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Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:05:36 +0000

Career Influencers Network guides career-ready students toward success Lauren Reuscher Thu, 10/09/2025 - 10:05

The Career Influencers Network at �� empowers faculty and staff to provide career development support to students throughout their academic journey. The network is open to instructors, advisors, success coaches, supervisors, and any others across campus who are positioned to help students achieve their professional goals.

University Career Services hosted a reception in early October honoring the network’s 10th anniversary. The network started in 2015 with 19 members, and it has now grown to include more than 500 faculty and staff.

Photo by Ron Aira/Office of University Branding

The network exemplifies George Mason’s approach to preparing career-ready graduates.

“The Career Influencers Network was the beginning of a ‘career ecosystem’ or ‘career everywhere’ approach,” said Saskia Campbell, executive director of University Career Services. “Preparing career-ready graduates is not confined to one office; it’s a shared responsibility of every faculty and staff member.”

The Carnegie Foundation and American Council on Education (ACE) has named George Mason to the highest tier of its list of Opportunity Colleges and Universities: Higher Access, Higher Earnings, in recognition of the university’s commitment to accessibility, return on investment, and upward mobility. Positive, high-earning career outcomes contribute to that recognition.

Career Influencers offer students job-search advice, refer them to career advising, promote employer recruitment efforts at George Mason, and share career resources with students.

“�� partners have helped students connect the dots between their academic experiences or on-campus jobs and their professional futures—and that is transformative,” Campbell said.

The Career Influencers Network has garnered national attention—other institutions reach out for guidance to replicate its success on their own campuses. George Mason’s network has been highlighted by organizations supporting career services in higher education, including the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.

The network’s ability to reach students wherever they are has been instrumental to its success.

“It's a common challenge many career services offices face: how to serve a large student population with limited staff and resources,” said Kristin Leonato, associate director of programs and outreach in University Career Services. “Utilizing career services is optional and not a required part of a degree program. The network allows us to connect with campus partners who students already know and trust.”

To join the network, faculty and staff participate in an interactive, 4.5-hour training covering topics like career readiness, how employers recruit George Mason students, and strategies to support students at various stages of their career development.

Engagement with the network does not end with the initial training. Career Influencers receive ongoing support from University Career Services, including workshops on related topics and monthly updates on career-related events and services.

The 10th anniversary event included words of appreciation from Campbell and Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, who presented two awards recognizing faculty and staff contributions to the Career Influencers Network.

Erin McSherry, College of Humanities and Social Sciences (pictured at left), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the Career Influencers Network. Pictured at right is Kristin Leonato, associate director, University Career Services. Photo provided

Erin McSherry, assistant dean in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS), received the Star Recruiter Award for having referred the most new members to the network. About 50% of the faculty and staff in the network are referred by a colleague or supervisor.

Larry Guerin, adjunct faculty in the Criminology, Law, and Society Department within CHSS and the Costello College of Business, received the Outstanding Influencer Award for demonstrating the impact career influencers can make on students’ personal and professional lives.

“It takes a strong network of committed professionals to support students in achieving their short-term and long-term professional goals in a wide range of career fields,” said Leonato. “The more than 500 faculty and staff in the Career Influencers Network are an important part of this work.”

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Camp Costello gives first-year students a head start in their college careers

Sarah Holland — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:13:54 +0000

Camp Costello gives first-year students a head start in their college careers Sarah Holland Wed, 10/01/2025 - 10:13

No matter how big or small your university, the first semester of college can feel overwhelming. But a new initiative in the Costello College of Business at �� is hoping to make that transition a little smoother.

Camp Costello participants and student mentors. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business

This year, Costello hosted its inaugural Camp Costello: a three-day program for incoming first-year students starting on move-in day and ending with New Student Convocation.

“Many students attend Orientation early in the summer, so this was designed to bridge the gap,” said Maxwell Gocala-Nguyen, director of undergraduate recruitment and engagement in Costello. “It was a way for us to build community for students in an intentional way.”

Amanda Ngour, a business management major, came to Camp Costello, “because I wanted to have a head start for this semester and to be in a fun and creative community.”

In between community building exercises like challenge courses at The Edge on the Science and Technology �� and icebreakers led by student mentors, the 50 participating students met with staff and faculty from various campus offices, such as Housing and Residence Life, Career Services, University Life, and the Alumni Association.

“We want to remove the barriers,” said Gocala-Nguyen. “We want them to see faculty, staff, and administrators as accessible, approachable, and committed to their success.”

Dean Ajay Vinzé poses with student mentors. Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business

That includes barriers between first-year students and upperclassmen. “As student mentors, we’re there to help, to say, ‘hey, we knew exactly what you’re going through,’” said one of the eight Camp Costello student mentors Abhinav Dinesh, a senior business major and Honors College student. “And that student-to-student interaction can give them the confidence to, for example, reach out to faculty or offices that will help them. “I wish I had an opportunity like this when I was an incoming student,” Dinesh added. “It can be overwhelming in your first year, but our job is to show them that these offices and people are here for them, and to send them into their first semester feeling confident and prepared.”

Based on the support from the community, external as well as internal partners see Camp Costello’s mission as an important step on a new student’s path. “Our corporate partners, benefactors, and the Costello team really made this inaugural program come together,” said Gocala-Nguyen. “They offered their time and energy to give back to the university to help the next generation be successful.”

Even Dean Ajay Vinzé joined the students for some of the panels. Being able to speak directly with the dean is not an opportunity often afforded to college students. But that’s what makes George Mason and Costello special. “Our leadership wants students to knock on their door and tell them their stories,” Gocala-Nguyen said. “We want to bring students into the conversation.”

“[The dean] is a student-first person and his involvement in Camp Costello really showed incoming students that he wants them to talk to him,” said Dinesh.

Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business

For marketing major Geoffrey Yuan, a quote from Dean Vinzé is something he thinks he’ll carry with him throughout the coming school year. “He told me, ‘never say no to opportunities and work hard wherever you are. In this way more doors will open for you, but even if a door doesn't open, you're still on the right path to get to wherever you're trying to go,’” Yuan reported.

Camp Costello is a one-of-a-kind experience for first-year students that Gocala-Nguyen hopes will continue to grow year after year.

“By breaking down barriers, we’re showing how people at all levels of the university are deeply invested in student success and dedicated to building community that sticks with you long after graduation,” he said.

Dinesh said the bonds made during Camp Costello are persisting.

“These are the types of friendships that can last your entire time in college,” he said. “And having friends like that is one of the best ways to succeed.”

Photo by Hannah Patterson/Costello College of Business

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George Mason faculty and staff receive Presidential Citation for taking heroic action in an emergency

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:43:28 +0000

George Mason faculty and staff receive Presidential Citation for taking heroic action in an emergency Lauren Reuscher Wed, 08/27/2025 - 12:43

�� President Gregory Washington recently recognized four faculty and staff from the Costello College of Business with a Presidential Citation for their bravery and quick actions to save a colleague’s life during a medical emergency.

The Presidential Citation is a noncompetitive award recognizing an individual or group who performed an exceptional deed or service that may or may not be related to their job responsibilities, took a personal risk or sacrifice to perform the deed or service, and displayed good citizenship and a sense of public responsibility.

Cheryl Druehl, Cameron Harris, President Gregory Washington, Mako Honda, and Margaret Kébé. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The Costello faculty and staff recognized at the ceremony included Cheryl Druehl, senior associate dean for faculty and research; Cameron Harris, foundations area chair; Mako Honda, executive assistant to the dean; and Margaret Kébé, director of fiscal management.

The group’s acts of heroism occurred in May 2025, when they discovered a colleague unconscious in their workplace. The team of four quickly provided lifesaving care before emergency medical services arrived. They performed CPR, retrieved and applied an automated external defibrillator (AED), called 911, directed first responders to the faculty member upon arrival, and assisted with initial triage and support.

"You were there when somebody needed you, and that is the ultimate testament, in my opinion, in terms of what being a Patriot means,” Washington said.

President Washington praised their willingness to take first-aid training and act upon it.

The quick response, lifesaving actions, and teamwork of these four individuals saved their colleague’s life. Their exemplary conduct embodies the compassionate and action-driven spirit that defines the George Mason community.

Training related to CPR, first aid, AEDs, and emergency preparedness is available to the �� community through Mason Recreation and Employee Health and Well-Being.

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This intern is learning the ways of the workplace at Warner Bros.

Sarah Holland — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 18:19:40 +0000

This intern is learning the ways of the workplace at Warner Bros. Sarah Holland Mon, 08/11/2025 - 14:19

�� is ranked #1 in Virginia for internships, that also contributes to career success post-graduation. For 2023 graduates, 88% reported job success relating to their career goals. Throughout the year, our students travel near and far to gain valuable experience at some of the world’s top companies.

Nimisha Kumar, a rising senior, is studying management information systems in the Costello College of Business. Over the summer, she moved to New York City to complete a summer internship with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Why did you choose George Mason and how did you decide your major?

I knew a lot of alumni that went to school at George Mason, and they thought they got a lot of resources that helped them in their careers, as well as lots of opportunities for extracurricular activities. And I think there’s a lot of opportunities when it comes to being so close to Washington, D.C.

I picked management information systems as my major because there are so many things you can do with the skills you learn in the program. What you learn can apply to health care, media companies, law, or engineering. It’s a flexible degree where, if you do change your mind about something, you can still use that experience to adapt to other roles and responsibilities.

What projects have you been assigned during your internship?

Photo provided

As an internal audit intern, I’ve been working on three projects. The first is a cybersecurity initiative project where we’re working to protect and ensure the integrity of global financial networks. Warner Bros. contains a bunch of global networks: CNN, TNT, Food Network, etc. And we basically try to detect early risk that could happen in the backend of these systems.

The second project is my end-of-internship project. Warner Bros. is splitting into two major sides: the global networks side and the streaming and studios side. So each intern has been assigned a side, and we’re creating pitches to deliver to current employees to persuade them to work for one side or the other.

My third project is a test script analysis for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region during the SAP Compass Release cycle. Using Microfocus Quality Center, I reviewed failed test cases from the APAC SIT1 cycle, checked for linked defects, and documented defect IDs and failure reasons to support QA reporting and defect tracking.

What’s one of the most valuable things you’ve learned?

That it’s OK to be curious and ask questions. I think that’s really important, because it shows initiative and that you’re invested. Even just walking around and asking people what they’re up to in their work can show that you’re interested in the work and want to learn more.

How have your courses at George Mason helped prepare you for the internship?

Doing a mix of a lot of things outside of my major has been really beneficial. In all my Mason Core classes, I knew there was at least one thing that I could take from the course and expand it to apply to my career goals. I took FAVS 300 Global Horror Film [in Film and Video Studies] for example, and I learned how to analyze a piece of media and more clearly communicate my feelings and reactions to it.

How have your internships prepared you for the workforce?

I think diving into that 9-to-5 work schedule where I’m working alongside people with years of experience in internal audit has taught me how to carry myself in a professional environment. And you can’t really get that experience without being in the workplace.

What advice would you give to students starting an internship?

You really only have those two to three months, and they go by really quickly. You've got to take every opportunity offered to you and make the most of that short time you have. And I think it’s important to remember that you’re not supposed to know everything; that’s why you’re here. You're here to learn and to grow.

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Gift from Charles Schwab Foundation Will Help Develop Next Generation in Certified Financial Planning

Katelynn C Hipolito — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:34:26 +0000

Gift from Charles Schwab Foundation Will Help Develop Next Generation in Certified Financial Planning Katelynn C Hipolito Mon, 08/04/2025 - 09:34

�� has announced a generous multi-year commitment from Schwab Advisor Services in partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation to grow and strengthen George Mason’s Financial Planning and Wealth Management Program (FPWM) and to position it to meet the region’s strong demand for certified financial planners.

“Our partnership with Schwab Advisory Services is an extraordinary benefit for our students,” said Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Costello College of Business. “Charles Schwab’s engagement with the college has given our students valuable insights into the personal finance industry, and this grant will help to attract and retain world class talent to lead the program and bring it to the next level.”

Costello’s FPWM program was launched in 2019 in response to a growing need for financial planners and wealth managers, particularly in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. The Charles Schwab grant will allow the college to strengthen its ability to meet this demand by establishing a dedicated faculty member with certified financial planning (CFP) experience to lead operations within FPWM, teach key courses, and to deepen relationships within the CFP industry.

“Charles Schwab is an enthusiastic partner to business education institutions, including the Costello College of Business,” said Jon Beatty, head of Schwab Advisor Services. “Costello students include those with backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the financial planning and wealth management profession, and we share the college’s vision of developing these students into qualified professionals who will be able to serve the diverse clients in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.”

The Costello FPWM program benefits from its association with the college’s Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board, comprising George Mason and Costello alumni, business professionals, individual supporters, faculty, and NextGen Board members who link students with industry veterans. The board has developed the program in consultation with more than a dozen registered investment advisor (RIA) and financial planning firms in the Northern Virginia region. FPWM students graduate from George Mason with a bachelor of science degree in business, with a concentration in financial planning and wealth management.

“Our objective is to create the next generation of financial planning professionals,” said David Johnson, chair of the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board.

“With cross-pollination from Costello’s finance and accounting academic disciplines, our graduates will possess the technical skills, soft skills, and ethical grounding that will launch them into successful careers.”

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Barbara Snyder honored by National Academic Advising Association for excellence as an advising administrator

Lauren Reuscher — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 17:50:14 +0000

Barbara Snyder honored by National Academic Advising Association for excellence as an advising administrator Lauren Reuscher Tue, 07/29/2025 - 13:50

Two members of George Mason's academic advising community were honored with regional awards from the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) this spring. These awards recognize excellence in academic advising in NACADA Region 2, which includes Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Barbara Snyder, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the NACADA award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Barbara Snyder, BS Psychology ’08, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Joshua Fletcher, undergraduate academic advisor in the Computer Science Department, was honored with the award for Excellence in Advising—Primary Role Advisor. Read more about him.

Fletcher and Snyder were formally recognized at the NACADA Region 1 and 2 conference in April in Buffalo, New York.

Snyder will be a George Mason student once again this fall, when she starts the doctoral program in Education with a concentration in Higher Education. Snyder earned a master’s in student personnel in higher education from the University of Florida.

We asked Snyder to share some insights her experiences in academic advising and what it means to be recognized for her work.

How long have you worked at George Mason? How has your job changed over the years?

I began as an academic advisor in the Costello College of Business in 2011, then spent a few years at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, where I helped launch their first centralized advising center. I returned to George Mason in 2017, and since then, I’ve become the director of student success and academic advising for the Costello College of Business.

Over the years, my roles have evolved from individual advising, to shaping strategy, training, and student success initiatives at the college level. Each phase of my career has reinforced my belief that academic advising is one of the most essential components of student success.

What are your main responsibilities in your role?

I work alongside a team of directors to oversee undergraduate academic advising for more than 4,500 business majors. I co-lead the strategic vision for the office and serve as the main coordinator of onboarding and training for all new advisors.

I also oversee pre-orientation advising, orientation programming, and student-centered initiatives like the Global Engagement Scholars Program and first-generation student programming. Additionally, I serve as Costello’s undergraduate advising liaison to the university’s Academic Advising Leadership Council, working with advising leaders from each college to create a consistent and collaborative advising experience across the university.

What do you like best about your job?

I love that my work allows me to impact both students and staff. Supporting advisors in their growth, watching students achieve milestones they once doubted were possible, and designing programs that help people feel a sense of belonging—those are the moments that keep me going.

Joshua Fletcher and Barbara Snyder were recognized for excellence in academic advising at the NACADA conference in April. Photo provided

You were recognized at the recent NACADA regional conference with their Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator award. What are your biggest takeaways from their conferences?

I’ve attended both regional and annual NACADA conferences over the years. What I appreciate most is the sense of community and shared purpose. You are surrounded by professionals who deeply care about student success and who are generous in sharing tools, ideas, and lessons learned.

I enjoy catching up with colleagues I’ve worked with through the years and connecting with new advisors entering the field. I find a lot of value in both mentoring and being mentored; those relationships and exchanges of experience are some of the most energizing parts of the conference. Every time I attend, I come back inspired.

Do any memorable moments stand out in your academic advising experience?

One that stands out was leading a full virtual orientation and advising experience for more than 1,500 students during the pandemic. We had to pivot quickly, redesign everything, and still make students feel seen and supported. It was one of the most exhausting, yet rewarding, moments of my career.

I also carry with me the many memories of supporting academic advisors throughout their professional journeys, especially those who have gone on to become leaders across campus or at other institutions. Being part of their growth is incredibly meaningful and a big part of what keeps me passionate about this work.

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Advisors from George Mason receive National Academic Advising Association honors

Lauren Reuscher — Thu, 29 May 2025 12:47:53 +0000

Advisors from George Mason receive National Academic Advising Association honors Lauren Reuscher Thu, 05/29/2025 - 08:47

Joshua Fletcher, undergraduate academic advisor in the Computer Science Department, was honored with the award for Excellence in Advising—Primary Role Advisor.

Barbara Snyder, director of student success and academic advising in the Costello College of Business, received the award for Excellence in Advising—Advising Administrator.

Joshua Fletcher and Barbara Snyder were recognized for excellence in academic advising at the NACADA conference in April. Photo provided

Fletcher and Snyder were formally recognized at the NACADA Region 1 and 2 conference in April in Buffalo, New York.

Academic advisors serve as vital resources as students navigate their academic journeys at George Mason. Delivering a distinctive and inclusive student experience is one of the university’s strategic priorities, and student advising is a critical part of the student services infrastructure.

Fletcher started working at George Mason in 2019, after previously working as a school counselor at a Title I middle school in Pinellas Park, Florida. He earned a master’s degree in counseling education from the University of Florida. We asked him to share some insights into his experiences advising students at George Mason and what it means to be recognized for his work.

What are your main responsibilities in your role? What types of students do you advise?

I advise approximately 2,600 undergraduate computer science and applied computer science students at all stages of their education journey. Academic advising has given me the opportunity to understand and evaluate students in difficult situations, develop a plan of action by utilizing the degree audit system, and take the lead in group advising sessions.

Joshua Fletcher is an undergraduate academic advisor in the Computer Science Department. Photo provided

I also process important documents such as substitutions, waivers, major declarations, re-enrollments, appeals, and many others. In addition, I help with several events throughout the year such as College of Engineering and Computing Visit Days, Fall/Spring Previews, orientations, Spotlight Days, and more.

What do you like best about your job?

I take an approach to meet students where they are. My philosophy on advising is to understand where the student is, but be real about the interworking of their major.

I have a dialogue with my students about their passion, hobbies, and goals. I use this information to help them build a support system for their career goals and encourage them to create alternative paths that will lead them to be successful in the future.

What are some of the biggest challenges in your role?

One of the challenges that advisors face is the caseload numbers. We see a lot of students every day, and it is not surprising that our appointments are booked.

Have you previously attended the NACADA conference? What do you enjoy most about the conference and the organization?

Last year, one of my colleagues and I attended the Regional 2 conference in New Jersey. One of the breakout sessions was called “How to Publish for NACADA,” and we discovered the opportunity to write for NACADA. Because we have so many personal experiences as advisors, we thought it would be a great idea to share some of our stories with other advisors.

To our surprise, our article was published in the September 2024 edition of Academic Advising Today. This is my first published article. Our article, “Academic Advisors' Mental Health Literacy and Experiences Working with Students Facing Emotional and Mental Health Issues,” encourages other advisors to gather information from research and colleagues to become more informed about how to effectively work with students who struggle with mental and emotional health issues.

What memorable moments stand out to you in your academic advising experiences?

The Degree Celebration for the College of Engineering and Computing. The Computer Science advising team always helps out with the event. One year, several of our students came up to us and thanked us for helping them through their journey at George Mason.

Graduation is a time of celebrating the students’ success, but it also felt good to hear that we are appreciated by our students.

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George Mason and Fairfax City leaders visit Korea to advance entrepreneurship

Katarina Benson — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:33:25 +0000

George Mason and Fairfax City leaders visit Korea to advance entrepreneurship Katarina Benson Tue, 05/20/2025 - 14:33

A senior delegation from ��’s Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations and Costello College of Business, along with Fairfax City Economic Development, recently visited Mason Korea for a weeklong strategic engagement to promote entrepreneurship education and business development.

The Korea–U.S. Business Cooperation Delegation included Trishana E. Bowden, vice president for advancement and alumni relations and president of the �� Foundation; Lauren Bird, associate vice president for corporate and foundation relations; J.K. Aier, senior associate dean for academic affairs and global engagement at Costello; Patrick Soleymani, associate dean for outreach and strategic engagement at Costello and commissioner of the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority; and Chris Bruno, CEO and director of the Fairfax City Economic Development Authority.

Startup Park presentation. Photo provided

The delegation met with internal and external partners during their visit. Alongside �� Dean Joshua Park, they presented business collaboration opportunities to organizations including the Korea Data Industry Promotion Agency, Seoul Fintech Lab, and Incheon Startup Park. Their goal was to support local companies interested in expanding to Fairfax.

Park also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Global Digital Innovation Network (GDIN), an international platform promoting digital entrepreneurship and startup ecosystems.

The agreement establishes an internship program with GDIN to provide students valuable global work experience, while offering GDIN access to George Mason’s student talent. Additional plans include joint startup incubation programs, collaborative research, curriculum development, and co-hosting international events.

“The Costello College of Business is a nationally ranked R1 research university business school that leverages its prime location in Northern Virginia, near Washington, D.C., to provide governments, businesses, and students with the best possible opportunities for industry-academic collaboration, internships, and career networking,” said Aier. “This agreement marks an important milestone in our continued efforts to position ourselves as a global hub for the rapidly evolving business environment.”

“Through this agreement, we will further strengthen our global connections with the U.S. campus and Fairfax City, providing students both domestically and internationally valuable experiences in the innovation ecosystem and real growth opportunities,” said Park. “We are also committed to enhancing Korea–U.S. collaboration in education and research, serving as a trusted bridge that helps students, businesses, and government agencies advance on the global stage through innovation, expertise, and entrepreneurship.”

Fairfax City presentation. Photo provided

The delegation also engaged with Mason Korea leadership, faculty, students, and staff, and the Costello deans connected directly with business students and faculty during their visit.

"Our goal in coming here was to strengthen international connections and explore opportunities to expand access to the transformative global experiences this campus offers,” said Bowden. “What we see emerging is exactly that—a dynamic ecosystem where education and industry converge to prepare students to lead and solve the challenges of tomorrow. It’s inspiring to witness how our students, faculty, and partners are advancing George Mason’s global mission—bridging innovation, education, and culture in ways that truly reflect the spirit of the Mason Nation.”

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An inspiring internship resume for a blossoming entrepreneur

Sarah Holland — Tue, 13 May 2025 19:45:18 +0000

An inspiring internship resume for a blossoming entrepreneur Sarah Holland Tue, 05/13/2025 - 15:45

One could say that student Leticia Nunez Nova’s path to business was predestined. Genetic, even.

Photo provided

Her maternal grandfather owned numerous businesses around the Dominican Republic—from real estate to auto shops to hardware stores—and her paternal grandmother used business to support her family after her husband’s passing.

“I grew up hearing these stories about how entrepreneurship has helped people out of difficult situations,” she said. Nunez Nova is studying business at �� with concentrations in marketing and business analytics. “I was inspired. I wanted to build something from scratch myself.”

Nunez Nova’s desire to nurture a business from the ground up paved the way for a series of internships with start-up companies. In her freshman year, she landed a position with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) in the Costello College of Business. Her work included supporting the SOAR Initiative for aspiring entrepreneurs and the student venture program The Depot, which she said helped create a strong foundation for her future career.

“Supporting student entrepreneurship and the local business ecosystem aligned with my reasons for studying business,” she said.

Her work at CIE became a foundational experience. “CIE associate director Crystal Fickers helped me build core soft and technical skills, and CIE director of operations and engagement Rebecca Howick taught me how to use kindness strategically to help others and manage challenges in the workplace,” she said.

That interest in local businesses continued with her second and third internships. While continuing her work with the CIE, Nunez Nova worked for the start-up company HomeCook, a platform to connect commercial kitchen owners with food entrepreneurs. Then, she interned with WISE Cities LLC, a student-up developing an app to encourage senior community engagement, social participation, and physical activity with citizens over the age of 65.

Now, she’s trying something a little different: gaining experience working for growing telecommunications start-up Raycom. She’s learning the intricacies of office culture and procedures, something that she says is perhaps the most valuable for students to learn.

“Those basic workplace skills are transferable,” she said. “Working in an office is a unique experience, and it will give you an edge if you can say you’ve done it and done it well.”

While each internship has given her the opportunity to grow in unique skills, all of them have built onto the foundation she’s gained from her classes at George Mason.

“I learn by doing, so I think it’s so important that you apply whatever you’re learning in the classroom. It helps you understand the reality of the world that you’ll be going into once you graduate,” she said. “It gives you the chance to determine if this is really the path you want.”

Nunez Nova will graduate in spring 2025. She hopes her future continues to be one of discovery and exploration while pursuing her goal of making an impact.

“The more I explore, the more I learn, and the more I find to love about marketing,” she said. “I want to work in a place where I really believe in the mission.”

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