Hometown: West Palm Beach
Dream Position/Company: Strategist for Porsche Cars North America or CEO of his own company
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
I chose to pursue a master’s degree in Entrepreneurship because I really like the hands-on aspect of the program. Not only am I learning about all the necessary fields of entrepreneurship, but I am also getting hands on experience with these topics. I am very confident that I will walk out of this program with a functioning business, and the knowledge to do it again.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
Upon graduating with my master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, I hope to walk out having launched at least one of my business ideas into a functioning and profitable business. Additionally, I hope to have the knowledge to start many more of my business ideas along the road in my journey of life.
William R. Hough Master of Science in Finance (MSF)
Lucas Alvarado (BSBA Finance ’24, BA Economics ’24, MSF ’25) is one of 48 students admitted to the MSF combination degree program this fall. 100% of MSF graduates were placed full time this semester, and 100% of the class of 2025 had summer 2024 internship placement.
Year: Senior
Hometown: Tampa
Dream Position/Company: Shareholder activism
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
During my freshman year, I got to work with older MSF students through the Founder’s Fund and saw firsthand how MSF coursework deepened their technical skills and helped them earn strong internships. Through further research, I discovered MSF’s applicability to investment banking, as well as the camaraderie among MSF students, both of which resonated with me. Reflecting as a senior, I found the classes transformative during my junior summer internship, and my MSF cohort has proven to be extremely supportive and collegial, both inside and outside of class. I have also found the project-based coursework instrumental in building a nuanced understanding of complex topics while offering a great opportunity to meet new people.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
My first goal was to build-up my investment banking skills, which I achieved by tailoring my MSF electives toward banking-relevant topics, including coursework on M&A and Private Equity. I also sought exposure to a broader range of finance topics such as fixed income, asset management and consulting, to go beyond what is offered in the undergraduate equivalents. These courses have helped me explore potential career pivots down the road while developing versatile skills highly relevant to banking. Lastly, the opportunity to connect with students who share similar aspirations and to build friendships around our shared interests has proven to be one of the best aspects of the program.
Master of Science in Information Systems and Operations Management (MS-ISOM)
Priya Hanuman (BSBA Information Systems ’26, MS-ISOM ’27) is one of 36 admitted to the MS-ISOM combination degree program this semester. Unlike the other programs, information systems majors are able to share up to 16 credits between their undergraduate and graduate degree (rather than 12) while pursuing this combination degree program.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Riverview
Dream Position/Company: Data Analyst
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
I decided to pursue my combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business because graduate school represents more than a personal achievement—it’s a way to honor my family’s lifelong encouragement to make the most of my education. As a current undergraduate in Warrington, I have had the privilege of experiencing its supportive environment, which made me fall in love with the school. The countless resources and meaningful mentorship I’ve received at Warrington have shaped my academic and personal growth in ways I’ll always cherish. When figuring out where I wanted to pursue graduate school, I knew I wanted to continue my journey in a place that already feels like home.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
Through the combination master’s degree at the Warrington College of Business, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of business concepts while honing my analytical and leadership skills. I want to leverage this opportunity to challenge myself academically and professionally by engaging in advanced coursework in data science and learning from accomplished faculty. Beyond academics, I aim to expand my network by connecting with peers and mentors with diverse perspectives and ambitions. As a first-generation scholar, this program represents not only personal growth but also a chance to serve as a role model in my community. I wish to take the knowledge I gain from this experience and implement it both in my professional and personal life, creating positive change and contributing to the betterment of my community.
Master of International Business (MIB)
Dana Chen (BSBA Finance ’27, Economics ’27, MIB ’27) is one of 72 students admitted to the MIB combination degree program this semester.
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Gainesville
Dream Position/Company: MD/RM at JPM or BofA
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
The competitive Master of International Business combination degree program at the University of Florida will allow me to reach greater achievements by challenging myself with graduate-level coursework, gain global business perspectives through the Global Immersion Experience, and complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree within four years. I chose to start my combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business because it offers unique opportunities and experiences that provide me with a global perspective in business. I wanted to challenge myself with Warrington’s rigorous curriculum and hands-on projects which provide a practical understanding of diverse markets and the complexities of international banking. Beginning this program now enables me to build up my technical and soft skills while completing my undergraduate degree. This early exposure to graduate-level work and global experiences thoroughly prepares me for future leadership roles in a competitive, interconnected market.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
Through my combination degree I aim to build a comprehensive understanding of global business and finance that will enhance my skills in both domestic and international contexts. I am especially excited to learn from industry professionals and faculty with real-world experience, gaining insights into how different regions approach financial challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the chance to collaborate on projects with a diverse group of peers will help me develop a more versatile and culturally informed approach to problem solving. These experiences will not only strengthen my analytical skills and expand my network, but also prepare me for future roles in finance that require a well-rounded, global perspective, equipping me to better serve clients and organizations in an interconnected economy.
Master of Science in Management (MSM)
Amy Diaz Martinez (BS Psychology ’25, MSM ’26) is one of 23 students admitted to the MSM combination degree program this semester.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Hollywood
Dream Position/Company: Operations Manager at Royal Caribbean
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
I chose to pursue the combination Master of Science in Management degree at the Warrington College of Business because it aligns with my academic background and career goals. As a psychology major with a focus on behavior analysis, I have a strong understanding of human behavior, and I’m eager to build on this foundation with essential business skills. The MSM program’s focus on nonbusiness backgrounds offers the perfect opportunity to gain knowledge in areas like economics, accounting and organizational behavior. My internship at Burger King confirmed my interest in business operations, and I’m excited to apply my insights from psychology and public relations in a business context. The combination program also allows me to make the most of my time as an undergraduate, gaining a master’s degree and valuable business insight rather than graduating a year early. I believe UF’s MSM program will equip me to make an impact in corporate business operations, especially within travel and tourism.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
Through the combination master’s degree experience, I hope to gain a solid business foundation that complements my background in psychology and public relations. I’m excited to expand my knowledge, which will enable me to approach business challenges from a more analytical and data-driven perspective. I also look forward to developing key leadership, communication and decision-making skills, which are essential for success in business operations. By combining hard skills in business with the soft skills I’ve developed through psychology, I aim to become a more well-rounded individual, capable of addressing complex problems across various domains. Additionally, I’m eager to collaborate with a diverse cohort of students, exchanging ideas and learning from different perspectives. Ultimately, I hope to leave the program with a versatile skill set that prepares me for success in corporate environments, particularly within the travel and tourism industry.
MS Marketing Program
Kira Prologo (BSBA Information Systems ‘26, MS Marketing ’26) is one of 40 students admitted to the MS Marketing combination degree program this semester.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Sammamish, Washington State
Dream Position/Company: Marketing program manager
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
The Warrington College of Business stood out to me for its comprehensive curriculum, esteemed faculty and emphasis on real-world applications. The combination master’s degree in marketing is an essential step towards my career goal of becoming a marketing program manager. The program’s focus on marketing management and analytics aligns perfectly with my academic and professional background as well as my career aspirations. The opportunity to engage in hands-on projects and collaborate with like-minded peers will be essential. Additionally, choosing the combination degree program allows me to accelerate my education and career goals simultaneously. This program provides an efficient pathway to acquire advanced knowledge and skills in a shorter timeframe, enabling me to quickly transition into a marketing program management role. By participating in this combination program, I can maximize my educational opportunities and position myself competitively in the job market.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
My goal in pursuing a Master of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing is to integrate my undergraduate background in information systems with advanced marketing studies, creating a skill set that aligns with my career goals. I am particularly interested in working with organizations to develop and implement effective marketing plans and coordinate marketing programs. I look forward to courses that will enhance my leadership and project management skills, critical for planning successful marketing programs. Ultimately, I seek to emerge from this program not only with enhanced technical and strategic capabilities but also with the confidence to drive impactful marketing initiatives that align with organizational goals and market needs. By acquiring these advanced skills and experiences, I aim to position myself to be competitive in the job market, ready to make significant contributions to any organization I join.
Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE)
Marly Telchin (BSBA Real Estate ’26, MSRE ’27) is one of 29 students admitted to the MSRE combination degree program this semester. MSRE is at 100% job placement within 6 months from graduation every year.
Year: Junior
Hometown: Boca Raton
Dream Position/Company: Brokerage/Development Company in NYC
Why did you choose to start your combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business?
I chose to start my combination master’s degree with the Warrington College of Business because of the focus on learning that aligns with my career goals. Combination degrees allow students to earn an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree, and take those courses simultaneously. Currently, I am finishing my undergraduate requirements and taking the MSRE required courses. This allows me to get both of my degrees at an accelerated pace. It is also neat how UF allows for double counting where I can take a graduate level course to satisfy an undergraduate course requirement. This in turn is a financial benefit as it is less courses to take.
What do you hope to get out of your combination master’s degree experience?
While successfully obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida is a great accomplishment, studying an extra year in such a prestigious master’s program focused on the real estate industry would be an amazing opportunity for me as I launch my career. Due to the focused coursework, networking, overall exposure to the field and strong mentoring advisory board, I feel that the MSRE program will be invaluable to me. I know that my persistent effort continues to serve me well in such a competitive industry, and I expect that my past and future experiences will assist me in exceeding my potential as a professional and a leader.
