Nadine Waran-Perrero
Masters of Arts Management (MAM)
What would you say has been the most surprising thing you learned at Columbia?
The most surprising thing I learned at Columbia [is that faculty have the ability] to work in higher education while continuing to pursue their personal passions.
Justin Sinkovich, Jason Stephens, Monique Maye, and Kari Sommers are just a few among the many respected and exemplary professors at Columbia College Chicago that choose to pursue a career ambitiously while educating graduate students. Their leadership has impacted and influenced me tremendously and makes me look forward to my journey post graduate studies.
What experiences or courses at Columbia do you feel have been most beneficial?
As a graduate student, I enjoyed getting to know my cohort. I gained from the intellectual exchanges, immersion in different cultures, and learning and teaching that happened within our group.
Some classes that I found to be most beneficial include, Financial Management with Ryan Smith and Negotiation Strategies with Monique Maye. Ryan made our financial management courses extremely fun by allowing an open floor for questions and conversations. As a student who had not taken any accounting or financial courses during my undergraduate studies, his patience was highly valued and appreciated. The content in Monique Maye's course was connected to practical, real-life experiences. She always came to class prepared to give students her best, which I really admired and am grateful to her for.
My experiences of setting up cultural events on campus with Monika Jaiswal- Oliver from the Business and Entrepreneurship department and working with the team from The School of Graduate Studies have been some of my fondest and best experiences at Columbia.
Additionally, I’m happy to have forged lifelong friendships at Columbia. Three classmates and friends were a part of my wedding festivities in July of 2019.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, my husband Carson and I plan to move out from Chicago and explore job opportunities in Wisconsin or Tennessee. I hope to find a career in higher education and eventually start my own entrepreneurial business venture in the Performing Arts.
Do you have any advice for current students?
Here’s some advice that I can share for current and future students:
- Ask questions when you need answers. We have a great faculty in the Business and Entrepreneurship department that are ever willing to assist and guide you toward fulfilling your goals.
- Get to know your classmates and keep them as close allies. They are the future of your industry of interest.
- Don't be afraid of an unexpected or uncertain future. You are here to explore your skills, your strengths, and improve on your weaknesses.
- Always keep a journal because as graduate students you are going to be busy learning every day and you will want to keep track of everything.
- Have fun! Hang out with your cohort, reach out to students from other departments, and catch a drink with your professor.
- Finally, stay positive and focused on your aspirations, and contribute to the well-being of the society that you’re in.
