Mohammad Alserafei
Email
City: Athens, GA
Undergraduate School:
Wofford College
Major/Minor:
Double Major: Finance, International Affairs
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I was an ambassador at my undergraduate university and enjoyed it very much. I am very proud of the institutions I have had the honor to attend and would love to give back by showing Wake Forest to prospective students. Also, many people from my undergraduate program had chosen to attend Wake Forest so it would be a good opportunity to help people I know.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose MSBA to grow my technical skills and become apart of the Wake Forest community.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Just the overwhelming amount of support from my peers, professors, and other faculty. Everyone at Wake Forest wants to see you grow and always willing to give a helping hand.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I have really enjoyed the food scene in Winston Salem, from downtown to hole in the wall. It is very nice being able to go get a good meal and take a stroll around a nice downtown area.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Just relate to them, many people who are pursuing their masters are on the fence between more education or going into the workforce. Being able to talk to them about that using our experiences is the most impactful thing we could do.
Andrew Bakker
City: Los Gatos, CA
Undergraduate School:
Clemson University
Major/Minor:
Management
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I am extremely interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador as I have so much love and passion for Wake Forest University. Wake Forest provides an exemplary program that is designed for any student from any background to thrive. I would be honored to market this program to prospective students so that they can experience something that I got to as well.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I knew that towards the end of my time in undergrad, I wanted to pursue an MSBA. I wanted to go to Wake Forest as I believed that they had the best program. It was my top school out of all the programs that I was interested in. I spoke with Eric in the fall and asked if they still had their online program, as I was going to be working once I finished at Clemson. As he mentioned that it was no longer available at this time, I started looking elsewhere. Ultimately, things changed with work, and I got my application in on the last day. I think Wake’s experiential learning aspect is something that does set it apart from other programs in the country. Most are just taking classes and learning materials. However, being able to have the practicum and put your skills to actual work allows you to have so much learning and growth that you can then talk about in all your future interviews and career.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
How caring the teachers are with each of their students. They do truly take the time to get to know each and every one of us, which is something that I truly enjoyed. Additionally, being in a cohort is a truly special experience. Having everyone take the same classes at the exact same time helps a tremendous amount with learning. At least it does for me. It’s just such a unique experience that you don’t get often, and I think Wake Forest does this aspect extremely well.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem. This town has done a tremendous job of turning old factories/mills into repurposed spaces. With Wake’s Medical School as well as great food and drink places in the square of Bailey Park, it doesn’t get better than this. On Campus, I think the coolest spot is Manchester Plaza. So much life is happening there, from the pit, firepits, to even all the events that occur there in the fall. As grad students, I believe that getting to experience what Wake feels like can be found in this area.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Besides having a day where we show them around and have lunch with them, having online office hours once every 2 weeks could be an idea. This way, students can communicate with us more frequently. Not everyone has the ability to come to Wake Forest beforehand and ask current students what it is like.
Nickolas Bartle
Email
City: Cary, NC
Undergraduate School:
University of Alabama
Major/Minor:
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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Because I want to give new students the same amazing onboarding process I had, and expand Wake Forest’s reach to my large undergrad, as well as add something really cool to my resume!
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
Because I wanted to set myself up for success more in the job market, and I knew a Master’s degree would help in that, and the MSBA program here wat Wake Forest was the perfect balance of statistics and computer science for me, and having a great alumni network is certainly a bonus!
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Being able to use the excellent wake network to learn about the industry, how my talents can apply in the real world, hearing about prior experiences and more!
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love Farrell hall and Barcelona Burger & Beer garden, one place I love going to the library on the second floor when I need to tock in and get work done, and I can relax and enjoy good brews and food at Barcelona!
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Interactive tours across campus, setting up pool/pickleball events, taking them to lunch across campus and off-campus, and much much more!
Mary-Sears Brown
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I came on a visit to Wake in January and getting to meet some of the ambassadors really helped me to get a clear idea of what the program is like. I want to be able to do the same for the next cohort of students.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose MSBA at Wake Forest because it is a great program and since I didn’t really know what I wanted to do after graduating from App, I knew it would give me a lot of options moving forward.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Getting to meet everyone in the cohort and creating friendships in and out of the classroom.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I really enjoy the living room in Farrell because there is always someone there from the cohort that I can talk to.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
I think getting students to come on campus is the most important thing. The campus speaks for itself and once the students learn more about what the program is like and meeting ambassadors I feel like it’s an easy sell.
Madeline Davis
Email
City: Alpine, NJ
Undergraduate School:
Wake Forest University
Major/Minor:
Health & Exercise Science / minors: Chemistry, Neuroscience
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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As a Double Deac, I’ve had firsthand experience with both the broader Wake Forest community and the unique qualities of the MSBA program. The conversations I had with students and alumni were a huge part of my decision to come here, and I want to provide that same authentic guidance to future students.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
Coming out of an undergraduate program in the life sciences, I was looking for a graduate program that would give me both the technical skills and business acumen needed to be a strong candidate for the early career opportunities I was interested in. I was connected with several MSBA alumni, and everyone spoke so positively of their experiences. When I sat in on a class during the admissions process, I was struck by how informative, engaging, and collaborative the lecture was. It was exactly the type of learning environment I knew I could grow and succeed in. After also speaking with an ambassador who gave me an honest perspective on the graduate student experience, I knew Wake’s MSBA program was the right choice for me.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience so far has been the opportunity to collaborate with classmates from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds. Working on so many team assignments has been transformative, as I’ve learned to see how students from different academic disciplines approach assignments. I feel that I am actively becoming a more well-rounded collaborator and problem-solver.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love exploring all the coffee shops in Winston-Salem. My current favorite is Krankies downtown. They have both great biscuits and great Wi-Fi, making it the perfect place to grab brunch with a friend or sit down for a few hours and get some studying done.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
My ambassador’s honesty about her experiences in the program was a major influence on my decision to pursue my MSBA at Wake. I believe developing that same kind of candid yet positive rapport is incredibly impactful. Being open and authentic will help prospective students feel comfortable asking the questions they need to make an informed decision about their graduate school plans.
Brooke Edwards
Email
City: Columbia, SC
Undergraduate School:
Wofford College
Major/Minor:
Business Economics and French Minor
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I’m passionate about leadership and connection, and I enjoy meeting new people from all backgrounds. I consider myself a strong communicator and feel comfortable engaging with others, whether in a formal setting or casual conversation. Becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador would allow me to share my experience, help prospective students feel welcomed, and represent the MSBA program that has already impacted me so positively.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose the MSBA program at Wake Forest because the curriculum aligned with both my interests and career goals. I was drawn to the program’s emphasis on analytics, problem-solving, and business professionalism. I first learned about the program through the Wake Forest School of Business team at the Wofford College career fair, and that interaction left a strong impression. I saw Wake Forest as a place where I could grow both technically and professionally.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience has been the collaborative learning environment and the support from faculty and peers. Working on group projects and assignments has not only improved my analytical and technical skills but also helped me grow as a communicator and team member. The sense of community within the program makes the experience both challenging and rewarding.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Krankies, a local coffee shop and breakfast spot located downtown. I enjoy the atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to grab a coffee, relax, and get some work done. Whether I’m working on a project or just catching up on assignments, Krankies provides a productive and comfortable environment outside of the classroom.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Hosting virtual Q&A sessions, sharing student experiences on social media, and offering informal coffee chats are great ways to connect with prospective students. Personalized follow-ups after career fairs or campus visits can also make a strong impression. I would especially love to represent Wofford and be a resource for prospective students from there, since that’s where my own journey with Wake Forest began.
Jack Halpern
Email
City: Leesburg, VA
Undergraduate School:
Elon University
Major/Minor:
Business Analytics and Entrepreneurship
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I decided to pursue an MSBA degree slightly later in my senior year of undergrad, which made navigating the program search and admissions process challenging while also working on finishing up my undergrad degree. On top of this, deciding the right program for me took a lot of consideration, but ultimately I am incredibly happy with my decision to pursue my MSBA here at Wake Forest. Because of this journey, I am passionate about supporting prospective students who may be weighing similar decisions. I am interested in being a resource and a mentor for prospective students, sharing my experience in applying for different programs, and ultimately selecting the Wake Forest program. I have really enjoyed my experience here at Wake Forest so far, and would love to share that experience with prospective students.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue an MSBA degree because I discovered a genuine passion for business analytics during my undergrad studies, and was eager to gain more experience, specifically, in different areas of expertise as well as gaining hands-on experience in the analytics space. I looked at a few different programs and I really appreciated the uniqueness of Wake Forest’s MSBA program. I like the range of classes offered, the practicum project, support from faculty and staff, and the strong network of alumni.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
One of the most impactful parts of my program experience so far has been the professional and social events organized for our cohort. From orientation to professional networking events, and social events, these events have allowed our cohort to build genuine connections and a strong sense of community. Being surrounded by a group of motivated and like-minded students has made the learning environment both energizing and collaborative. This made me eager to join our Student Engagement Council (SEC) and work to continue planning unique experiences for our cohort.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I really enjoy the Innovation Quarter area in Downtown Winston Salem, there are a lot of great restaurants and breweries there, including Incendiary Brewing and Krankies Coffee. I think all the breweries in Winston Salem are great, as they have a great atmosphere and a bunch of cool events. I also enjoy Long Branch Trail in Downtown Winston Salem for going on walks or runs.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Some great ways to engage with prospective students could include hosting coffee hours where many ambassadors attend and prospective students can stop by to chat and learn about the program, hosting virtual student panels with different breakout rooms to allow prospective students to engage in further conversations with ambassadors, and hosting events at local restaurants or breweries in the area for prospective students to learn about the program.
Jacob Kathman
Email
City: Clemmons, NC
Undergraduate School:
Wake Forest University
Major/Minor:
BS Applied Mathematics and BA Music Performance
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I want to be a Master of Science in Business Analytics ambassador at Wake Forest University because this program has already been such an important part of my academic and professional journey. Having completed my undergraduate degree at Wake, I know firsthand the strong sense of community and the high standards of excellence that the university upholds. Now as a graduate student, I have benefited from the program’s rigorous curriculum, collaborative environment, and career development opportunities. I am especially passionate about sharing my experiences with prospective students, as I spent a great deal of time talking with recruiters during my own decision-making process, and those conversations made a significant difference for me. Serving as an ambassador would give me the chance to give back by supporting future students, representing the program I am proud to be a part of, and helping others see the same value in Wake Forest that I did.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue a Master of Science in Business Analytics because I wanted to build on my technical background while also developing the business acumen needed to apply those skills in real-world decision-making. This program allows me to bridge the gap between data and strategy, equipping me with the ability not only to analyze complex problems but also to translate insights into actionable solutions that drive business value.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my program experience so far has been the career preparation resources. From resume workshops and mock interviews to networking opportunities and one-on-one coaching, these resources have given me the confidence and skills to navigate the job search process effectively. They have not only strengthened my professional toolkit but also helped me clarify my career goals and how to position myself for success after graduation.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I like to study in the Manchester building on campus. This is where I did most of my studying during undergrad.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Taking prospective students out to lunch is a great way to have a conversation and explore more of campus than just the Business school.
Clay Lester
Email
City: Evanston, WY
Undergraduate School:
Brigham Young University
Major/Minor:
Family Studies/Statistics minor
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I had a great experience when I visited campus and got to meet several ambassadors, and I want to be able to pay it forward to those who are considering WFU for their masters program.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose WFU because I had a great experience when I visited campus, and I also wanted to pursue the MBA through the MBA advantage.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I think the most impactful part has been getting to meet so many people who have so many different backgrounds and getting to learn about them.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I love the main quad between Wait Chapel and Reynolda Hall. It’s such a beautiful part of campus, and I love finding a spot to sit enjoy.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
I think that taking students to class and to lunch is a great opportunity to help them get to know what campus life is like.
Benjamin Morse
Email
City: Prospect, KY
Undergraduate School:
American University
Major/Minor:
Journalism | Economics
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I want to be a Graduate Admissions Ambassador because I want to give back to future prospective students what the 2024-25 MSBA guides did for me last year. It was the Graduate Admission Ambassadors who convinced me to come to Wake Forest with their kindness and helpful information. I want to help recruit the future 2026-27 cohort and raise brand awareness for the School of Business, one of the best in the country. When Wake Forest accepted me into the MSBA program, I had to decide between WFU and Maryland. I wanted to take a tour of both to confirm which I liked better. Eric Haddleton wasted no time in setting up a visit for me. That experience made me want to be a Demon Deacon. Alberto Colon, Ananya Lal, and Elizabeth Haithcock led the tour, which provided such key insight into the scholastic experience, but also the social experience. I loved hearing about the student engagement and the bonds the programs built within the program. The three also provided key feedback on what to expect from the program, and their advice helped me prepare for the program so I could hit the ground running. Once the tour was over, I knew I wanted to be a Demon Deacon.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose the MSBA program because I already had an interest in Economics and using data and prediction models to understand better the trends impacting the world. In my previous career, I was a journalist with a focus on storytelling. Working in business analytics is the perfect way to marry my love of storytelling, problem-solving, and finding solutions. I am also a committed lifelong learner, and Business Analytics is the practice of lifelong learning through data.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Definitely the Career Management Course. Before it, I had no clue how I was going to get a job. Now, it’s a matter of when, not if.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
My favorite spot in Winston-Salem is Reynolda Village because I love the gardens and greenhouses. My mom keeps a garden and going to Reynolda reminds me of my parents home in Kentucky.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Host Zoom Calls with ambassadors for prospective students or do a live Q&A. Hold a Q&A with Wake Forest students for potential Double Deacs.
Juan Obregon
Email
City: Charlotte, NC
Undergraduate School:
Furman University
Major/Minor:
Health Sciences / Data Analytics
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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As someone who was very unsure about the program, I want to be able to be a resource to people who are also unsure especially if they werent business majors undergrad.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I wanted to improve my business acumen as well as my technical skills
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
all the resources and the willingness of the alumni to help
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Fiddlin Fish! Great brewery with awesome events like trivia and music bingo nights
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Coffee and a walk, tour on campus or sit in class
Luke Osleger
Email
City: Fredericksburg, VA
Undergraduate School:
Washington and Lee University
Major/Minor:
Business Administration and Political Science
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I knew the admissions ambassadors at W&L last year, and they played a major role in my decision to attend Wake Forest. They were always attentive and eager to answer my questions throughout the admissions process. Having experienced the impact they made on me, I would find it extremely fulfilling to return the favor by supporting current W&L students in the same way.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue a Master’s in Business Analytics in lieu of entering an uncertain job market, positioning myself to be more marketable to employers.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I would say the most impactful part of the program so far has been developing hard skills. In undergrad, much of what I learned was more general knowledge rather than the “nitty-gritty” technical skills. Whether it be object oriented programming, machine learning regression analysis, or data storytelling, I am grateful for the opportunity to gain several valuable technical competencies at Wake Forest School of Business.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Reynolda Village. Its charming atmosphere makes it the perfect place to bring friends and family who are visiting town. Whether it’s enjoying dinner, browsing the shops, or grabbing a few drinks at Village Tavern, Reynolda Village offers a fun mix that someone who is interested in Wake Forest should see.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
My main proposition for recruiting W&L students would be to travel directly to Lexington, VA, and share my experiences with them. This could take the form of an informal coffee chat in the career office or a more casual conversation over drinks at Harden’s. Since those types of interactions were most impactful for me, I hope to facilitate similar opportunities for future students.
Ashiqa Panjwani
Email
City: Queens, NY
Undergraduate School:
Cornell University
Major/Minor:
Industrial and Labor Relations: Inequality Studies, Law and Society, and History of Capitalism
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I’m really interested in meeting new people and representing the Wake Forest MSBA program. Additionally, I’ve moved around a lot of places and done a lot of programs so I understand the importance of having someone to guide you especially in an informal setting. Being able to guide someone and mentor them has always been a source of personal joy for me as it brings me peace to give back to my community.
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
I chose to pursue an MSBA as I’m interested in learning more about data analytics and bridging the gap between that and business strategy. The MSBA program at Wake, specifically, interested me because it provided a lot of coursework which was meant to guide me through pivoting away from my undergraduate experience. Additionally, the real world experience which the practicum project provides is unmatched. Furthermore, I am able to pursue more real world projects through the center scholars program and consulting club (which I’m in the process of starting with Professor McKeen) is unmatched by any other program.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I think the most impactful part of my experience has been getting to know everyone and being involved in doing fundraising and event planning with Deacs for a Cure.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Chads Chai has my favorite environment and drinks (try the jitterbug, I don’t like matcha but it was very good)!
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
As a prospective Wake Forest Student Ambassador, I see a lot of exciting ways to engage future MSBA students by giving them an authentic feel for the program. I would love to help showcase real-world applications of analytics through mini workshops, case competition previews, and faculty-led demos that make the data-to-business connection come alive. I also think career-focused events like alumni panels, employer webinars, and LinkedIn or resume clinics are great opportunities to show how Wake Forest prepares students for meaningful outcomes. Just as important is building personal connections—whether that’s through student-led coffee chats, shadowing opportunities, or short-term mentoring, I’d be eager to share my own experiences and insights to help prospects feel welcome. On the marketing side, I’d highlight interactive dashboards, infographics, and student success stories to bring the program’s results to life. Social media is another powerful tool, and I’d enjoy contributing to content like “day in the life” posts, faculty spotlights, or fun analytics challenges to reach prospective students where they are. Finally, I’d help introduce them to Wake Forest’s community by inviting them into analytics club meetings, virtual mixers, and cultural events so they can see firsthand the collaborative and inclusive environment that makes our MSBA program unique.
Alyssa Pate
Email
City: Simpsonville, SC
Undergraduate School:
Furman University
Major/Minor:
Applied math major and minor in data analytics
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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In the same way that my ambassadors helped me, I would like to return the favor to future students. I want to become an ambassador because I want to share my experiences with prospective students and help them gain a clear understanding of the program and the community at Wake Forest. I also want to build relationships with the next class year because Alana and Ananya were able to help me when I needed to do an informational interview.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue the MSBA program at Wake Forest because of its strong academic reputation, supportive faculty, and the program’s emphasis on building business and technical skills. I was especially excited about the career coaching to help people like me build confidence with the job search.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience so far has been getting to know everyone in my class and having the opportunity to build relationships with them. I felt very homesick the first few weeks since I hadn’t lived outside of my hometown ever, but now I feel more comfortable and like I have found a good community.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Wise Man, because my roommate and I often go there for trivia nights on free Monday evenings. It’s a lot of fun, and the crowd is more relaxed compared to other locations. On campus, I really love the Founder’s Living Room; the glass walls are very nice and help make the business building feel warm and inviting.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
I think prospective students would benefit from more interactions with students in the program currently. I know that there are events and such for this, but I think the more interaction there is between different classes, the more it will help the incoming students feel more prepared for what they should expect in this program. Maybe host something like a networking event, but more like getting to know the program, not a panel.
Robert Alex Preston
Email
City: Woods Cross, UT
Undergraduate School:
Brigham Young University
Major/Minor:
Psychology / Business
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I think that it would be a fun way to share my experience and help others on their educational journey.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose to pursue the MSBA at Wake Forest because I felt like I would get a good education here, it was a good price, and because I felt like the values of Wake Forest most closely aligned to me both personally and professionally.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
That’s hard to answer. The career resources have been vary impactful and I would say just the connections and people I have met at WFU have been top notch and have impacted me greatly.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Another tough question. On campus I love Manchester Plaza, Wait Chapel, and the Reynolda House gardens. They’re just beautiful places and they’re lovely to be in.
In Winston-Salem I’d say McKay’s, Downtown, and the Bethabara Trail. Each of those just because I have fun memories involving each of those places.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
dinners, lunches, meetings, sending swag, campus visits (Setting up a booth at BYU’s Marriott School of Business would actually probably be pretty effective), social media, youtube videos (day in the life, what makes Wake unique (class wise and campus wise)), community projects that they can participate in (big or small) but on by the Wake School of Business or by the individual programs, contests.
Birgit Preuss
Email
City: Wilmington, NC
Undergraduate School:
Furman University
Major/Minor:
Politics and International Affairs, German Studies, Data Analytics minor
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I went to a boarding school in New Hampshire for highschool where I was an Admissions Ambassador and I really enjoyed it. I like connecting with perspective students and sharing why I enjoy the school or program. I have been having a great experience as part of the MSBA program so far and I want to be able to share that with people so that they are then also able to choose to have the same experience.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
After pursuing my minor in Data Analytics at Furman I realized how much I enjoyed working with data and wanted to continue enhancing those skills and pursue a career in that field. I also knew someone who did the program and had some insight on what it would be like. Lastly, I have always had an interest in being part of the Wake community.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
I believe the MSBA cohort is very close and we hang out all the time. I have really enjoyed making these friendships and it has allowed for good collaboration in our academics as well.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
I really like the innovation quarter in Winston Salem. I often go to a coffee shop there and do work, or to the breweries for a trivia night. I also enjoy couginos pizza and the area it is in.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
I think panels are very interesting and important because it allows students to hear first hand about the programs and students experiences.
Dario Santiago Lopez
Email
City: Wilmington, NC
Undergraduate School:
Wake Forest University
Major/Minor:
Computer Science/ Entrepreneurship
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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As a Double Deac, I think I would be a great fit since I’ve spent a lot of time here at Wake Forest. Therefore, I feel as if I am great at representing what the school has to offer. Additionally, I feel like I have great insight on what life is like as a student at Wake Forest. Lastly, I have already met with an undergraduate Computer Science major that Eric Haddleton set me up with to talk about my experience so far, and how it aligns with my Computer Science background. After our talk, she told me she would be applying for the MSBA program, so I feel like I have already embraced the Ambassador role.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship for the MSBA program which was the driving factor. I received the first portion of my scholarship after completing the SMP program during the summer of my sophomore year.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
So far, it has been the people. It has been an amazing experience to meet new friends, faculty, and staff that were not apart of my undergraduate experience. Even though it’s not my first time at Wake, it still feels like a fresh start, and new opportunity.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Cin Cin Burger bar because it was the first restaurant that I ate at off campus with my family, which was recommended to me from my freshman year hallmate who was from Winston. I also had my graduation lunch there because it felt nostalgic and the burgers are just amazing.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
None at the moment.
Christine Turnbull
Email
City: Atlanta, GA
Undergraduate School:
Wake Forest University
Major/Minor:
Major: Business and Enterprise Management w/ Concentration in International Business | Minors: Global Trade and Commerce Studies & Japanese Language and Culture
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I am interested because of the tour I received from an MSBA ambassador when I was considering Wake for grad school. I got to go to class with Elijah Campbell and eat lunch with him and MacKeenie Robinson. They were two amazing individuals who really made me decide to come through highlighting how the program can allow me to achieve my dreams. I’d like to be that person for someone, hence why I am interested.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I decided to pursue the MSBA program at Wake because I felt that my undergraduate degree, albeit giving me broad knowledge of business, didn’t necessarily prepare me to be a stand-out candidate in the job market. This coupled with what I felt were lacking technical skills, I decided to go to grad school to work on these areas. I chose Wake because I have friends in other Masters programs, and because I wouldn’t have to move across state lines.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of the program thus far for me has been the people. I have met some wonderful individuals whom I have connected with super quickly. They make me feel excited to come to school and really help foster a welcoming community for other MSBA students on campus. Although not am experience, I feel that the people make or break how one remembers their experience in the program, and I can confidently say that the friends I have made in the MSBA program will help me remember my MSBA experience as a positive one.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots in Winston-Salem is Chad’s Chai, located in the Arts District in Downtown. They have high quality, affordably priced drinks and a lovely cafe with amazing ambiance. My other favorite spot in Winston-Salem is a restaurant called Pho and Sushi on Stratford. Though the building is a little run down and the interior is dated, the owner, who I have gotten to know over the years, is always so kind and welcoming, making jokes whenever I come to eat. Not to mention the absolutely fantastic pho she serves at a very reasonable price.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
I think posting on social media in a trendy format would be great. Maybe a day in the life or my ____ routine as an msba student.
Jose Antonio Vega
Email
City: Wilmington, NC
Undergraduate School:
University of North Carolina Wilmington
Major/Minor:
Business Administration
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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I got the experience to have someone give me a tour of Farrell Hall which is something I want to give back and new students.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
The admissions office gave me a welcoming that I had never seen.
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
Being able to work in a team and also having a support group from the professors.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
Soccer.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
What do you guys do to ensure upcoming candidates feel welcomed.
Junqian Isaac Wang
Email
City: Xi’an, China
Undergraduate School:
University of Tulsa
Major/Minor:
Computer information systems minor: business analytics
Why are you interested in becoming a Graduate Admissions Ambassador?
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Firstly, before I joined Wake Forest, I had the chance to speak with Shae Yu, a Class of 2024 Graduate Admissions Ambassador. She shared valuable insights about the program, professional development, and the job search process, which really helped me adapt to graduate school life. That experience inspired me to give back by sharing my own journey with prospective students and helping them feel more confident about their decision to choose Wake forest program.
Secondly, during my junior year at the University of Tulsa, I served as a student group leader during Fall Orientation. I introduced new students to the university’s academic resources, campus facilities, and cultural activities. It was a valueable special experience, and I would love to continue building those kinds of connections at the graduate level, while also learning how graduate engagement differs from undergraduate leadership.
Why did you choose to pursue the MSM / MSBA / MSA at Wake Forest?
I chose Wake Forest University because of its outstanding reputation, but more importantly, because the program integrates practical application with technical training. The curriculum goes beyond classroom theory—it feels like a true graduate-level program designed to develop the skills needed to analyze and apply data in real-world contexts. I also value the small class sizes and personalized learning environment, which align closely with my undergraduate experience at a small private university. At Wake Forest, I look forward to engaging closely with professors and benefiting from their deep expertise. In addition, one of my high school classmates completed her undergraduate degree at Wake Forest and strongly recommended the School of Business to me. She shared many insights about the campus culture and its supportive community, which gave me even more confidence that Wake Forest is the ideal place for me to continue my studies..
What has been the most impactful part of your program experience so far?
The most impactful part of my experience so far has been the Career Management course with Professor Sally Perez-Ramos. As an international student, I’ve benefited greatly from her great advice and the resources she provided to help me navigate career opportunities in the U.S. In addition, the school’s events and workshops have been very valuable—they’ve given me, as a new graduate student, exposure to different career paths and practical strategies for planning my professional development.
What is one of your favorite spots on campus or in Winston Salem and why?
One of my favorite spots on campus is the study room in Farrell Hall. It’s a quiet and comfortable place that works well and efficiently for both individual study and group teamwork, which makes it perfect for collaborating on projects with classmates.
Please share any ideas you may have about how to engage with prospective students:
Especially for international students, I believe the most effective way to engage prospective students is to focus on what truly matters to them—understanding their goals and what they want to gain from graduate school. That means listening carefully to their concerns, whether it’s career outcomes, the academic environment, or the sense of community, and then sharing authentic stories from my own experience that connect to those interests.
I would also highlight the resources that support student success, such as career management guidance, networking opportunities, and the benefits of small class sizes. For international students in particular, the smaller cohort creates a welcoming and supportive environment that makes it easier to adapt to American university life, build confidence in the classroom, and form meaningful conversation with professors and peers.
