MSM Student Spotlight: U.S. Army veteran Kevin Brown

Kevin Brown is a current student in the Master of Science in Management (MSM) program and U.S. Army veteran. Learn more about Brown, his time in the Army and why he chose to pursue his Master of Science in Management.

Q: Tell us about your background.

Brown: “I am from Clearwater, Florida, and I studied Philosophy at the University of Florida as an undergraduate. I am an Administrative Assistant II for the Division of Certified Public Accounting at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.”

Q: Why did you join the MSM program?

Brown: “I joined the program to gain industry insight to how organizations are managed.”

Q: What do you enjoy the most in the MSM program?

Brown: “Mainly how translatable the skills that I am learning are into my current career. Every week I am able to bring something that I’ve learned from my classes to the team at my job, and I am able to further my organization’s mission.”

Q: What advice do you have for undergraduate students who are thinking of doing the MSM program? 

Brown: “Don’t be bashful about asking questions of your professors and advisors. I’ve often found new perspectives on paths I can take professionally, thanks to asking those kinds of questions. Also, don’t be timid in bringing your perspective from your undergrad major into the program. We all learn from each other.”

Q: What were internships and other activities you participated in as an UG student?

Brown: “I was a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, participated in Dance Marathon, and regularly assisted American Society of Mechanical Engineers in their annual Swampfest Car Show.”

Q: Tell us about your service in the military.

Brown: “I served about 5 years in the Active-Duty Army as a Human Resources Specialist. I served on multiple tours of duty overseas and the end of my career in the Army, I was conducting Division-Level training exercises for the 10th Mountain Division.”

Q: Tell us 3 cool things about you.

Brown: “I am a HUGE Star Wars fan. My father is a veterinarian, and I spent a lot of time in my youth on our ranch in Clearwater. I just married my best friend, Samantha Brown, this past weekend.”