FIU Business students have had the opportunity to visit New York City, tour its leading companies, and engage with some of the world’s finest financial minds, thanks to FIU alumni Eric and Sandra Maldonado.
Eric (BBA ’86) and Sandi (BS ’89) Maldonado, now based in New York, created the Global Scholars Program, an introduction to the elements of career success in a global business capital.
Eric is a graduate of the College of Business, an FIU Business Hall of Fame inductee and a successful New York businessman. Sandi, an alumnus of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, has a strong track record as a successful home decor entrepreneur. Their gift funds travel costs for outstanding business students whose academic and professional records demonstrate strong potential for successful careers.
“What motivated us was the desire to increase the awareness of opportunities in New York City for graduating FIU business students,” Eric Maldonado said. “We also wanted to give students real visibility to world-class businesses, to help them make their career goals more tangible. Finally, we wanted to help them realize the power of the FIU alumni network, which they will be part of going forward.”
The first Global Scholars program took place in April 2016. Ten students, chosen from a group of over 150 applicants, arrived in New York prepared for a whirlwind four-day tour of the financial capital, including visits to the NASDAQ, BNY Mellon, Citibank, mutual fund leader BlackRock, and Markit, where they met Eric Maldonado.
Students participated in extensive research and career preparation prior to the trip to prepare for the demanding pace of New York.
At the conclusion of the corporate visits, students had the opportunity to mingle with alumni, including Sandi Maldonado, at FIU’s Worlds Ahead reception.
For the ten students on the trip, the experience was a revelation. Most had never been to New York City; some had never been on an airplane. Each student left New York fascinated with the pulse and opportunity of the city, and determined to spend at least part of their career there. The trip also launched networking relationships that students hope to build into internships and jobs.
“Our students got a sense of what it really takes to live, work and achieve in one of the financial capitals of the world,” said John Nykolaiszyn, director of the college’s Career Management Services office, who helped prepare students for the trip. “This scholarship validates the achievements of our high-performing students, and also challenges them to work hard to prepare for their futures.”