MIB Student Spotlight: Gabriel Martinez
Gabriel Martinez is a current student in the Master of International Business (MIB) and Thomas S. Johnson Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (MSE) program. We spoke with Martinez about why he decided to pursue his master’s degree in international business, what he likes most about the program, his favorite music and more.
Q: Tell us about yourself.
Martinez: “I am originally from Nicaragua and moved to the United States during high school. After completing high school, I studied marketing at the University of South Florida and worked in the logistics industry after graduating. Currently, I am in the Master of International Business and Master of Science in Entrepreneurship programs.”
Q: Why did you join the MIB program?
Martinez: “I love traveling. I’ve lived abroad and throughout different cities in the United States and the MIB program seemed like the best option to prepare for a future in which I can live in different cities. I would love to live in Seattle, Japan, Poland, Canada, and eventually go back to Nicaragua.”
Q: What advice for you have for those interested in the MIB program?
Martinez: “If you want to work or learn about business from a global perspective and tailor your experience in a specific industry or as ‘exploratory,’ the MIB program is the right one for you. The networking and involvement opportunities are also fantastic, and you will be surrounded and competing with top-tier business students.
Q: What do you like the most about the MIB program?
Martinez: “I enjoy the versatility and flexibility of the program. You can tailor your experience based on any specific industry you want to enter. I also love the endless opportunities to network with colleagues and to get involved in many organizations.”
Q: What else are you involved with at UF?
Martinez: “During my time at UF, I have completed a few internships. I have interned at Kestrel LLP in Miami (Summer 2021), with Intention Digital Marketing (Fall 2021 – current), the Stephen O’Connell Center (Spring 2022 – current), and Paylocity in Orlando (Summer 2022).
I am currently a Graduate Career and Peer mentor, the Executive Director for the MIB/MSM/MSMAR Ambassadors, and a representative in the Graduate Student Council.”
Q: What are you planning to do after graduation?
Martinez: “After graduating, I plan to work in a big tech or tech consulting firm for a few years. Then I would like to start my own company, and eventually pursue a Ph.D. in behavioral economics.”
Q: Tell us a cool fact about you.
Martinez: “I love investing and DJ techno/house music.”
