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Meet JSOM Student Alena Nguyen
Alena Nguyen is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Risk Management and Insurance.
She currently serves as the president of Gamma Iota Sigma (GIS), the international fraternity focused on insurance and risk management, and is a recipient of an Academic Excellence Scholarship as well as the Dallas-Fort Worth Risk and Insurance Management Society’s Gabriel L. Lugo Scholarship.
Coming to UT Dallas and Choosing JSOM
Obtaining the Academic Excellence scholarship from UT Dallas was one of the primary reasons Alena felt motivated to choose JSOM over other schools.
“Knowing that they’re going to invest in my education, it drives you.” Alena says. “Besides that, JSOM is a very great school, especially with how young it is. I didn’t initially picture myself in business, so stepping into the business school, I thought it was a great option.”
With UT Dallas being close to home and several of her peers also choosing to attend UT Dallas, Alena says she felt the transition from high school to college was less intimidating.
“I had another shoulder to lean on.” Alena says. “So whether or not this campus was 20 minutes from my house, being able to go through the college experience, something super new, with a friend to rely on was very comforting to me.”
Involved on Campus with Gamma Iota Sigma
Alena entered the spring semester of her freshman year right as the pandemic began. With classes and student activities going online, Alena initially struggled to find things to get involved in on campus.
“Everything went virtual, and how am I supposed to want to find things to get involved in when everything’s virtual? And I think everyone knows that online meetings are not the same, and I wasn’t going to be the one going to every single online meeting to find my niche.” Alena says.
Alena developed an interest in risk management after classes with professor Steven Haynes. As her career aspirations shifted toward risk management, she saw the value in getting involved with Gamma Iota Sigma.
Now serving as president of GIS, she aims to create fun and educational activities that connect like-minded students and help them develop in the risk management profession. She says getting involved in GIS has enriched both her professional life and personal connections.
Overcoming Obstacles and Finding Success
Alena says that finding balance was one of the most difficult aspects of adjusting to college life.
“I’m definitely a workaholic. I think for most of my undergrad career, I’ve taken 18 credit hours every semester on top of whether or not I’ve worked full-time or was pursuing some other educational opportunities, industry-related. I think maintaining the balance was something that was super difficult because it is a lot to sign up for. So not only balancing school but balancing my social life as well.” Alena says.
Alena says her second biggest challenge was making friends on campus
“I’m not as social, and I don’t seek those opportunities.” Alena says. “But I think I’ve been lucky in finding those unique moments of connecting with someone in class or in GIS, things like that. And I’ve definitely had a small handful of friends that I’ve been able to gain.”
Mentorship Along the Way
Alena counts professor Steven Haynes as one of her primary mentors and feels grateful for his advice and support.
“Dr. Haynes is not only a professor to me but he’s one of my mentors who has guided me essentially since his start and my start into the RMI program. He’s given me both personal and professional advice.” Alena says. “This is a space that I’m not as familiar with and he has tons of experience that if you take advantage and get to know him, he’s more than happy to help you figure out what you need to do. I probably wouldn’t be where I am today and have everything under my belt today without him and his support.”
Looking to the Future
Starting this spring, Alena will be working for American International Group (AIG) as a risk management analyst. Alena looks to the future with optimism and says that she hopes to continue her professional journey and become a catalyst for industry change.
“I think bigger picture, I want to continue developing my industry knowledge and find a way to make an impact on the industry and create waves.” Alena says. “I think everyone knows the industry is aging, diversity is growing, but it’s still very slow to react. I would love to, as a younger person stepping into the industry, make a difference once I find what that difference is.”
Wisdom for Fellow Students
Alena says that she hopes her fellow students will invest in themselves and their futures by finding something that gets them excited about school.
“Take the time to find at least one thing, the way I have, that gets you involved and makes it all worthwhile. College is a once and a lifetime experience, and so if you find that one thing that is fun or helps you both personally and professionally outside of just going to class, that’s literally all that matters. So I would just say invest the time to find that one thing that makes you want to go to school.” Alena says.
