Hear about the Jindal School of Management from the voices of the people who know best.
The best way to understand how the business school experience at the Jindal School can impact your life is to hear directly from the people who have experienced it themselves. JSOM alumni and current students, as well as faculty, staff members, and community partners have a lot to say about what you can expect from becoming part of the Jindal School community, working hard with your classmates and finally walking off the stage, diploma in hand, ready to advance in your career.
Testimonials
Jindal School students, alumni and partners talk about their invaluable academic experiences at the UT Dallas Jindal School of Management, providing advice, perspective, and vision. Hear about how:
- the Career Management Center has helped connect students and employers;
- the Study Abroad program is expanded students’ perspective on their role in the world;
- JSOM PhD students are producing important research and earning faculty positions at the world’s top universities; and
- exceptional high school students are making the most of their JSOM experience through the Jindal Young Scholars Program, the Davidson Management Honors Program, and the UTDserv Community Service program.
Wei Chen
Assistant Professor in Analytics, Information & Operations, School of Business, University of Kansas
When I joined the PhD program at UT Dallas, I had a single objective in mind–to become a future faculty member at a research institution. Today, when I look back, I can say that the PhD program, especially the professors, helped me achieve this goal 100%: During my time at UTD, I have obtained invaluable skills that are required to conduct research and communicate with others. More importantly, I have gained confidence as a researcher and a teacher. For this, I am forever grateful.
Brandon Reed, BS in Finance and Information Technology and Systems ‘22
Professional – Business Management, AT&T
Internships:
- Peregrine Investments, Spring, Summer, and Fall 2019
- AT&T, Summer 2020 and Summer 2021
Study Abroad:
- DMHP Peru International Trip, May 2019
UTD Involvement:
- 180 Degrees Consulting
- FOCUS
How has DMHP enhanced your UT Dallas experience?
DMHP has been the highlight of my time at UTD. Not only has it been essential in preparing me academically and professionally, it has surrounded me with an amazing group of people and friends.
Akash Singh Verma , MSF SPRING 2022
During my time at UTD, my best experience has been at the trading lab. As a top performer in the UTD stock track competition, access to financial databases at the trading was crucial to my success. In addition to that, the peer learning environment at the lab helped me enhance my skills, which made me more competitive in interviews. Overall, I can confidently say that the Trading Lab contributed to my development not only in the technical aspect but also helped me form connections and networks I will cherish forever.
Candace Day
Volunteer Coordinator, National Breast Cancer Foundation
Volunteering reaches places far beyond where you ever imagined. For the healthcare workers, women in treatment, and under-served communities we serve, it all starts with YOU.”? Some of our greatest volunteers are students. They consistently show up and ask ‘What else can I do?’ Our hope is to continue to partner with UTD to reach more women, not only locally but also across the nation, to deliver comforting and life-saving services when they need it most—now.
Kiyanoush Forough, BS in Finance and Economics ‘21
J.D. Candidate, Harvard Law School
Internships:
- Congressman Colin Allred, Spring 2019
- Archer Fellowship, Fall 2019
- White House Council of Economic Advisers, Fall 2019
- Dell Technologies, Summer 2020
UTD Involvement:
- Pi Kappa Phi
- Student Government
- The Innocence Project
- Texas Civic Ambassadors
How did DMHP enhance your UT Dallas experience?
DMHP has given me a network that not only serves as a professional resource but a truly tight-knit group of friends. In any academic or professional endeavor, DMHP has provided me with someone to reach out to in search of guidance or support. In return, I have had the rewarding opportunity to provide my mentorship to younger students in DMHP.
SeoYeon (Soy) Choi
Master’s in Information Technology Management, Class of ’21
Be prepared to allocate few hours a day to mold your cover letter to fit your dream companies. Start early, apply to many, and importantly, set your boundaries – focus on specific job title(s).
Jessica Saywell, BS in Marketing and Business Administration ‘20
Operations Leadership Development Program Participant, Travelers Insurance
Internships
- AmWINS, Summer 2018
- Travelers, Summer 2019
UTD Involvement:
- The LOTUS Project
- Delta Sigma Pi
- Peer Advisor
- Gamma Iota Sigma
How has DMHP enhanced your UT Dallas experience?
DMHP enhanced my college experience from my first day on campus, to every day after. I have formed my closest friendships, had the most fun learning, and experienced the greatest things through DMHP. I truly enjoyed every second I had with DMHP and I am very grateful for everything the program has done for me.
Andin Lac
I chose UTD because it is such a communal campus. Everyone is so accepting and open-minded which makes me feel safe and welcome everywhere on campus.
Angelee Liou, FLP’21
Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan / Statistics and Information Science
I appreciate that I got this opportunity to join the Future Leaders Program. During the program, I met lots of talented people and professionals who broadened my horizons and let me know how to reach my goal in the future. I also love the time I have group discussions with teammates. Their ideas always inspired me and made me think in different ways.
Jenna O’Brien, BS in Finance
BS in Finance
I chose to attend the Naveen Jindal School of Management because of its high-ranking business program, as well as its prestigious faculty and resources. I recently signed up with a program that helps tutor young kids in math. I am excited to start working with them because I know how hard math can be, and by helping them with math I can make a difference in their lives.
Priya Rupramka , MSF FALL 2021
Working with Dr. Liping Ma and serving in the finance trading lab was the favorite part of my UTD journey. I feel fortunate that I received an opportunity to join the lab right after coming to the US. Each day at work was a learning experience and helped me grow my skills including event organization, time management, and networking. I would recommend incoming JSOM students to take advantage of the lab facilities and the resources available. Being a part of Finance Trading Lab has helped me transform my professional career and made me an all-round individual.
Haibin Yang
Professor in Strategic Management, College of Business, City University of Hong Kong
When I look back, it is amazing to see how much I changed during the four-years I spent in the PhD program at UTD. Before admission, I had no idea about academic research. Upon graduation, my view towards the business world had been fundamentally re-shaped by the theories and methods which I learned at various seminars. Thanks to the tremendous help from my professors, my time at UTD was full of fun, challenges and rewards
Adrienne Large
Bachelor’s in Marketing – Senior
I experienced how the CMC loves to help students who have caught the vision for excellence by providing networking opportunities and introductions to recruiters. I credit the external, paid internship I landed later to showing up, engaging, and soaking up their invaluable coaching!
Jason Manzala
At UT Dallas:
Junior in Finance
If you work off campus, are there things you’ve learned at UTD that you apply at work?
I work at CVS Pharmacy as an inventory specialist. I have learned at UTD about being able to adapt to different environments and this helped me learn the ins and outs of the pharmacy quickly. The critical thinking skills I acquired at UT Dallas helped me become an integral part of the pharmacy team.
What’s the best thing about being at UT Dallas?
The best thing about UT Dallas and Jindal School is the diversity and feeling of comfort overall. Being able to be in a community that is extremely diverse allows me to gain new experiences. When I am walking around the campus or in class, I feel like I am welcomed and that they are happy that I am there. It made me sad last year when we had to switch to online classes because of COVID19. It took away that feeling of comfort of being on campus.
What’s the most surprising thing about being in college?
The most surprising thing about college is the amount of freedom I have. I was able to develop more as a person.
Joshua Jernigan, BS in Accounting
BS in Accounting
I’m working hard to attain the career I have passion for – CPA. Your contribution not only helped me, but also my family and many others. My family isn’t financially capable of putting me through college. The only way I had a chance to pursue higher education was through scholarships.
Shreya Hazare, MSF SPRING 2020
The experience at the Finance trading lab has been one of the most enriching periods during my MS finance course. My one and a half years at Finance lab as a Student worker, TA, and Lab manager has been a great learning experience. With Lab workers, it always felt like an extended family. The finance lab gave me a chance to not only train students on various financial concepts but also learn something from every student I have met.
Jacob Gonzalez
At UT Dallas:
Junior in Accounting
What student groups or organizations are you involved in?
I’m a “family mentor” with the Undergraduate Success Scholars where I have the responsibility of mentoring four Jindal School freshmen. Mentoring these students allows me to answer their questions about academics, organizations, social life, careers and even more. I love hearing about their aspirations and interests. I can see my impact in their lives.
If you work off campus, are there things you’ve learned at UTD that you apply at work?
I work part-time at C&B Electric Co. in the estimating department. It’s really exciting when I can implement the skills I’ve learned at UT Dallas in my job. Everything from Excel spreadsheet tips to organizational behavior techniques have helped me thrive in the real world.
What’s the best thing about being at UT Dallas?
I met an amazing group of people during the summer before my freshman year thanks to the Academic Bridge Program. I think it’s very important for people to find a solid social community when they get to college. It makes the experience so much more enjoyable. I feel accepted and supported within my group of friends.
Will Su, FLP’21
Fu Jen Catholic University, Taiwan / English Language and Literature
Future Leaders Program not only provides participants with professional knowledge, but also gathers talents from different fields. During the program, I enjoyed having discussions with the speakers and teammates as everyone held diverse views on the topics. I was able to build connections with them and learn from them thanks to the program. Therefore, I recommend all talents for signing up for this program.
Marcus Baker
Sr. Manager of Donor Strategy, North Texas Food Bank
Working with a ProConnect Reach student team was a great experience for the North Texas Food Bank. Tasked with performing a cost-benefit analysis for investing in new software for our matching gifts program, the student team took great responsibility for their work knowing their recommendations could provide a big boost in new revenue. I was impressed with their commitment to the program and the time they spent learning about our organization. This ultimately helped with their final recommendation as it was based on research of similar organizations, industry trends, and revenue forecasts using existing donor data. It was a win-win experience participating in the UT Dallas ProConnect Reach program.
Joseph Molinar, BS in Biology and Healthcare Management ’21
MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling Student, Southern Methodist University
Healthcare Management Major
Internships:
- Creative Risk Funding, Inc., Summer 2020
UTD Involvement:
- Delta Sigma Pi
- Cultural Scholars
- HOSA
How did DMHP enhance your UT Dallas experience?
Joining DMHP was the best decision I could have made, and I am grateful to have been able to join. DMHP has provided me the opportunities to better myself and my community through the events it hosts. DMHP has also introduced me to a diverse group of students with whom I have forged countless friendships.
Alumni Spotlights
Jindal School has more than 46,000 alumni worldwide who work in industries as diverse as renewable energy, Big 4 accounting firms, healthcare and nonprofits. Alumni have gone on to medical school, law school and to other universities as professors and researchers. They have started companies and impacted their industries in countless ways.
The graduates featured below have agreed to share the story of their Jindal School experiences. If you are an alumnus and would like to share your story, please contact Jeanne Spreier. If you’d like to find alumni you went to school with, join www.jindalconnect.com.
Abrahm “Abe” Turner, MBA’08
Performance Improvement Consultant; Insperity
I enjoy being part of the change continuum. I am often the catalyst for change in many of the groups I support.
Robert Kientz, BS’04
Senior Security Analyst, Verizon Wireless
In his role with Verizon, Kientz performs risk assessment of information security vulnerabilities and system security policy compliance.
Frank Martinez, MBA’07, MS’14
Supervisor, Project Management Office; Federal Reserve Bank Of Dallas
Martinez, who started working at The Fed in 2011, keeps returning to UT Dallas and Jindal School to upgrade his skills.
Angelica Barriga, BS’03, MBA’08
Director, Global Business Process Management, Adva Optical Networking
Angelica Barriga, an advocate for bold action, believes organizational behavior is an important yet often-overlooked component in developing a business strategy. In her role at ADVA Optical Networking, a telecommunications vendor based in Germany, she oversees the business lifecycle process across global sales, marketing and service organizations.
Julie McCure, MS’13
Texas Health Resources, Network Specialist
McCure, who earned her master’s degree in Healthcare Management, is part of a team managing Southwestern Health Resources’ preferred network of physicians.
Joe Warren, BS’11
Software Engineer, USAA
Each day, I strive to use best practices, creating beautiful and accessible experiences for our internal and member-facing systems.
Andy Mangham, BS’07 MBA’12 MS’13
IT Audit Manager – Global Sox Assurance; CBRE
In his role at the real estate services giant CBRE, Mangham manages IT audits for global operations, works on special projects for executives.
HB Paksoy, MA’76
Retired Professor
This Richardson resident was one of the first graduates of what was then known as the School of Management at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Samir Patel, BS’13 MBA’14
Founder/Portfolio Manager, Askeladden Capital Management
Askeladden is the investment adviser to a long-only limited partnership (hedge fund) and separately managed accounts (SMAs), running a concentrated, long-term oriented, small-and-micro-cap portfolio. Patel graduated magna cum laude with a biochemistry degree from UT Dallas when he was 19 years old, and concentrated in finance and supply chain in his MBA, which he completed when he was 20.
Turning Adversity into Achievement: Abinav Bayya’s Academic Transformation
Abinav Bayya came to the Naveen Jindal School of Management to pursue his Master of Science in Supply Chain Management. After a turbulent first semester, Bayya found himself on academic probation.
J.B. Yett, BS’09, MS’10
Audit Manager, Grant Thornton LLP
Yett earned both his undergraduate and master’s degree in accounting from Jindal School, where he was part of the selective Professional Program in Accounting. The PPA offers top accounting students smaller classes along with training in soft skills and access to choice internships. Upon graduation, Yett joined Grant Thornton where his current responsibilities include managing multiple audit engagement teams and client relationships. His role includes ensuring high quality audit execution and distinctive client service.
Gigi Bryant, GLEMBA’02
Business Development Consultant, GMSA Management Services
Throughout her life, Gigi Bryant has overcome adversity – spending more than a decade in the foster care system. Since then, she has dedicated herself to serving others. She has started her own business consulting firm, established a foundation to assist youth in the foster care system and devoted her free time to volunteer work.
Capt. Chris Hampton, USN, Retired , MBA’11
Consultant
Hampton, who by his own account was at the doorstep of international relations and global events as an officer with the U.S.
Christian Tellez, MS’15
Senior Investment Associate, Diamond Realty Investments, Inc.
Tellez underwrites potential commercial real estate development projects across the country that his company may consider for investment. Tellez earned an MS/Finance at Jindal School. “The master’s degree I earned at UT Dallas 100 percent catapulted my career,” said Tellez, who completed his undergrad degree in economics at Texas Tech. “I was extremely hungry but I was struggling to get the attention of ‘big time’ finance players in Dallas due to lack of experience,” he says.
Charles Gillis, MBA’04
Executive Director, Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr, PC
Technology and an evolving mindset about work-life balance is completely changing the legal services profession.
Gaurav Shekhar, MS’16
Assistant Professor, Jindal School Of Management, Ut Dallas
After completing his master’s degree in Information Technology and Management, Shekhar stayed at UT Dallas as a staff member and instructor. He now is program director of the Jindal School’s MS in Business Analytics and an assistant professor of instruction for information systems coursework.
Scott Birnbaum, BS’84
Founder And President, Reclaimed Textiles Co.
Scott Birnbaum, a former CPA, founded a business that recycles items otherwise destined for the garbage heap. He established Reclaimed Textiles Co. (RTCM), which repurposes discarded textiles for new use. As president, he is active in all aspects of the company and constantly relies on skills learned while a student at the Jindal School. In addition to his 18 years in textile recycling, he has experience in defense manufacturing, transportation and publishing. Scott established RTCM based on his values regarding quality, innovation and customer focus, and he is committed to developing new means to repurpose used goods in the U.S. and in developing countries.
Mindy Tiu, BS’14
GE, Commercial Leadership Program
Mindy Tiu, now living in Stamford, Conn, fully embraced her time at UT Dallas by taking part in a broad range of campus activities.
David Taylor, MBA’09
Chief Operating Officer, Intellicentrics.
Taylor completed his Global Leadership MBA (GLEMBA) degree, which, he says, “opened up (my) ability to be multi-disciplinary and global yet local.” IntelliCentrics, based in Flower Mound, focuses on safety and security in healthcare operations. As COO, Taylor oversees global operations, innovation, technology and people operations.
Brian Livingston, MBA’01 MS’02
President and COO, Firebird Restaurant Group
Livingston holds two degrees from the Jindal School, his MBA and his master’s degree in accounting. His undergrad degree in finance is from UT Austin. He is now with Firebird Restaurant Group, LLC, the parent company of El Fenix Mexican Restaurants, Snuffers Restaurant & Bar, Meso Maya, Village Burger Bar, Taqueria La Ventana and Tortaco, where he oversees the daily operations of 54 restaurants, a food manufacturing company and related companies.
