Becoming a…Leader

Gaby Delgado Almada

BS in Business Administration Alumni, Master of Business Administration Student

CSML at Alliant International University

Q: What inspired you to pursue this degree program?

A: When the pandemic hit in March 2020, I was left unemployed and with one more class to fulfill my associates degree. It felt like destiny, my last in-campus class at my community college we had Professor Saba and another Alliant Rep come to our class and introduce the fast-paced BSBA-MBA program opportunity in Alliant. I sat on the idea for months, as I sat unemployed with limited career opportunities because my job experience (Restaurant Manager/Hospitality) was an industry struggling during the pandemic. As the job search continued, I was more and more convinced that a degree was necessary to back me up in the industry, to show that I am good in operations for any business, that I do not only have the experience and drive, but also the education and theory for it. With the pandemic I was forced to take a pause, evaluate my life choices and choose a new path, and Alliant was the best opportunity, with classes offered in the afternoon, online, and moving at 2 classes per 8-week term, the choice seemed obvious, the opportunity to complete my education and pursue new career choices was going to be made possible thanks to Alliant.

Q: Describe the most rewarding parts of your student experience so far. 

A: The fast paced and flexible environment, the teachers with actual jobs in what they teach, and the people I have met. The classes have been very goal oriented because they move by so fast, which fits my work and lifestyle. The professors in the Alliant community, at least most of them, teach classes and theory based on their own careers, which has given me and my classmates some real-life theory, insights and practice assignments.

Q: Share your advice for new students on how to be successful in the program.

A: Do it, take the opportunity, go for it. Be transparent with your professors, ask them for help and insight, they have so much experience and willingness to share. Also all of my classmates are working adults, they have so much to share as well, and the classes can be managed even if you work.

Q: What impact do you hope to make through the work you do?

A: My hope is to be versatile and adaptable in any business environment.  With the education and experience, the hope is to find a company, or multiple companies, even be a coach on leadership and good business practices. Going from a restaurant/hospitality environment to a medical manufacturer/production line type of business you learn to appreciate what works well in any type of team regardless of the task. The key is in your leadership style, your direction, your empathy and understanding of what is needed of you from your team to complete any tasks. Thank you Alliant International University and California School of Leadership and Management for preparing me for the world out there.