4 Utica University Grads Who Are Leading the Charge in Business
Whether you’re preparing to begin your professional journey, aiming to advance in your current career, or planning to transition in a new direction, earning a business degree can set you up for success. The knowledge, experience, and relationships gained from a high-quality business program can prepare you for a promising career in your desired industry.
Utica University has a longstanding tradition of developing adept business leaders who are prepared to tackle challenges head-on. Our career-focused curriculum, experiential learning opportunities, and expert faculty help ensure graduates are ready to make an immediate impact. Keep reading to see how.
4 inspiring business leaders who got their start at Utica University
Consider the following success stories of just a few of the many Utica University business graduates who are putting their degrees to work.
A global journey into corporate finance
A native of Ghana, Maame Yaa Boakye had ambitious plans for higher education in the United States. “After applying to several schools and securing acceptances, I carefully selected Utica University,” she explains, adding that the university’s low student-to-faculty ratio and the intriguing curriculum were key factors in her decision.
The knowledge and experience she gained during her time in the Business and Economics department at Utica University helped her build a strong foundation to grow her professional career. She says the comprehensive curriculum gave her a multifaceted understanding of how businesses operate, and she appreciated the direct access she had to respected faculty members who were invested in her success. This all helped her build a comprehensive skill set that seamlessly translated into her professional role, demonstrating the immediate applicability and value of her education.
Today, she works as a corporate financial analyst at Goldman Sachs Ayco, a leading global financial institution. Her role is multifaceted, involving collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams, contributing to strategic decision-making, and supporting senior management, showcasing her adeptness at navigating complex financial terrains—a testament to the solid foundation built at Utica. Beyond her professional achievements, she embodies the spirit of giving back by volunteering and mentoring current students, reinforcing the cycle of growth and learning.
Entrepreneurial roots drive a career bridging business and law
An ambitious entrepreneur from the start, Mik Bushinski started his business journey at the age of 16 by starting a mobile food vending business. He chose to advance his education at Utica University, where he first earned a Political Science degree and then a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Bushinski feels the education he received was instrumental in setting him up for success. “The impact of Utica University on my life is enormous,” he says. “I spent significant time thinking about the world and my path in a lot of different ways, and it was the first time I was truly challenged by professors and other students. My thought process and the way I think about things changed tremendously during my time at Utica University.”
After building a solid foundation at Utica, he continued his education at Yale Law School and eventually earned a position as an associate at Latham and Watkins, the second largest law firm in the world. Bushinski puts his unique blend of business, finance, and government expertise to work as a legal counselor providing guidance to technology companies and startups.
He hopes others get the same return on investment he did by pursuing their education at Utica University – a decision he says he’d choose time and time again. “That ability to be close to professors and learn from them directly is incredible.”
Strong academic connections open doors to a dream job
Heidi Hoeller's roots and passion for the business world took shape in her childhood home in Utica, New York, imitating her mom’s career as a bookkeeper. This early inclination towards business led her to pursue an accounting degree from Utica University after transferring from a state university. With an attractive financial aid deal and scholarship opportunities, she found herself paying the same or less than she was at the state school.
The intimate educational setting at Utica allowed Hoeller to thrive, forming close bonds with professors who recognized her potential, encouraged her ambition, and guided her toward a career in public accounting. These strong academic relationships persisted even after graduation, proving instrumental in her professional development. Upon graduation, Hoeller had her sights set on working for Coopers & Lybrand – a “Big Six Firm” that once employed one of her professors. After gaining a few years of experience at a small firm and earning her CPA license, she got back in touch with her professor who made some phone calls and helped her land the interview that led to her job offer and promising career.
The company evolved into PricewaterhouseCoopers after a merger and has since become one of the largest public accounting firms in the world. Hoeller held many prominent positions within the company and her work brought her all over the globe. And she credits it all to her time at Utica University.
“I felt our professors were really grounded in the business community. They had real-life experience, which I found very valuable,” Hoeller says. “I feel the success I had in business largely came from my professors and the encouragement I received while I was at Utica.”
Hands-on learning fuels a successful media career
Vinny Rinaldi’s media and analytics resume is highlighted by some prominent employers. Once a senior programmatic account manager at Google, his vast experience led him to earn the head of media and analytics position at The Hershey Company. But it all started with the Business Management degree he earned at Utica University.
Reflecting on the skill that helped him succeed in these roles, Rinaldi credits his experience at Utica University not only for the business acumen developed through the career-centric courses, but also for the life lessons learned by engaging with the local community. His involvement in events like the Boilermaker and the Heart Run and Walk played a critical role in shaping his personal and professional approach.
Rinaldi’s methods of data-driven media buying helped Hershey gain $4 million in incremental sales during Halloween 2018. This feat, along with other successes, earned him a spot on Ad Age’s list of “40 Under 40 People Shaping the Media Industry” in 2019.
Start writing your success story at Utica University
As is evident from the stories shared above, Utica University offers a unique, personalized learning experience that not only prepares them to make an immediate impact, but also sets the stage for long-term career growth and development. This is just a snapshot of the thousands of alumni who have taken lessons from their studies and applied them throughout their personal and professional lives.
Utica University is committed to making this transformative education accessible to all. The same business programs that gave these students their start are offered in a flexible, online format, allowing you to advance your education on your own terms.
Learn more about what makes us stand out by checking out our article, “6 Reasons Students Choose Utica University Online Business Programs.”
Ready to start planning your next steps? Explore our Online Business Programs Hub for more resources and information.
