College of Charleston School of Business MBA

After graduation, Malley plans to stay in the Charleston area and pursue PR/marketing opportunities in the hospitality and tourism industry.

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Low wants to push America's health policy through advocation and entrepreneurial business ventures to address concerns about health equity and health disparities that are connected with economic trends.

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Steele uses working data to visualize information and make informed decisions. His wants to refine his modeling skills and expand his network.

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U.S. News & World Report Ranks Two CofC Master's Programs in Top 100 Two of the College of Charleston's master's programs were recently recognized in U.S. News & World Report's list of Best Graduate Schools. The College's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program ranked within the Top 100 for the 2023 Best Business Schools, and the Master of Public Administrati...

Directly after graduation, Vu will be working full-time while completing his second graduate degree in Computer Science at the University of Pennsylvania. He wants to continue furthering his career toward becoming a CIO/CTO.

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When Nicole isn't in the classroom, you can find her exploring the world or writing for her travel blog.

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In her spare time, Hope enjoys exercising, exploring Charleston cuisine, and spending time with her friends and family. She will accelerate to a director-level position at Raycap after finishing the MBA program.

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College of Charleston School of Business MBA updated their website address.

The March 11 event, dedicated to the investment industry’s latest developments, will feature more than 30 global financial professionals regularly seen on media such as MSNBC, CNBC and Fox Business.

CofC to Host Strategic Investment Symposium The College of Charleston School of Business Investment Program will host its eighth annual Strategic Investment Symposium at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, on Friday, March 11, 2022. The one-day event, dedicated to the investment industry’s latest developments, will featu...

MBA OF THE DAY!

Katrina Williams is a lover of learning who is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration at the College of Charleston with a focus in finance. After spending ten years in program management, she knows that strong communication and being able to adapt to new challenges with a positive attitude turns a manager into a leader.

Katrina has led programs to reverse sales declines, hit goal retention rates and implement strategic plans. She accomplished this through diversifying and implementing program offerings to new target markets and won an award for exemplary contribution in improving the quality and safety of programs in the sport of sailing. In addition to a career in program management, she is a competitive sailor and has represented Bermuda in multiple sailing championships around the world.

Katrina holds a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from Old Dominion University where she was also a leader on the Women’s and Co-ed sailing team.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Caroline White is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance from the College of Charleston. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of Charleston in 2020.

During her time as an undergraduate, Caroline worked as a business manager for Ella Ora, a Luxury Aesthetics and Skin Therapy Clinic, where she was responsible for marketing, accounting, sales, management and customer service. Prior to this position, she worked as project manager for Republic Development and Management Group (DMG) on local restaurant projects. Caroline monitored contract labor, assisted on interior design decisions, kept stakeholders informed throughout the building process, and ordered all materials for the contract labor and designers. From both experiences, she learned business development planning, risk and cost management, time management, leadership and communication skills.

Upon completion of the MBA program, Caroline plans to use her business background, knowledge in the biological and medical world, leadership skills and strong work ethic to launch her career within the financial industry.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Ethan Westbury is an aspiring marketing specialist who is pursuing opportunities in the magazine and advertising industry. He strives to advance emotional marketing and consumer behavior within this digital age. Westbury believes creative market strategy and passionate advertising are the driving forces as a marketing specialist. He previously attended Coker University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in management. While at Coker, Ethan participated as a student athlete for the university’s baseball team.

Westbury comes to the MBA program pursuing a focus in marketing while refining his skills of time management, leadership and relentless dedication. During his summers, he served as an intern for Detyens Shipyards in Charleston, SC, which is one of the largest Ship Repair and Service shipyards on the East Coast. While there, he gained first-hand experience in estimating and project management by working on three Navy Military Sealift Command projects.

After graduation, Ethan plans to pursue a career in marketing due to his interest in digital media, psychology, advertising and creative market strategy. His passions of pursuing knowledge, work ethic and making a positive difference in the world drive him toward his long-term goal of owning a consulting agency. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, mentoring baseball and reading.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Dylan Waks was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Data Science with a concentration in Economics from the College of Charleston in 2020. Currently, he is pursuing his Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance at the College of Charleston and is expected to graduate in 2021.

During his time as an undergrad at the College of Charleston, Dylan was a member of the Data Science club where they brought in industry professionals to discuss and explore real-world applications of data science. He also worked with Altus Infusions as a data scientist where he worked to automate financial reports that were previously created by outsourcing. This project allowed Dylan to learn new skills and programs and also allowed him to better his communication and problem-solving skills.

After graduation, Dylan plans to use his diverse skill set to help make impactful changes to the healthcare field.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Mackenzie Turner is a financial professional who works with non-profits and museums to help them fully achieve their goals through the application of her business knowledge. She believes that to successfully fulfill their missions, non-profits need to have efficient and innovative business operations.

Turner applied her undergraduate knowledge outside of the classroom through an internship with Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. In this position, she learned about the day to day operations of a historical site and collaborated with the property historian to research and curate exhibits. Meanwhile, inside the classroom, she earned acceptance into the honor societies Phi Alpha Theta and Sigma Delta Pi for achievements in the studies of history and Spanish. Her Historic Preservation/Community Planning senior thesis is pending publication by Heritage Books.

Turner is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance at the College of Charleston. She recently graduated from the same institution in May of 2020 and received a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in History and Historic Preservation/Community Planning and minors in Spanish and Art History. Overall, Mackenzie is a focused and driven individual who works to accomplish personal and team goals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, daily Spanish practice and baking.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Marc Toscano graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Charleston in 2020 and he has decided to stay at the College to pursue his Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance.

During his time as an undergraduate, Marc was promoted at his job on several occasions to become Lead Assistant to the Director of Auxiliary Programs at the Porter Gaud School and has maintained this rank for over a year. He also worked an internship during the summer of 2019 at DZ Bank in New York, where he shadowed and trained in the treasury department. During his internship, he put together a presentation on the possible implication of Modern Monetary Theory and presented his findings to over 30 department heads and peers.

Marc prides himself on his ability to communicate effectively and work in teams. From the various clubs and organizations that he was a part of on campus, such as Leadership CofC and the Red Cross, he has learned how to work professionally and efficiently.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Currently, while pursuing his MBA with a focus in marketing, Brett is working as a marketing coordinator for PFS Agency that represents an elite group of NFL players. Brett is furthering his education to become certified by the NFLPA as an agent by the end of the year.

Tilley is a 2019 graduate of the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in marketing. Tilley served as one of the team managers for the College of Charleston Men’s Basketball program for three-and-a-half years, showing his ability to balance a full-time responsibility while keeping up with coursework.

After graduation, Tilley accepted a full-time, yearlong job with the Baltimore Ravens (after prior internship experience with the team) in the Client Services department within corporate sales. Tilley worked closely with sales and the services and supported the marketing and community relations departments. Tilley’s strong communication and personable skills helped him excel in an environment that relies heavily on both.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Charles completed his undergraduate degree at Gannon University in 2019, where he received his bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in business administration. While pursuing his degree, he completed two internships, initially serving as a business operations intern with the Erie Otters professional hockey team. This was followed by a human resources internship at a local restaurant chain where he assisted in the full recruiting cycle and oversaw the onboarding process.

For the past year, Charles had been in California working as a program manager for a non-profit in Silicon Valley tasked with the mission to change the face of homelessness. In his role at Downtown Streets Team, he collaborated with employers, landlords and property managers to house and employ the homeless in Santa Clara.

Charles takes pride in his ability to communicate effectively and utilize active listening to work through any challenges that arise. This has allowed him to successfully consult on program startups within the non-profit arena. He firmly believes that the key to getting ahead is getting started!

When he is not working or playing with his dog, Charles enjoys running and reading about personal finance. Following the completion of his MBA, he intends to pursue a career in human capital strategy and is open to opportunities nationwide.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Luke Stageberg graduated cm laude from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He chose a concentration in statistics and earned a minor in biology. Luke is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance.

This year, Luke will be competing in his fifth year as an infielder and second year as team captain for the College of Charleston’s baseball team. He has shown extreme dedication and commitment to not only the Cougars athletic department but also as a volunteer Young Life leader during his time at the College. Luke has thrived in the classroom while remaining an influential teammate and an incredibly consistent mentor to high school students.

Recently, Luke worked as a research assistant for the Biology Department at the College of Charleston where he studied the biomechanics and aerodynamics of insect flight. He continued his development of useful STEM skills by coding in MATLAB, solving problems, thinking critically and presenting his research.

Luke’s leadership, work ethic and competitiveness separate him from many of his peers. He looks to lean on those qualities and his mathematical skills for a STEM-related career in finance or management.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Joe Sperko is a 2020 graduate of the College of Charleston where he received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He has returned to the College of Charleston to pursue his Master’s in business administration with a focus in finance.

During his undergraduate experience, Sperko was involved in biochemical research and worked as a teaching assistant for an introductory chemistry lab. Outside of academics, Sperko worked in the medical and food service industries while pursuing his undergraduate degree.

Sperko is a supporter of his local community. Within the past three years, he has volunteered at several charity events by providing registration services and promoting sales. These events helped to raise money for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Lowcountry as well as his local YMCA.

After the completion of the MBA program, Sperko intends to utilize his passion for chemistry to pursue a career in operations/project management and eventual executive level leadership within the chemical industry. As a person with high aspirations, Joseph believes in collaboration, extreme ownership, constant improvement, and the value of hard work.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Ruth Smith graduated cm laude from the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and ecogastronomy. Ruth is furthering her education by pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus in marketing from the College of Charleston.

During her undergraduate career, Ruth was involved with her program, speaking at various events, giving tours, volunteering and, most rewarding, was the honor of being selected as a peer advisor. As a peer advisor, Ruth got the opportunity to teach an introductory business class to twenty freshmen business students. Throughout the year, the class attended various networking and career development events on- and off-campus. Ruth thrived in this leadership position and really enjoyed the opportunity to get to network with so many young professionals.

Over the past year, Ruth worked as an event planner at a firm in Portland, Maine where she was promoted from being an intern the year prior. Ruth’s creativity, organization and eye for detail led her to events. She plans to pursue a job in the events industry following the MBA program.

Ruth is driven by her love for adventure and studied abroad twice, once to Italy for ecogastronomy and then to Australia for business management. It was during this time that Ruth developed the travel bug and, since then, has traveled to many other European countries and states across America. Throughout her travels, Ruth developed an appreciation and love for new cultures and environments. Ruth loves making connections with people and sees the true value in listening and has strong communication skills.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Ian Schenkel is an aspiring business development specialist focused on assisting financial software companies to connect with up-and-coming businesses in order to improve their overall efficiency. Schenkel is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration with a finance focus at the College of Charleston. Previously, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the College studying economics and data science.

Post-graduation, Schenkel traveled out west to spend some time in the town he was born in. Starting fresh allowed him to improve upon his communication and relationship development skills throughout multiple fast-paced work environments. This is where he acquired an interest in business development, working for recently acquired small businesses owned by young professionals with appreciative fresh and motivated mindsets. More recently, with the rise of e-commerce shopping, Ian has assisted in the creation and development of two small businesses with their product development and online platforms.

As an undergraduate student, Ian worked as a research analyst intern with Objectivity Squared Wealth Management, a private wealth management firm located in downtown Charleston. During his time there, he utilized the analytical skills he had gained to conduct extensive research to assist in upcoming meetings with clients as well as introduce new viable investment opportunities in the Lowcountry area. Schenkel plans to utilize the same skillset along with the knowledge he gains from the MBA program to acquire a career in the financial technology industry.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Ariana Ruiz is a 2019 graduate of South Carolina State University (SCSU) with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness. She is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing at the College of Charleston. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, Ruiz was awarded the prestigious title of University Shining Star for 2018–2019.

After her time at SCSU, Ruiz began interning at BDO, USA LLP — a worldwide accounting firm that has a broad range of accounting and consulting services — as an auditor for six months and was then promoted to an associate. While at the firm, she worked with her team to solve problems and assist clients in reaching their financial goals.

Ruiz enjoys a challenge and believes that nothing worth having will come easily. Outside of her work she enjoys traveling to new places, being outdoors and listening to live music. After earning her MBA, Ruiz plans to leverage her new skills and knowledge to delve into the agricultural career force and potentially begin owning farms in the future.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Parker Royall is a 2020 graduate of the College of Charleston with a bachelor’s degree in historic preservation and community planning. He is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance at the College of Charleston. He intends to work in preservation and planning following graduation.

During his time as an undergraduate student, he worked as an intern within the Charleston County Zoning and Planning Department. He accompanied planners on a variety of projects focused on modernizing the infrastructure of the Charleston area without degrading its historical value.

He also served as an intern with project managers of Pure Properties LLC in Tampa, Florida in their historic Armature Works community restoration project. He assisted in the leasing of community-oriented commercial space, providing tours of available storefront units to prospective business owners. He also partnered with project managers in the planning of future storefronts and usable space within the historic community.
Parker was elected as both the President and Team Captain of the College of Charleston’s surf club/team during his senior year. He managed the travel budget and coordinated a variety of travel events for over 60 members. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, fishing, and generally being outdoors.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Tyler Rothenberg is a hospitality professional transitioning into the fitness industry who creates brand and marketing strategies to increase sales and revenue. Rothenberg has worked in various management roles in which he successfully utilized innovative thinking and inspiring leadership tactics and disciplined business principles which promoted growth and progress within each position held. He has been published in multiple publications including Forbes Magazine, Imbibe Magazine, Charleston City Paper, The Post and Courier and Chilled Magazine for his innovative and unique approach to creating and managing world-class bar concepts.

Rothenberg currently attends the College of Charleston as an MBA candidate focusing in marketing and was elected President of the MBA student association. He earned his undergraduate degree at Marymount University in business management, magna cm laude. Rothenberg is a veteran of the United States Army where he served honorably as a combat medic during a tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was handpicked to serve directly with the Northern Regional Medical Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major.
After completing his MBA program, Rothenberg aspires to work within the fitness industry, focusing on brand development and management for a lifestyle company such as 1st Phorm International, Under Armour, Body Building.com or Nike. He wishes to apply his experience with consumer engagement through hospitality, passion for fitness and understanding of advanced marketing principles to provide added value to any organization.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Grayson Romer earned his bachelor's degree in exercise science from the Arnold School of Public Health at the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2019. He is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration with a focus in marketing at the College of Charleston.

As an undergraduate student, Grayson was instrumental in organizing pharmaceutical programs for summer camps in Hendersonville, NC while working at Whitley Drugs. His professional and educational experience in pharmaceuticals includes getting certified as a pharmacy technician in both North and South Carolina. He has over six years of experience in the pharmacy industry in both the hospital and independent pharmacy fields where he performed various duties. He played a vital role in organizing a pledge to opioid prevention week with Henderson County Public Schools for two years. He gained valuable marketing experience working as an intern his senior year at Chiropractic Wellness Center Inc. in Columbia, SC assisting Dr. Shelly Jones.

Grayson enjoys both playing and watching sports. He can often be found on the baseball field or golf course and in Williams-Brice Stadium watching Gamecock football. With his MBA, Grayson plans to become professionally focused on healthcare administration and marketing where his strengths and experience will lead him to success.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Martin Pillette is an accomplished professional pilot, engineer and finance professional who can help your company take flight. He earned his bachelor’s at the University of Applied Sciences Bremen with a degree in aviation systems engineering and management. He completed his thesis project at the Fraunhofer ISE research institute and his commercial pilots license at RWL and Flight Safety in Germany and Florida. He is currently working on his MBA with a finance concentration at the College of Charleston to better help organizations achieve results within their corporate finance structures.

He accepted his first engineering job in Germany where he was responsible for the continued introduction of the PDM and PLM software solutions within the engineering department. He accepted a non-flying position offered by Air Berlin which he was able to turn into a flying position for a different company, FAI. Starting on the large Challenger 604/5 jet fleet, Martin was flying medevac and private charter missions in a variety of environments. Afterward, he accepted freelance positions with Comlux and MJet on privately-owned Challenger 650 jets based in Europe and beyond. He also continues to pursue flying in his spare time.

Pillette plans to enter the corporate world in an analytical or consulting position, with his mind set on making a serious impact in an executive position in the future.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Pampu earned his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the College of Charleston in 2020, graduating with honors, magna cm laude, maintaining a 3.85 GPA. He is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration with a finance focus. If accepted, Pampu also plans to attend the Medical University of South Carolina for dental school in 2021. Simply put, Pampu is intensely dedicated to making the world a better place.

While at the college, Pampu earned awards such as membership in the Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society and the Horatio Hughes Scholarship. He also portrayed his effective time management and diversified his technical abilities during his undergraduate studies. His synthetic development project, Metal-Catalysis in the Synthesis of bis-para anisyl alkanes, within the organic chemistry discipline established a new-methodological foundation in a synthesis to create a model for a natural compound that has potential antibiotic and antiviral application.

Pampu worked as a valet, sales representative and bike taxi. He also volunteered at Roper St. Francis Hospital and completed a shadowing program where he shadowed local dentists and dental specialists.

Pampu feels called to enter dental medicine to provide the best possible care for individuals in his community. He wants to transform his patients’ lives and positively impact all other individuals he interacts with. He plans to one day own a private practice and open a free clinic. The Master of Business Administration program has given Pampu a framework for the business realm. He hopes this program will further develop his understanding of finance, networking and interpersonal skills so that he may excel in the dental profession and become an asset to his community.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Roya Nowroozyani is an MBA (marketing focus) candidate at the College of Charleston. Roya believes in hard work, creativity, teamwork and the beauty of diversity. She believes in approaching obstacles with curiosity and grit. She is passionate about creating environments that facilitate success for all involved and emphasizes leading with authenticity.

She became inspired to pursue a degree in marketing after interning for a restaurant management firm in a social media marketing capacity. In her time as an offsite recruiter for a tech company based in South America, she practiced her Spanish, interview assessment and critical analysis skills. Roya’s past experience as an instructor and senior researcher for the University of Winnipeg has taught her how to use her presentation skills to effectively engage and teach others in a laboratory as well as in a classroom.

Coming from a psychology background, Roya is inspired by pro-social attitudes and behaviors. Roya has volunteered for multiple mental-health non-profit organizations where she mastered her interpersonal skills as a counselor and an advocate for clients.

Roya plans to work in the fields of corporate fundraising or international marketing where she can synergize her vigor for pro-social causes, business savvy, marketing skills and international experience.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Matthew Norton is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration with a finance focus at the College of Charleston’s accelerated program. Matthew is a Charleston, South Carolina native and a recent graduate of Dartmouth College. In college, he received a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies with attention to language study. He speaks Italian and Spanish, and he has studied Latin and Ancient Greek.

Matthew is passionate about and committed to learning the commercial real estate industry. His attention to detail and process has been a driving force as he begins learning the nuances of this industry. Matthew also believes developing a strong relationship and sense of respect with his coworkers is essential. He prides himself on the idea that constructive teamwork leads to a stronger and more thoughtful product.

Throughout his time at Dartmouth, Matthew was committed to inspiring peers to participate in philanthropic projects. He helped revive the Dartmouth chapter of Habitat for Humanity and drove Dartmouth students to participate in two homebuilding projects, spent three years mentoring a middle-school aged boy through the DREAM mentorship program, and became the philanthropy coordinator for his fraternity.

Matthew loves sports, particularly football, and he walked-on to the football team his freshman year at Dartmouth. He enjoys boating with his family.

MBA OF THE DAY!

Ryan Morris is a talent acquisition specialist who helps connect top talent with rewarding careers. Ryan has always been interested in the non-profit space, having worked in the Development and Alumni offices of his alma mater, and was quickly drawn to Blackbaud, the world’s leading cloud software company powering social good.

During his 12 years at Blackbaud, he served in a number of roles within Customer Support before pursuing opportunities within Sales and later Human Resources. In his last role in Corporate Recruiting, Ryan understood the importance of fit and excelled at sharing culture with candidates. He communicated well across various constituencies, primarily in the sales and marketing space to drive results-focused outcomes while cementing impactful relationships.

Ryan was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and moved south for college and never left. He graduated from the College of Charleston with a BA in Hispanic studies and lives with his wife, son and two dogs, Abe Froman and Olive, in West Ashley. Ryan is currently pursuing his Master of Business Administration with a marketing focus at the College of Charleston.