UF students gain real-world experience in New York City and Miami through Presidential Strategic Initiatives
Thanks to the University of Florida’s Presidential Strategic Initiatives, funded by the Florida Legislature, students recently had the opportunity to engage directly with leading companies in New York City and Miami. Read on for more about how graduate students earning their MBA and master’s in marketing gained real-world insights into industries like finance, healthcare and digital marketing through these immersive experiences.
The University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business introduced its MBA immersion trip to New York City, giving students practical experience through visits to major companies and industry leaders. The institution also broke ground with its newly founded Marketing Consulting Experience program. Tailored for graduate business students, this course immerses them in the diverse business ecosystem of South Florida, with a focus on the Miami market.
MBA students visit New York City
The Warrington College of Business has launched its MBA trip to NYC, providing students hands-on experience in business practices through visits to various companies and institutions. They met with firms like Bloomberg, PwC, and Deloitte, and engaged in presentations and facility tours to gain insights into different industries.
“The immersion provided a real-world application to everything we have learned throughout our coursework,” said Nicole Stanford (MBA ’25). “We had the opportunity to see the course curriculum in action across multiple fields.”
The program also included a project in which students offered strategic recommendations for BrightStar, a healthcare staffing agency, addressing tech solutions for dementia care.
“I got a look into a different side of the corporate world than I’m used to, specifically around wealth management and venture capital investments,” said Cherry Winters (MBA ’24). “It allowed me to meet my classmates in person which helped augment my program and create some experiential balance.”
This immersion, a new offering compared to the previous trips, was designed to be more accessible and cost-effective, allowing participation from students who may have been hindered previously due to personal or travel constraints.
“This trip forced me out of my comfort zone,” said Winters. “It is quite inspiring to be around other like-minded, hardworking individuals who can have such vast, differing backgrounds.”
Working with NYC-based companies, students experienced the unique business environment of New York, enhancing their understanding of global financial markets and providing profitable networking opportunities.
“I built life-long relationships with an amazing group of fellow MBAs, UF alumni, and UF faculty,” said Stanford. “I received invaluable advice from individuals who have been in my shoes and worked to achieve great success.”
Marketing students visit Miami
The Warrington College of Business also initiated a Marketing Consulting Experience led by Professor Michael Carillo and Ana Portocarrero. This program offers graduate students an unparalleled immersion into the business landscape of South Florida, particularly Miami.
“This event supplemented my educational experience by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application,” said Ariella Ciuraru (MSMAR ‘24). “Learning from professionals about their careers and strategies brought the concepts I’ve studied to life.”
This innovative program combines rigorous academic instruction with hands-on fieldwork, enabling students to engage directly with local businesses and tackle real-world marketing challenges. A key component of the experience was their visit to InPulse Digital, a digital marketing consultancy, where students worked on high-impact projects such as crafting expansion strategies for Mexico and developing international launch plans aimed at the Latin American market.
“The experience of working with InPulse Digital was one of the most beneficial learning opportunities during the trip,” said Emily Wirley (MBA ’25). “Applying the concepts from my coursework in a real-world setting was immensely beneficial.”
These projects provided students with critical insights into Miami’s unique socio-economic and cultural dynamics while integrating advanced generative AI technologies to enhance their analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.
“Connecting with Professor Carillo, Meredith Hartig, Ana Portocarrero, and my classmates in person has been the highlight of my online MS Marketing degree so far,” said Wirley. “As a fully online student, I was thrilled to meet my peers face-to-face, learn about their diverse jobs and career paths, and explore the plethora of industries and opportunities Miami has to offer.”
Beyond academic learning, the program offered valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals and UF alumni, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This immersive approach not only prepares students for the complexities of the global marketplace but also strengthens their career prospects within Florida’s vibrant business ecosystem.
“I gained firsthand knowledge about the latest marketing strategies and customer engagement techniques used by top companies, including Royal Caribbean and F1,” said Ciuraru. “The panel discussions were tailored to our interests as students entering the workforce and provided practical insights that I can apply to my future career.”
