Oliver Fairnington, MSF
Which program are you the ambassador for?
MS in Finance (MSF)
Tell us about yourself.
I'm an international student from Edinburgh, Scotland. I studied geography at university in the UK before spending a year working in Washington, D.C., where I discovered a strong interest in financial systems and their role in business. After beginning to gain some experience in the industry, I'm now excited to pursue a master’s in finance to broaden my knowledge.
Why did you pursue your program, and why did you choose George Mason University?
The year I lived and worked in Washington, D.C., George Mason University frequently came up in conversation with colleagues and professionals who were passionate alumni. Their positive experiences and the strong alumni network I observed in the DMV made George Mason a standout choice for me.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
In my free time, I'm a keen sportsman playing and watching tennis, football (soccer), rugby, and cricket. I’m also a bit of a coffee enthusiast, having worked in cafes throughout most of my undergraduate studies.
What are the highlights of your experience so far?
From the very beginning, George Mason provided extensive support with webinars introducing the program, one-on-one meetings with admissions counselors, and opportunities to connect with current students. The admissions and orientation process made me excited about my program and helped me prepare for everyday life at George Mason.
What goals do you have for the future?
My goal for the future is to build a career in finance that contributes to developing financial strategies for global organizations. I am especially interested in roles that offer the opportunity to work across both the U.S. and European markets.
Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates for your program?
Take full advantage of the resources provided by George Mason and don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help. Everyone is incredibly supportive and happy to lend a helping hand!
Khaled Alkurd, MSA
Which program are you the ambassador for?
Master of Science in Accounting (MSA)
Tell us about yourself.
I am a dedicated student and a proud “double Patriot” within George Mason’s Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program. Once I transition to the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), I plan to focus on specialized courses designated (AA) and (F) to obtain the dual concentration in accounting analytics and forensic accounting.
Why did you pursue your program, and why did you choose George Mason University?
I chose this specific academic path because the accelerated master's program allows me to build a deep, specialized foundation for my career efficiently. My goal is to become a CPA, and the MSA program—particularly with its dual concentrations in accounting analytics and forensic accounting—provides the exact expertise I need to excel where data analysis and fraud detection are paramount.
George Mason University's convenient location in Fairfax, Virginia, AACSB accreditation, and strong faculty are all reasons why I decided to pursue this program. The long-standing relationships that George Mason University has cultivated over the years have resulted in it earning the #1 rank for Internships in Virginia and a top 20 national ranking, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I enjoy exploring the local hiking trails in Northern Virginia and finding ways to give back through volunteering with organizations whose mission is centered on social good.
What are the highlights of your experience so far?
The inspiring faculty at George Mason and the many opportunities available to students make spending time on campus rewarding and enjoyable.
What goals do you have for the future?
My immediate goals include staying engaged in my courses and participating in campus activities.
I plan to continue my research on: To what extent can a user-centric, public-facing data platform—built upon a novel, standardized dataset that quantifies community impact geospatially and longitudinally—accelerate the velocity of funding, profitability for cause-based organizations?
I will build on the experiences had and knowledge gained and pursue an MBA. My goal from completing an MBA is to expand my perspective on the meaning of impact in business.
Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates for your program?
Attend events; you never know what opportunities they may provide. Your program will go by quickly, so to get the most value, I recommend engaging beyond the classroom by attending events, and exploring options early.
Don't hesitate to connect with your resources here at George Mason and set ambitious goals. Securing internships before graduation may result in a full-time return offer before graduating with your degree, and the internship is the key to achieving this goal.
Develop your 'why' and find out what type of work interests you most by attending workshops, case studies, 'meet the firm' sessions, and obtaining internships. This will enable you to understand better which roles will be a better fit for your work style and preferences.
Know your 'Why': Be very clear in your application about why you want an MSA and why GMU is the right fit. Connect your career aspirations to the unique strengths of the Costello College of Business, such as its specialized concentrations, faculty, or the BAM program itself.
Leverage the strengths that are available to you, George Mason University was ranked #1 in Virginia for Internships according to U.S. News & World Report. Completing one or more internships prior to graduation will accelerate your visibility to employers and provide you with hands-on training in roles of interest.
Gabriela Nazario, MSM
Which program are you the ambassador for?
MS in Management (MSM)
Tell us about yourself
My name is Gabriela Nazario, and I am in my second year of completing my MSM program. I am expected to graduate this coming May of 2026.
I am currently pursuing the human resource and human capital management graduate certificate.
I completed my undergraduate degree from GMU in 2017 in health administration and policy concentrating in health systems management. I worked a total of 9 years in the related field prior to doing a career transition into aerospace defense government contracting industry. It was in this industry that I decided to pursue a graduate degree and return to GMU.
On my downtime I enjoy exploring new parks with my husband and Miniature Schnauzers.
Why did you pursue your program, and why did you choose George Mason University?
I chose my program because the MBA program was a tad intimidating at the time given I had been out of school for various years. Looking back, I should have applied to the program. I am incredibly happy in the MSM program, but will most likely go for my MBA next. I chose GMU because of the incredible experience I had for my undergraduate studies and its proximity to my home. The dynamic and outlook that the university has on diversity and inclusion was also a major deciding factor for me.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I am adopted from Colombia.
What are the highlights of your experience so far?
Everyone’s kindness and willingness to help. I went to the grad bus office in Fairfax and needed assistance finding a building. I only asked to be pointed in the right direction—they went above and beyond and walked me outside and began walking me in the right direction. It’s going above the expectations and doing it with complete kindness.
What goals do you have for the future?
My immediate goals are to graduate the program with a 4.0 and make an impact with incoming and current students within the program and university.
My future goals include working for a U.S. embassy somewhere in the world. I would like to
continue seeking challenges that grow me professionally whether that be in
academia or in professional projects.
I would like to be a VP or SVP of human resource and human capital management
or at least be working toward an executive level role.
Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates for your program?
Don’t be afraid to aim high even if you are tackling a new field of study or returning to academics after being in the workforce for years. As long as one is ambitious and disciplined, a student can make anything happen and work for themselves.
Bo Galles, MRED
Which program are you the ambassador for?
MS in Real Estate Development (MRED)
Tell us about yourself.
I am a retail broker with KLNB and focus on pad sites and new construction retail projects. I grew up both in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. I live in Old Town Alexandria and am finishing my first year in the MRED program.
Why did you pursue your program, and why did you choose George Mason University?
I decided to pursue the MRED program to learn more about the market, strengthen and grow my network, and learn more about the different disciplines that go into a real estate development.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
I play in a cornhole league in Arlington and won the championship last year.
What are the highlights of your experience so far?
My highlight so far has been growing friendships with classmates. Class sizes aren’t too big, so you are able to get to know the other students very well.
What goals do you have for the future?
I would like to work on larger developments and eventually become a stakeholder.
Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates for your program?
I would join NAIOP and/or other trade organizations and attend as many events as possible.
Sahithi Mummalaneni, MSBA
Which program are you the ambassador for?
MS in Business Analytics (MSBA)
Tell us about yourself.
I started at George Mason University in May 2025. During my time at George Mason, I developed a strong interest in business analytics, particularly in the areas of finance and data modeling. I’ve always had a passion for statistics and problem-solving, and I’m excited to continue expanding my skills in this field.
After completing my undergraduate degree, I was unsure about my exact career path and felt that pursuing a master’s in business analytics would give me the opportunity to gain the technical expertise and tools I need before entering the job market.
Outside of academics, I’m very involved in the community. I teach dance, which has been a huge part of my life since I was 4. Dance has taught me so much about discipline and creativity, and I love sharing that with others. I also enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, trying new recipes from cookbooks or even combining elements from different cuisines to create something unique. Food is a passion of mine, and I love exploring new restaurants and food places in the area.
Why did you pursue your program, and why did you choose George Mason University?
I chose to pursue business analytics because I’ve always had a strong interest in statistics and data interpretation. The idea of analyzing data to uncover insights and drive business decisions really excites me. During my undergraduate studies, I also developed a passion for finance, and I saw how analytics plays a key role in improving financial outcomes for businesses. This combination of interests led me to business analytics as the perfect way to bridge my skills in data analysis with my passion for finance.
When it came to choosing where to continue my studies, George Mason University stood out to me for several reasons. The business analytics program at George Mason offers courses that incorporate the latest trends, tools, and technologies, which are crucial for preparing students for today’s fast-evolving job market. The up-to-date syllabus ensures that I’m learning not just theory, but practical skills that are immediately applicable in the workplace. The curriculum’s emphasis on real-world scenarios and data-driven decision-making makes it an ideal fit for anyone who wants to be at the forefront of the analytics field.
Another reason I chose to return to George Mason was because of the strong sense of community I experienced as an undergraduate student. I loved being part of a supportive and collaborative environment where students, professors, and alumni were all invested in each other’s success. The George Mason community is incredibly welcoming and diverse, and that positive experience made me excited to return for my graduate studies. I knew that coming back to George Mason would not only provide me with excellent academic resources but also a network of peers and mentors who truly care about helping one another succeed.
Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?
An interesting fact about me is that I’ve been a trained dancer since I was 4 years old. I’ve studied classical Indian dance as well as other styles like hip hop and contemporary, which has given me a strong appreciation for the artistic side of movement. I was also the former captain of a dance team at George Mason, which was an amazing experience that allowed me to lead and collaborate with some incredibly talented individuals.
When I’m not dancing, I love to travel, especially to national parks, where I can explore nature and unwind. I also enjoy cooking in my free time, trying out new recipes and experimenting with flavors often from different cuisines.
What are the highlights of your experience so far?
One of the highlights of my experience so far has been the opportunity to interact with the faculty and fellow students, especially during orientation. It was a great way to break the ice and start building connections. I really appreciated how approachable the faculty members were, and their willingness to share insights about the program and field. The orientation also gave me a chance to meet peers who share similar interests, which has already made the transition smoother and more enjoyable. It's been fantastic to feel welcomed into such a collaborative and supportive environment right from the start.
What goals do you have for the future?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my skills in business analytics, especially because it’s such a broad and adaptable field with applications across a wide range of industries. My primary interest lies in finance, where I’m eager to dive deeper into building models and analyzing data to forecast trends. I find the process of transforming complex data into insights that can guide financial decisions to be both challenging and rewarding.
In addition to finance, I’m also interested in exploring the healthcare sector, particularly when it comes to managing finances in this space. The healthcare industry presents unique challenges, such as balancing cost-efficiency with the need for high-quality care, and I’m fascinated by how data analytics can play a role in improving financial decision-making while ensuring better patient outcomes.
Do you have any advice for aspiring candidates for your program?
For anyone aspiring to join the business analytics program, my advice would be to embrace curiosity and a willingness to learn. This field is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt to new technologies, tools, and data trends is crucial. Don’t be intimidated by the complexity of data, view it as a puzzle that, when solved, can lead to valuable insights that can drive business success.
Also, make sure to focus on both the technical and business sides of analytics. While learning programming languages and statistical models is important, understanding how to apply those skills to real-world business challenges is equally essential. Develop a strong foundation in problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Being able to explain complex data findings to non-technical stakeholders is a key skill in this field.
Finally, take advantage of the opportunities for networking and collaboration that the program offers. Build relationships with professors, industry professionals, and your peers. The connections you make will not only help you grow academically but will also open doors for future career opportunities.