CBA's Spring 2022 Graduation Celebration

Dominika Jedinak

Q: What are your plans after graduation? Any exciting news?

A: I am currently working full time at Union Pacific Railroad as a Senior Analyst in the Data Hub group. This is a new role for me, and it’s exciting because I pursued my MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics in hopes of working in a data-focused environment. My classes helped me gain the skills and confidence to apply for the position, and now I work in an environment I love. I am delivering reporting, analytics, modernization, and automation solutions utilizing tools such as UiPath and Tableau.

Q: What is the top piece of advice you would you give to current or prospective CBA students?

A: The biggest piece of advice I’d give to current or prospective CBA students is to use each class as a networking opportunity. Reach out and make friends with your classmates and professors. I am generally a shy person, and I don’t love to be the first one to reach out. Despite this, I tried to connect with my peers in every class, and I am so glad that I did. Not only did having friends in class make the material easier to digest, but I now have connections that have lasted since graduation. If you’re a current student, it’s not too late to say hello, and if you’re thinking of enrolling, make forming connections a priority.

Q: Why did you choose UNO CBA for your education?

A: I chose UNO CBA for my MBA because I had an incredible experience in the undergraduate program. CBA has amazing faculty, challenging classes, and I graduated with a wide range of skills and experiences that I know I would not have gotten anywhere else. I knew that I’d have an equally fulfilling experience in the MBA program, and I was confident that the professors and material would help me advance my professional career.

Q: What was a favorite class or experience you had at CBA?

A: It is hard to pick just one favorite class or experience! There are two classes that especially stood out: Tools for Data Analysis with Dr. White and Data Analytics from Scratch with Dr. Smith. Tools was my first introduction to Python, and Scratch was the chance to put my skills to the test. I learned the basics of Python then worked with a team on a project for United States Strategic Command, where we developed a Monte Carlo simulation to analyze employment data. These classes challenged me in the best way. Although many tears were shed in the process, I left feeling accomplished in myself and confident that I could successfully learn a new programming language.

Luis Franco

Q: What are your plans after graduation? Any exciting news?

A: I got my MBA in December 2021 and currently I’m working on my second master’s in Economics while serving as a business consultant at the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC).

Q: What is the top piece of advice you would you give to current or prospective CBA students?

A: I’d say setting short- and long-term goals for your career, staying focused and getting to know people from different backgrounds will be key for your personal and professional development.

Q: Why did you choose UNO CBA for your education?

A: It was a long journey, but I had the opportunity to speak with one of the current MBA students who gave me valuable information about classes, professors, and friendly environment that UNO provides and that was one of the main reasons I chose UNO CBA to pursue my post-graduate studies.

Q: What was a favorite class or experience you had at CBA?

A: My best experience was definitely growing my network; I met people from all around the world. Also, working as a Graduate Assistant helped me to apply what I learned in class to solve real world problems.

Madison Tabor

Q: What are your plans after graduation? Any exciting news?

A: After graduation, I will be moving back to Lincoln. I am in search of Human Resource position in the area where I can utilize the knowledge I’ve gained through real-world experience.

Q: What is the top piece of advice you would you give to current or prospective CBA students?

A: My best advice to CBA students is to branch out to try things outside of what you think you like. My freshman year of college, I was a member of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO). I never considered entrepreneurship as a path for myself, but I did get to see business from a new lens. There are many CBA student organizations that have great benefits, so don’t be afraid to attend some meetings and maybe even become an officer!

Q: Why did you choose UNO CBA for your education?

A: I chose UNO CBA for my education because of the CBA Scholars Academy. To be in the Scholars Academy, one must fill out an application and be selected to attend an interview day. After this interview day, 20 students are selected to be members of the academy. On that day, I met members from older cohorts and the director, Bethany Hughes, and knew that UNO was the place I was supposed to be. There are great facilities and wonderful people—students and staff.

Q: What was a favorite class or experience you had at CBA?

A: One of my favorite classes in college would be microeconomics with Dr. Jamie Wagner. I got a new perspective on the world from this class. Dr. Wagner pushed her students to use logic and gave great support when it came to understanding topics. If someone didn’t understand something, she would re-explain in a new way until they understood why something was the way it was. Don’t get me wrong, Dr. Wagner is a tough teacher who expects a lot out her students. In my opinion, if students push themselves to meet that high standard, they are much better for it.