Get to know the UT Dallas Organizations, Strategy and International Management (OSIM) Area from the voices of the people who know best.
What better way to see how the OSIM Area at UT Dallas can help you achieve your goals than to hear directly from the people who have experienced it themselves. Alumni and current students, as well as faculty and staff members, have a lot to say about what you can expect from becoming a part of an OSIM program, working hard with your classmates and finally walking off the stage, diploma in hand, ready to advance in your career.
Student Testimonials
OSIM students, alumni, employers and partners talk about their invaluable academic experiences at the UT Dallas Jindal School of Management, providing advice, perspective, and vision.
Taylor Bloom, BS’20
Operations Planning and Analysis Summer Intern, H-E-B
A university’s business college is only as great as its professors, students, staff and alumni community. Fortunately, as a student pursuing my BS in Business Administration degree with a concentration in business economics, I’ve had the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable and experienced professors who have brought academic theory into the real global-world of business.
Mindy Tiu
Commercial Leadership Program, General Electric Company
The I&E courses have been extremely valuable for me. I’m learning skill sets that will help me whether I work for a large company or decide to start my own business someday.
Erva Kan , BS’17
Analyst, Investment Office of Turkey
Looking back, the Regional Desks Program was beneficial and a good stepping stone for entering the workforce.
Shriya Bahri, BS’20
Senior HR Assistant, Amazon
During my time here, there has been no dearth of opportunities to network, learn and participate in the Dallas HR space.
Nadia Ahmed
Intern, Wellness Telecom, Seville, Spain
This summer I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity participate in GlobalEd’s internship program and intern at Wellness Telecom in Seville, Spain. Wellness Telecom is a telecommunications company that works with new technologies in order to build a better, more efficient, and better connected world with innovative technological solutions. The company works in four lines of business: Telecommunication and IT Systems, Cloud Computing, Smart Cities and R & D. I interned under the international development division, which allowed me to build upon my marketing skills. The GlobalEd program not only placed me at my internship, but placed me in intensive Spanish course that provided me with a beginner level in Spanish. Read full story.
Elijah Murphy, BS’21
Current student
During my freshman year at The University of Texas at Dallas, I found the BSBA program to be integral to my success. Not only did I learn a lot about the business world and what I have to look forward to in my career path, but I also learned a lot about myself. Through various self-evaluations and the opportunity to listen to professors from several departments of the business school, I discovered where my interests in the field of business lie and what I can do to improve myself to reach my professional goals.
Quinn Love, BS’19
HR Project Analyst, Baylor Scott & White Health
During my time at UTD in the BS in Human Resource Management program I made great connections and was provided with relevant information.
Tina Dimitrova
Honors Student, University of Texas at Dallas
The UTD Seed Fund Course has given me the opportunity to gain real world experience in the venture capital space. As an undergraduate, there are not many opportunities available that give you this amount of responsibility and potential for impact. It’s great for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, finance, or investing.
Arjun Daru , BS’19
Credit Risk Analyst, Jack Henry & Associates
The best part of the Global Business program at UT Dallas is how much exposure you get to other countries and cultures.
Anish Padala
Fall 2023 Internship with Dr. Keith Thurgood at UT Dallas
In my final senior semester, I am continuing with master’s director Keith Thurgood on his project to find “Which Outpatient Care Hospital System in Texas has the Best Reimbursement and How?” The experience has been collaborative as I contribute to the data analysis, exploring outpatient care reimbursement across 500 Texas hospitals. With a focus on both the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and general Hospital Systems, we aimed to identify and analyze reimbursement practices.
Yen Co
Fall 2023 Internship with Cubic Care Family Medicine
At Cubic Care Family Medicine, I have an opportunity to work alongside a physician on a quality improvement project. Using the “Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycle” to address blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. The approach involved effective communication, careful planning, collecting the right data from the EMR system, and targeted intervention for patients with uncontrolled blood pressure.
Nickole Selensky, BS’19
Human Resources Assistant, Dentsply Sirona
Summer Scholar – Human Capital Business Analyst Intern, Deloitte
The HRM program at UTD played a key role in setting me up for success post-graduation. The instructors are highly qualified and have vast experience in field.
Sydney Tran
Fall 2023 Internship with Foundation Pain and Spine
This past semester, I had the incredible opportunity to work at Foundation Pain and Spine (FPS) as a medical assistant for Dr. Thompson. During this internship, I gained invaluable experience in both patient care and medical procedures. My responsibilities included a mix of clinical and administrative tasks such as collecting patient vitals, scheduling, sterilizing procedure instruments, and completing insurance claims. Being able to work directly with patients and providers reignited my interest in the healthcare industry.
Farrah Younes
Intern, Best Way Travel, Cairo, Egypt
Best Way Travel, located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt, is one of the leading travel agencies in the country since 2004. This travel and tourism agency is specialized in handling inbound tours from a wide range of countries around the world, i.e. Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, and Tanzania. Best Way Travel aims to provide their clients with a combination of comfort, convenience, as well as security without emptying their bank accounts. In addition to providing excellent service at an affordable price, this agency also customized personalized holiday packages for both individuals and groups of people. Read full story.
Nivi Nataraj
Intern, Talking Tables, London, England
My international internship in London this year has been the most enjoyable and educational summer yet. On its own, two months in London itself is amazing. But I had the opportunity to work with some of the best people I possibly could. They helped me realize my potential as an individual in the workplace and out. For me, this was my first experience in a workplace that trusted me enough to let me learn by doing. Every time I was assigned a task, whoever was responsible for the task would patiently explain what they wanted done, how to do it, and why they do it that way. This way, I was able to learn various software experience and hone my skills in working in an international company. Read full story.
Lily Tran
Fall 2023 Internship with Walgreen’s Pharmacy
During my healthcare management internship, collaborating with my administrator mentor proved invaluable. I learned the intricacies of healthcare operations, honed organizational skills, and gained insights into effective patient care. My mentor imparted crucial lessons on balancing administrative duties, prioritizing tasks, and navigating the dynamic healthcare landscape. This hands-on experience underscored the importance of clear communication and adaptability in managing diverse challenges. Overall, the mentorship provided me with a great understanding of healthcare management, offering practical skills and a nuanced perspective that will shape my future career in the field.
Mark Kukiz, MS 19
Product Manager, Peloton
The Professional MBA at UT Dallas provided the flexibility for a tailor-made education with subjects I am most passionate about. The MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship curriculum enhanced my MBA through practical undertakings in both startup and corporate intrapreneurship settings. The cohort program was a differentiator, enabling the collaborative, in-person experience I was looking for.
Vivian Ekadi
Fall 2023 Internship with Heart to Heart Hospice
During this past fall semester, I had the opportunity to work at Heart to Heart Hospice as an administration intern. I learned about building patient relationships, time management, and the inner workings of a hospice. Overall, I gained a lot of experience in the field and had the pleasure of working one-on-one with a mentor. My mentor was incredibly helpful in pointing out resources to aid me during the internship and offered critical advice for me to use. This experience has taught me how to adapt to different situations and communicate effectively.
Nelson Mavares, BS’18
Cloud Analyst, Oracle
The HRM program was an excellent catapult for my career. The comprehensive curriculum accompanied by exceptional professors and mentors prepared me for my career in consulting.
Navar Shad, BS’15
Senior Associate, Strategy
My experience at the Jindal School may have helped build a foundation as a professional.
Alumni Spotlights
Read the success stories from JSOM alumni who earned their degree from the Jindal School of Management. These alumni are current professionals who share their insights about their experience and life after graduating from UT Dallas.
Cristie Feldman Schlosser, ASID, RID, NKBA, NCIDQ , BS’84
Principal Interior Designer, Schlosser Design Group, LLC
The highlight of my current career has been recognition by my peers as an award-winning interior designer.
Randy Black, CFP, CDFA, BS’06
Financial Planner, Spectrum Financial Group
Black, a certified financial planner, is certain that a successful leader will go above and beyond what is expected when helping others. This value is evident in his work helping numerous clients reach their financial goals. Since his May 2006 graduation from the Jindal School, Black has exceeded several industry standards even though he has not yet reached his 10-year mark in the professional world.
Gary Tillett, BS’82
U.S. Financial Services Partner, New York Metro Deals Leaderpricewaterhousecoopers
Gary Tillett’s notable career spans three decades and includes roles in several divisions within the same “big four” accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Tillett currently serves as the New York Metro Deals Leader and is a partner in the U.S. Financial Services sector at PwC. In this dual role, he leads a practice of more than 400 deals professionals and serves some of PwC’s largest corporate and private-equity clients with investments in the financial services sector. Tillett attributes his success to his commitment to the delivery of quality client service and his desire to maintain a comprehensive lifestyle, which has included active community service within his career and personal life since an early stage.
Paulina Jesionek, BS’13, MS’15, MBA’15
Marketing Program Specialist, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Jesionek graduated cum laude in Fall 2013 with two undergraduate degrees – Global Business and Marketing. She delivered the commencement address that year.
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.
Mark Fuqua, BS’79
Exec Vice President And Manager, Energy Banking Comerica Bank
Fuqua completed his BS/Business Administration degree with a finance concentration at UT Dallas when undergrads had been on the UTD campus a mere four years.
Farhad Rizvi, BS’11
Founder, Shamak Associate, Gerson Lehrman Group
Farhad Rizvi had a vision of combining commerce and philanthropy into one business strategy. Along with his older brother, Hammad, he created Shamak Sandals, a company that sells leather sandals handcrafted in the Middle East. But Shamak Sandals reaches beyond shoe sales.
Holly Heironimus, MS’17
Program Coordinator, Medical City Dallas Blood & Marrow Transplant Program
Heironimus completed her MS in Healthcare Leadership and Management degree and now works as coordinator for Medical City Dallas in the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program. Her responsibilities cover a range of services including operational support to the transplant team, such as patient scheduling, testing and data entry for future data mining in order to improve outcomes.
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.
Heidi Rasmussen, BS’92
Co-Founder and COO, Freshbenies
Heidi Rasmussen, a former retail executive, and her husband, Reid Rasmussen, a former health insurance company manager, knew health benefits were complicated for employers and their workers.
Brett Philips, BS’05, MS’09
Founding Partner, Shifflett & Philips
Philips, and his friend Nick Shifflett, started Shifflett & Philips accounting firm in 2014 in Frisco. Philips, a CPA, had worked at other accountancies for more than nine years before going out on his own. His practice now primarily focuses on the performance of federal and state tax compliance and consulting with individuals, estates, partnerships and closely held corporations. Philips holds two Jindal School degrees – a bachelor’s in Business Administration, which he completed in 2005, and an MS/Accounting which he completed in 2009.
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.
Dustin Gadberry, BS’07
Chief Executive Officer, Gadberry Construction Company, Inc.
Gadberry is in his second decade in the construction business, having launched his company in 2000. He grew the business while completing his degree at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Tina T. Hoang, BS’09
Financial Advisor, Northwestern Mutual
Hoang, who graduated cum laude with a Business Administration degree, says her degree gave her the knowledge, resources and connections to help people with their financial planning needs. “It helped me build character, business acumen and find the passion for what I do now,” she says. She says she is proud her work will impact families and businesses now “and last … on into the following generations.” She was recently selected as one of 60 representatives nationwide to attend a special fast-track program for young advisers in Milwaukee. While there, she took part in the challenge course.
Phil Neighorn, BA’95, MBA’01
Managing Director, Central Zone Surety Practice, Leadermarsh USA
Phil Neighorn has more than 16 years of experience as an insurance professional and balances his time between working for Marsh USA, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, and mentoring Jindal School students. He is committed to helping both audiences develop business strategies to successfully reach goals. Whether he is assisting an international client or providing advice to a promising student, he regularly shares his extensive industry knowledge. He also routinely uses the skills he developed while earning his undergraduate degree and an MBA from the Jindal School.
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.
Anjie Vichayanonda, BS’08
Founder And CEO, Leg Up Legal
I wanted to come back to Texas to be closer to family, so I joined the Dallas office of Haynes and Boone, LLP, in 2017.
Kyle Frederick, BS’04
Residential Realtor
Frederick, who earned a BS/Business Administration degree at Jindal School, with a concentration in management information systems, is a residential Realtor.
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 and specialists. In addition, she’s working on an initiative to improve communication between Texas Health Physician’s Group and Texas Health Behavioral Health Help Line.
Jenny Rush, BS’85
Founder, Lymethriving
I came to UT Dallas in the early ‘80s when the campus was young. I loved the flexibility of night classes as I was working full-time at an advertising agency.
OSIM Student Experiences
Discover how OSIM faculty are researching, publishing, speaking and engaging in the business community. The authors of these articles also include OSIM students, staff and friends
Access to Great Resources
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. One of the greatest opportunities that I encountered at UTD was having the ability to travel to Dubai with my International Business class!
Do Conferences Help Your Career?
The first time I attended the HR Southwest Conference, I made a point to attend as many educational sessions as possible. Some were very beneficial in giving real-world information about certain subjects such as upcoming laws related to employment and relevant changes in legislation.
Faculty Uplift – A Jindal School Distinction
During the summer, Polze, who is a senior lecturer on the accounting faculty, sent out several emails offering advice to incoming freshmen like me, as well as helping us prepare for his class.
How I Started My Business in College
During my junior and senior year, I led a student intern team of up to 25 students who would help with different areas of the business, learn valuable skills and help me increase the capacity and reach of Smiles Bakery.
More Prepared Than I Realized
In April 2019, I had the amazing opportunity to represent the Society for Human Resource Management chapter at UT Dallas and the Jindal School’s BS in Human Resource Management program, along with Shriya Bahri, Yen Dang, and Nickole Selensky, at the 2019 TXSHRM Student Games, hosted by Baylor University.
How Business Students Network With Professionals
I joined the BS in Human Resource Management program at UTD because I wanted to make a difference in organizations, people’s lives and my career. Events like DallasHR’s HRStars Gala allow HR professionals to get together and celebrate their accomplishments and the impact they have had within the industry.
Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in Organizations, Strategy and International Management?
Bachelor’s Degree Program
Build your understanding of business fundamentals and learn skills in innovation, management and international business.
BS in Business Administration BS in Global Business BS in Healthcare Management BS in Human Resource ManagementMaster’s Degree Programs
Find the Organizations, Strategy, and International Management graduate degree that matches your interests.
MS in Healthcare Leadership and Management MS in Innovation and Entrepreneurship MS in International Management StudiesPhD International Management Studies
Develop strong research skills that are especially relevant for students interested in an academic career. Each year the OSIM area sponsors a seminar series to bring researchers from other universities to UT Dallas.
PhD in International Management Studies