"A couple of the biggest takeaways from my time at CBU are to always act with integrity and that success is not congruent to a large salary, or prestige, but serving God and delighting in Him."
Quick Facts
Program: B.S. in Business Administration
Concentration: Management
Graduation Year: 2010
Current Job Title: Business Systems Analyst
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Current City: Moreno Valley, CA
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I chose this major because it seemed like a well-rounded major that could be applied
to many different industries and professions. Though I did not aspire to be a manager
or anything of the sort, I understood that a solid understanding of business fundamentals
would be valuable in any job I desired.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
There are several things that made being a part of this program a joy. One thing that
stands out is learning how to be a leader from a biblical perspective. There are plenty
of examples of great leadership inside of Scripture and it was enlightening and encouraging
to learn how to apply the leadership strategies gleaned from Scripture in to my day-to-day
dealings in a practical fashion.
Another thing I value greatly about my time in this program is the long-lasting relationships I established with my colleagues. The collaboration required for many of the projects and assignments I worked on paved the way to friendships that I cherish greatly.
What did you think about your professors?
My professors were very knowledgeable, and all had real-world experience that allowed
them to provide practical, relevant insight pertaining to their fields of expertise.
I was also encouraged to see that my professors were great examples of how to succeed
out in the world without compromising faith or integrity.
Did you complete an internship?
I completed an internship at Riverside City Hall in the IT department my senior year.
Over the course of my internship I shadowed IT technicians to learn how they support
workers at City Hall as well as remote sites such as fire stations, police stations,
and other public facilities. I also spent time with the IT manager noting his leadership
style and how it affected his employees.
How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while in this program at CBU?
I grew tremendously during my time at CBU. This program helped me understand the value
of having a strong work ethic, the value of surrounding yourself with mature, wise
people (colleagues and coworkers alike), and the value of striving to honor God with
my work (schoolwork and job responsibilities). I also grew in learning how to plan,
strategize, adapt and collaborate.
Did your major help you figure out your purpose?
Yes, I believe God has used this program to provide me with skills that I use to glorify
Him. The teachings, strategies and work ethic that I’ve gained from this program are
being put to use on a daily basis. The lessons I’ve learned and people I’ve met during my time at CBU are invaluable.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
Since graduating, God has blessed me with a beautiful wife (inside and out), as well
as several jobs in the information technology field, with each job requiring more
responsibility and stretching me a bit more than the previous. I have also participated
in mission trips and other outreach events with my church.
How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
A couple of the biggest takeaways from my time at CBU are to always act with integrity
and that success is not congruent to a large salary, or prestige, but serving God
and delighting in Him. These fundamental takeaways have prepared me for life by helping
me to work my hardest at work and at home, seek His kingdom, and trust that God will
take care of me and my wife however He sees fit.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
In a basic sense, I learned my work ethic and study habits from CBU, and those have
poured into my professional career, given that I am continuously learning and trying
to sharpen my skills.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I am making a difference and living my purpose by putting God’s kingdom first.