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This MBA student is already putting her degree to work

Sarah Holland — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:30:18 +0000

This MBA student is already putting her degree to work Sarah Holland Fri, 12/12/2025 - 10:30

Working full-time while getting a graduate degree is no easy feat. But for Air Force veteran and soon-to-be �� alum Kathleen Gillmore, hard work is second nature.

Gillmore is graduating from George Mason in fall 2025 with a master of business administration and a graduate certificate in business analytics from the Costello College of Business. She started her degree at the same time she started as a data analyst at Accenture Federal Services.

What made you choose George Mason?

I first heard about George Mason from my husband, who grew up in Reston and knew the school well. When we moved to Virginia after leaving the Air Force, he recommended George Mason so we could stay close to family and have a solid support system.

Once I researched the university myself, I was really drawn to its strong ties with major tech and business companies in Northern Virginia, as well as its connection to federal agencies. I chose George Mason because it offers a great pathway into both the local industry and government sectors.

How have your professors impacted your time at George Mason?

My business analytics professors have made a huge impact on me. They really fueled my love for working with data, and I enjoyed getting hands-on experience with the different analytics software we used in class. Being able to apply what I was learning with real tools made the material come alive and helped me grow both technically and professionally.

How have your classes helped prepare you for your work as a data analyst?

My classes have directly supported my work at Accenture Federal Services. The business-focused courses helped me understand how organizations operate from a strategic and operational perspective, which improved my ability to interpret the “why” behind the data. The business analytics classes taught me to approach data from multiple angles and to think more critically about patterns, insights, and decision-making. These skills have translated seamlessly into my current role.

How do you hope this degree will advance your career?

This degree has expanded my knowledge in both business and analytics, and I’m already applying what I’ve learned in my current role. Looking ahead, I see the MBA as a versatile credential that will help me continue advancing in roles that involve analytical problem-solving and strategic decision-making. It opens doors across many areas of business and gives me the flexibility to pursue opportunities in different industries as my career grows.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming student?

Use everything George Mason offers: office hours, workshops, software access, and especially the networking events and career fairs. Those resources not only help you stay on track academically, but they also open the door to meaningful professional connections and opportunities.

What's next for you?

Academically, after completing this degree, I will be returning to George Mason next year to pursue a second master’s degree in data analytics engineering. Professionally, I look forward to applying everything I’ve learned in the MBA to continue growing as a data analyst and to open up new career opportunities. I’m excited to build on the momentum from this program and position myself for roles that allow me to contribute more strategically and analytically within my field.

Change your world Costello College of Business

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Costello College of Business

Costello College of Business Alumni

Costello alum prepares to compete at Southeast Asian Games

Katelynn C Hipolito — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 20:51:48 +0000

Costello alum prepares to compete at Southeast Asian Games Katelynn C Hipolito Thu, 11/13/2025 - 15:51

Sidney Yap, BS Information Systems Operations Management ‘20, MS Management ‘21, Business Analytics Grad Cert ‘22, MBA ‘25, exemplifies exceptional balance—driving innovative strategies at Navy Federal while representing the Philippines internationally in the hammer throw.

Action shot from 2025 Philippine Athletic Championships. Photo by Philippines Athletic Track and Field Association (PATAFA).

As a student-athlete at ��, he competed in track and field for nearly five years, spanning four Costello College of Business academic programs. In addition to the hammer throw, he also competed in discus and the weight throw, an indoor equivalent to hammer. Not long after he began competing at the university, he began his career as an intern at Navy Federal. Over time, he advanced in athletics, academics, and his career—building a foundation that continues to shape his success today.

Sidney Yap. Photo provided

Now preparing for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December, Yap is focused on timing his peak performance for competition. Recently promoted to enterprise data analytics consultant at Navy Federal, he starts his day early so that he can focus on his training in the evenings. As busy as he is, he prefers it that way, driven by his passion for athletics, education, and professional growth.

Balancing athletics with his career is nothing new for Yap. While at George Mason, he worked closely with professors, coaches, and managers to coordinate schedules and manage workloads. Starting his career at Navy Federal as an intern during his sophomore year, he recognizes strong parallels between athletics and his business career—both requiring discipline, strategy, and data-driven decisions.

As much as his athletics skills and habits help him in his career, his job at Navy Federal in turn opened the door to this remarkable opportunity to compete in Thailand. At a company luncheon, a manager approached him after learning about his track and field background.

“He hit me with the question—What’s next?” Yap recalls.

Sharing Filipino heritage, the manager offered to help him represent the Philippines. That conversation led to connecting with the national team coach, securing dual citizenship, and obtaining a passport. Since then, he has competed in the Philippine Nationals in 2024 and 2025. Representing his family’s heritage on an international stage adds deeper meaning to his athletic pursuits.

Sidney Yap at his MBA graduation in Spring 2025. Photo provided

Yap is appreciative of the business foundations and location of his alma mater, reflected in his decision to remain at Costello for his undergraduate and graduate programs. Originally from the area, it wasn’t until he started researching colleges to apply to in high school that he learned it was a top-notch school full of opportunity.

At Costello, he experienced being taught by high-level faculty who prepared him to succeed in his current role. One of his first courses was on organizational behavior taught by Victoria Grady, associate professor of management and director of the MS in management program.

“Classes like that help with refinement of your people skills, and I think that goes beyond how you are in the workforce because those organizational behaviors is teaching me, in my mind, how to be a better person with people I interact with in athletics and in public.”

“Classes like that help with refinement of your people skills, and I think that goes beyond how you are in the workforce because those organizational behaviors is teaching me, in my mind, how to be a better person with people I interact with in athletics and in public.”

— Sidney Yap, BS Information Systems Operations Management ‘20, MS Management ‘21, Business Analytics Grad Cert ‘22, MBA ‘25

Yap’s story reflects the unique synergy between academic excellence and athletic discipline forged at George Mason. His years as a student-athlete prepared him to navigate the demands of rigorous coursework, competitive sports, and a growing professional career—all at once. The foundation he built through Costello’s programs continues to guide him as he balances his role at Navy Federal with training for the Southeast Asian Games. As Yap sets his sights on gold in Thailand, he carries the same mindset into his professional journey—proving that excellence isn’t confined to the field but is a pursuit that spans every arena of life.

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Management Area

Costello Flex MBA

Costello Online MBA

Information Systems and Operations Management Area

Alumni

In This Story

Victoria Grady

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MS in Accounting student leader receives PCAOB Scholarship

Katelynn C Hipolito — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:22:56 +0000

MS in Accounting student leader receives PCAOB Scholarship Katelynn C Hipolito Tue, 07/29/2025 - 12:22

“He advocated for exploring the possibilities of a career in accounting to the entire class,” says Khaled Alkurd. “I took him up on that, and I have been very happy ever since.”

Khaled Alkurd

After taking the Survey of Accounting 203 course with �� alumnus Muhammad Awais, BS Accounting ‘13, MS Accounting ‘14, an adjunct instructor at the Costello College of Business, Khaled Alkurd knew everything he needed to know to switch his area of study from marketing to accounting.

“He advocated for exploring the possibilities of a career in accounting to the entire class,” says Alkurd. “I took him up on that, and I have been very happy ever since.”

Alkurd continues to excel in his accounting studies, planning to graduate with his undergraduate degree in the fall of 2025 and with his MS in Accounting in the spring of 2026, through the Bachelor's Accelerated Master's (BAM) Program.

Further boosting his resume and job prospects, he was named a PCAOB scholar following his spring 2025 semester. “It is something that means a lot to me and helps with my confidence and assurance to know that, indeed, auditing is a field that is a good fit for me,” he says.

The Accounting 461 course and the way it was taught by Ethan Kinory, an instructional assistant professor in accounting at Costello, was the most significant factor in changing Alkurd’s interest from the tax side of accounting to auditing. With Kinory’s guidance, he found that he had a knack for inspecting details for accuracy. “I believe he is a remarkable professor,” says Alkurd. “He cares deeply about his students.” Though Accounting 461 has had, perhaps, the biggest impact so far, each class has contributed more to Alkurd’s understanding, growth, and ambitions. “My experience has been excellent,” he says. “The entire faculty is extremely supportive. They have all been amazing in their own ways and rights.”

Ethan Kinory was also the one who recommended to Alkurd that he run for president of George Mason’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, an international organization for accounting, finance, and information systems majors that he had already been heavily involved in. It is through Beta Alpha Psi that he got connected with Baker Tilly for an internship, and it helped him secure the PCAOB scholarship as well.

In addition to serving as president of Beta Alpha Psi in the fall, Alkurd will be the student ambassador for the MS in Accounting program, a role he’s very much looking forward to. "I'm excited to share my passion for accounting and the incredible opportunities available within the MS program with prospective students," he says. Costello’s student ambassadors are exceptional students who embody the values of leadership, community engagement, and professional excellence. Having gotten so much out of his Costello experience already, he is excited to lead in these extracurriculars and help others.

Khaled Alkurd is making the most of his opportunities at the Costello College of Business by being highly engaged.

“If you put your best foot forward, if you attend and apply yourself, you will succeed. There are resources available. You just have to show the engagement and you’ll be rewarded tremendously,” says Khaled Alkurd, current Accounting student at the Costello College of Business at ��.

In the future, Alkurd plans to stay in the region and work at a large corporate firm, possibly one of the Big Four firms. He aims to leverage his strong academic foundation, leadership experience, and newfound PCAOB scholar status to contribute to complex financial audits and make a significant impact in the accounting profession.

In This Story

Ethan Kinory

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Accounting - Costello

Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s program

Costello MBA students are turning their ideas into successful companies

Greg Johnson — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:55:26 +0000

Costello MBA students are turning their ideas into successful companies Greg Johnson Mon, 07/07/2025 - 09:55

“I wanted to start my own business,” says Patcharaporn Adchariyavivit, a Costello MBA student, “It seemed like this course was going to help me start it. But I didn’t expect it be this good, you know?”

Skip West

Skip West, founder of MAXSA Innovations and adjunct faculty at the Costello College of Business at ��, offers the course Turning Ideas into Successful Companies once a year to MBA students. The concept for the course came from West’s own entrepreneurial experiences of turning his ideas into companies. He has co-taught the MBA version of the course with Suresh Shenoy, an engineer, senior business executive, and philanthropist.

When he was in graduate school at Stanford, West took a course that was attended by both engineering and business students, working together to turn their ideas into companies. Several years later, he reconnected with his partner from the class to build upon their ideas from school. Together, they founded DesignTech International, where they pioneered remote car starting and keyless entry, among other automotive safety accessories and wireless home automation products. The successful launch of the business took many years, but it really began in the collaborative environment of a classroom.

Now, Skip West has designed the curriculum for his course at the Costello College of Business so that students can realize their own success.

“It’s all about the students coming up with their passion. It’s not what I care about. It’s what they care about and developing a business that they’re interested in," says Skip West, founder of MAXSA Innovations and adjunct faculty at the Costello College of Business at ��.

Ramel DuPree. Photo provided

Ramel DuPree entered the course with his idea for a men’s special skincare brand that is primarily targeted to Black men. “Once I was presented with the possibility to actually take a graduate level course, to actually learn more and go into details with it, and also have some guidance, I just jumped at the opportunity.”

Adchariyavivit also entered the course with a concept already in mind. Inspired by observing all the processes in her family’s restaurant business—combined with her previous professional experience as a project manager in an IT startup—she had been working on an AI-powered restaurant consultant application.

“In today’s digital world, where AI makes market research, competitive analysis, and business plan writing almost mundane, the real skill is learning how to learn,” says Shenoy. “That means teaching students to validate, verify, and seek relevant information to bring their ideas to life.” Throughout the course, the students examined every facet, from manufacturing to marketing and everything in between. “In the end, they develop a business plan, and it’s a lot of pitching to the class, feedback from your classmates, feedback from us,” says West. “It’s a discovery class.”

Patcharaporn Adchariyavivit. Photo provided

The class has made a significant difference in the business ideas from both Adchariyavivit and DuPree. “With Skip, the guy’s more practical, and he is a real investor and a real entrepreneur,” says Adchariyavivit. DuPree appreciated how the feedback loop kept him on his toes and focused on eliminating any blind spots. “Once I was able to get that feedback,” he says, “I had to come back. I had to readjust. I had to restructure. It was super beneficial to allowing me to do an outside-looking-in perspective for myself.”

The course was tailor made for students to turn their passionate ideas into successful companies, but it’s beneficial to all business students. “Even if you’re developing your business conceptually, it forces you to look at everything holistically,” says West. “You get to see all the aspects of a business.”

In This Story

Skip West

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MBA Program

entrepreneurship

innovative classes

Janis S. Reed Scholarship helps BAM student keep her focus

Greg Johnson — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:44:42 +0000

Janis S. Reed Scholarship helps BAM student keep her focus Greg Johnson Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:44

Receiving the Janis S. Reed Scholarship sharpened the focus even more for the goal-oriented Anh Tran. Wrapping up her final semester as an undergraduate student in accounting at �� and completing the bachelor’s to accelerated master’s (BAM) program, she already had her eyes on the larger picture.

Anh Tran

Following a similar path as her aunt and nearly 30 other students each year, she attended two years at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in the ADVANCE Program before transferring into the accounting program at George Mason. Her path is now leading her to completing the CPA exam after finishing her master’s degree courses.

Tran was drawn to the Costello College of Business because of its reputation for excellence and diversity. After transferring from NOVA, she worked with an academic advisor to see how she could earn the credits required to sit for the CPA exam. That’s when she first learned about the BAM program. At first, she was concerned that taking undergraduate and graduate courses at the same time would be too much. However, as she eased into the course material, she found that it was nothing she could not handle. Tran is now one of more than 60 BAM students pursuing this accelerated path to the MS in accounting degree.

Still, her course load was increasingly heavy, so Tran was relieved that the Janis S. Reed Scholarship helped pay off her financial costs. “It’s my first time taking both the undergraduate and also the grad classes, so I really want to focus on school,” she says.

Not only did the scholarship help with finances, but it also gave her other opportunities, like connecting her with Reed herself. “I had a chance to talk to her and other recipients at the scholarship luncheon,” she says. “She gave us good advice for our academic journey and then also tips for the career journey that we asked her for. It was really a great opportunity for us to meet her, and she was very sweet and friendly.”

The scholarship luncheon, which brought together Costello donors and recipients to the Fairfax ��, was an experience that Tran was grateful to take advantage of.

Looking back on her experiences at the Costello College of Business, Tran is glad that she took advantage of many of the opportunities, some of which were recommended or assigned by professors. She recalls attending the career fair for the first time with one of her classmates.

“At that event, I had my first opportunity to talk with real recruiters, and it was really special for me,” she says.

It was at that career fair where she had the chance to interview for her first internship. The internship was exactly what she was looking for—a great learning experience in the professional tax services area at a public accounting firm.

Through focus, hard work, and informed planning, Tran is on schedule to sit for the CPA exam after graduation. She plans to begin her career immediately and balance her CPA studies with her work schedule. “I want to work for a public accounting firm, perhaps in the tax area as well,” she says. “I believe I am familiar with taxes after my past internships, and I’d like to gain more knowledge and experience about this field.”

Tran is excited to begin her state and local taxes internship at a public accounting firm in the summer of 2025. Another summer plan that she’s looking forward to is the global residency trip to Rome, Italy, as part of her global accounting environment class, where she will be able to engage with local companies and explore the culture.

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Costello College of Business Scholarships

Master's in Accounting Program

Get to Know Bo Galles, Costello MS in Real Estate Development Program Student Ambassador

Jennifer Anzaldi — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 17:00:40 +0000

Get to Know Bo Galles, Costello MS in Real Estate Development Program Student Ambassador Jennifer Anzaldi Fri, 01/10/2025 - 12:00

Meet Bo Galles, our Costello MS in Real Estate Development Program Student Ambassador at the Costello College of Business, who brings his experience as a retail broker at KLNB, specializing in pad sites and new construction projects. He encourages aspiring candidates to join industry organizations like NAIOP and attend networking events to build valuable connections. Bo is eager to support fellow students, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about the MS in Real Estate Development program or his work in real estate!

Bo Galles

Recently, we had the opportunity to chat with Bo to learn more about his journey, and why he chose George Mason’s MS in Real Estate Development program.

Tell us about yourself
I am a retail broker with KLNB and focus on pad sites and new construction retail projects. I grew up both in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. I live in Old Town Alexandria and am finishing my first year in the MS in Real Estate Development program.

Why did you pursue your program, and why did you choose ��?
I decided to pursue the MS in Real Estate Development program to learn more about the market, strengthen and grow my network, and learn more about the different disciplines that go into a real estate development.

What are the highlights of your experience in the program so far?
My highlight so far has been growing friendships with classmates. Class sizes aren’t too big, so you are able to get to know the other students very well.

What goals do you have for the future?
I would like to work on larger developments and eventually become a stakeholder.

Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I play in a cornhole league in Arlington, Virginia, and won the championship last year.

Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates for your program? 
I would join NAIOP and/or other trade organizations and attend as many events as possible.

If you’re interested in learning more about Costello's Master’s in Real Estate Development Program, register for an upcoming info session or request more information about the program.

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Master's in Real Estate Development Program

Costello MBA global residency experience: consulting project with Circle Care Clinic in Dubai, UAE

Greg Johnson — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 21:25:23 +0000

Costello MBA global residency experience: consulting project with Circle Care Clinic in Dubai, UAE Greg Johnson Wed, 07/24/2024 - 17:25

Each summer, MBA students at the Costello College of Business at �� travel abroad as part of their global residency experience. The goal of the global residency experience is for these students to fully immerse themselves in the business culture of the country they are currently visiting. This year, four cohorts traveled to Greece, Japan, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), each having unique experiences based on their destination.

Cohort in front of the Burj Khalifa

During the global residency, the agenda includes site visits at companies ranging from multinationals to startups, delving into their business practices, and learning about the local culture with scheduled tours and events.

As Nirup Menon, professor of information systems and operations management and the faculty lead for the UAE trip, put it, “Sure, reading about doing business in Dubai is useful. But conducting a competition and market analysis for geographic or product scope expansion in Dubai gives students specific and lasting impressions about global business.”

John Davis, the Costello MBA student ambassador, shared his experience and the project he and his team completed in the UAE. Their consulting project aimed to leverage their analytical skills and fresh perspectives to enhance Circle Care Clinic's services and operational efficiency.

The following project recap is written by John Davis, Costello MBA student ambassador.

Project Overview

Our consulting project focused on analyzing Circle Care Clinic's current services and facilities. My team and I conducted multiple meetings and site visits with Circle Care Clinic’s business director Joe Hawayek, immersing ourselves in the clinic’s daily operations to understand its strengths and areas for improvement. We also received great feedback from Mr. Hawayek: “Partnering with the Costello MBA program has been a transformative experience for Circle Care Clinic. Their insightful analysis and strategic recommendations have provided us with a clear roadmap for enhancing our services and expanding our footprint in the UAE healthcare landscape.”

Recommendations

At Circle Care Clinic

Our top recommendation was expanding the services offered by Circle Care Clinic. Recognizing the growing trend and necessity of digital healthcare, we proposed integrating telemedicine services for specific specialties such as dermatology. This addition would broaden the clinic's reach and cater to the increasing demand for convenient and accessible healthcare options. Furthermore, we suggested introducing additional specialties and expanding current ones to attract a wider patient base and provide more comprehensive care. Specialties such as dermatology, women’s health, and orthopedics were highlighted as potential growth areas based on our market research.

Our analysis also covered the strategic expansion of Circle Care Clinic to a third and fourth location within the UAE. We identified optimal locations based on demographic trends, population density, and competition analysis. The recommended sites were selected to ensure maximum accessibility and convenience for potential patients, aiming to solidify Circle Care Clinic's presence in the region. The expansion strategy included detailed plans for resource allocation, marketing, and phased implementation to ensure sustainable growth.

Takeaways

Sightseeing in the desert

This consulting project with Circle Care Clinic in Dubai provided us with valuable insights into international business and healthcare. We navigated the UAE’s healthcare market, learning about its regulations, cultural nuances, and operational challenges. This experience enhanced our understanding of global business and equipped us with skills to thrive in diverse settings. Our team demonstrated analytical prowess and strategic thinking, contributing to the clinic's vision of exceptional healthcare services. This collaboration benefited both Circle Care Clinic and us, allowing us to bring together everything we learned throughout the course of our MBA program and provide insights and actionable growth plans to an established business in a foreign country.

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Learn more about the Costello MBA

In This Story

Nirup Menon

MS in Business Analytics Student of the Year says hard work, motivation, and organization are key to success

Jennifer Anzaldi — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 16:37:24 +0000

MS in Business Analytics Student of the Year says hard work, motivation, and organization are key to success Jennifer Anzaldi Fri, 06/28/2024 - 12:37

Katie Kacher, the 2023-24 master’s in business analytics Student of the Year is proof that hard work, motivation, and organization are the key ingredients to success in graduate business school. After earning her bachelor’s in commerce from the University of Virginia, Kacher chose the Donald G. Costello College of Business at �� for her graduate degree, primarily due to George Mason’s reputation for high caliber coursework and student outcomes. A Northern Virginia resident, Kacher notes that the proximity to campus and the in-state tuition rates were also factors in her decision to be a part of the inaugural class of the master’s in business analytics program.

Katie Kacher

Completing the program in just a year, Kacher has thoroughly enjoyed building her skillset learning multiple programming languages, data visualization tools, and the newest trends in big data. She particularly enjoyed her data mining course with Professor Jean-Pierre Auffret. Kacher says she was impressed with Auffret’s ability to tie in thought-provoking contemporary case studies to class, which called for a good mix of both learning a technical skill and tying it to conceptual real-world elements.

Auffret acknowledged that Kacher’s great interest in learning led to her success in data mining. “Katie is very diligent in mastering complex topics. She made excellent contributions to class discussions with an interest in current issues related to current AI-related issues of trustworthy AI, polices and legislation for AI, and societal considerations for generative AI, such as ChatGPT,” said Auffret. “Katie and her team did a fantastic class project on factors related to U.S. housing affordability.”

Kacher credits her successes as a student to not only the great teachers in the masters of business analytics program, but also to her motivation and dedication to succeeding. “I spend about three hours a week outside of class per course working on classroom-related work,” says Kacher. “I also have a good work-life balance and feel like my organizational skills have helped me stay focused on what’s important.”

Aside from being an exemplary student, Kacher also works as a financial data analyst at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C. “This job allows me to use the technical skills I’ve learned and apply them in a way that makes a difference to people in the world,” says Kacher.

She believes that being organized and intentional in dedicating time to both her schoolwork and career has allowed her to balance starting a new position and a new program simultaneously. For tips on how to balance both schoolwork and career, students may meet with Costello College's Office of Career Services. Kacher met with the Office of Career Services team in the fall to discuss her career pathway and satisfaction. “While career services did not directly get me my job, I would recommend students who are unsure of their career path meet with them to start the conversation,” says Kacher.

Kaleb Lewis, director of career services, agrees. “Meeting with a career advisor early in a graduate program encourages students to think strategically about their long-term career plans. By setting clear goals and milestones, students can stay proactive in pursuing opportunities that align with their aspirations while taking classes,” says Lewis. “The Costello College of Business Office of Career Services can help students identify and leverage transformative career resources effectively, maximizing the student’s potential for success both during and after their degree program. Career advisors provide guidance on professional development strategies, including resume building and networking skills. Our office is here to help build a solid foundation for students’ future career endeavors.”

As for advice for students looking to join the MS in business analytics program, Kacher encourages people to go for their dreams. “If it is something you really want, you can find a way to do it. If you are motivated, anything is possible.”

Topics

Master's in Business Analytics Program

Photography entrepreneurs continue to grow businesses while studying marketing

Greg Johnson — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:18:18 +0000

Photography entrepreneurs continue to grow businesses while studying marketing Greg Johnson Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:18

Many students graduate from the Costello College of Business at �� with bold plans to start their own companies. Bethany Rivera and Alex Tugbang, both undergraduate marketing students and classmates in Jiyeon Hong’s marketing course, had already launched their respective businesses, Rivera’s Photography and Photuggraphy, prior to enrolling.

“In my digital marketing course, I’m trying my best to keep my materials up to date and focus on skills and lessons of practical value, offering many opportunities for students to apply what they learn in class to real-world scenarios,” says Hong. “This is because the digital world is constantly changing, and I believe the best learning can come from hands-on experience.” Focused on their career ambitions and passions, Rivera and Tugbang knew what they wanted to learn more about to become even more successful entrepreneurs.

Bethany Rivera

Her family and friends knew it was only a matter of time until Bethany Rivera became an avid photographer. “Ever since I was born, I was surrounded with cameras and pictures,” she says. She fondly recalls her father giving her a Canon camera when she was 12 years old, but it wasn’t until high school that she realized she could make a living with it. She had taken a picture at a pep rally and sent it to her English teacher, who also taught the yearbook class. They selected the photo to use on the cover, and Rivera quickly became involved with working on the yearbook.

Since officially launching her business in 2021, she has steadily grown her clientele from people she knows in the local Hispanic community. In addition, many of her clients are of Indian background, connections stemming from befriending the owner of an Indian restaurant.

Alex Tugbang

Alex Tugbang’s passion for photography began more recently. Inspired by videos he watched on YouTube, he decided to bring a camera with him on a family vacation to Hawaii in 2016. At first, he wasn’t happy with how his pictures were turning out, but he continued to practice and teach himself until they got better and better.

“When I was in Hawaii, there was this crazy moment when the concierge sat me down and asked me if I made money off photography, and he walked me through how to open a business,” he says.

Shortly after the trip, he started doing photo shoots for friends performing activities like dance. As his content was put out there, dance studios began to contact him. As a graduate of Bishop Ireton High School, he became friends with the bishop who recommended him to several other churches in the area for projects. And so, his client network grew rapidly, all while being a self-taught photographer and videographer.

Both Rivera and Tugbang find their current coursework, especially Jiyeon Hong’s course, immensely helpful in growing professionally. “She doesn’t know this, but every time she’s teaching something I always make the changes on my website,” says Rivera. “Like when she was talking about SEO and how to optimize your SEO and everything, I was on my website making those changes in real time.” One of the course’s projects that Tugbang finds particularly helpful is analyzing a company’s website and social media presence to make recommendations. In fact, it’s something he finds himself doing often for his business. “For example, this dental company reached out to me, and I could see they didn’t even have a website and needed this and that,” he says. With an analytical eye and a strong marketing skillset, he can help clients reach their goals. “I’m very proud of my students who are pursuing their entrepreneurial spirits while managing their academic responsibilities,” says Hong. “I wish them all the best for the continued growth of their businesses.”

Rivera is already doing professionally what she’s always wanted to do. Now her goals are just bigger and more ambitious. In addition to photography and marketing, she finds much to love about being an entrepreneur. “Before I started my business, I was a homebody who didn’t go too far unless it was with family or friends,” she says. “Now that I have clients in different locations, I get to see different locations I wasn’t aware about, and I get to connect with different people from different cultures.” The sky is the limit for Tugbang’s business as well. “I definitely want to keep focusing on my business,” he says. “It allows me to grow myself and grow the community as well because there’s other photographers I’m helping, and they help me with my own projects as well.” With ever-expanding client networks and skillsets, Bethany Rivera and Alex Tugbang are excited to continue growing their businesses to new heights.

Topics

Marketing Area

entrepreneurship