Fulfilling a Dream in Ireland

 

A trip to Ireland with UAlbany's School of Business literally put the world of international finance within reach for recent graduate Kate Finkbeiner.

"The trip opened my eyes to how the world functions," said Finkbeiner. "Sometimes we as Americans think that we are the only game in town � being shown how other countries deal with commerce and business was pretty amazing."

Finkbeiner took advantage of the opportunity to go abroad for her International Business class.

"I believed that in addition to being a great experience, it would differentiate me from other students in the MBA program when I look for a job in the future. To go to Dublin was a dream." Finkbeiner earned her MBA from UAlbany in May.

In Dublin she met UAlbany Associate Professor Rita Biswas, who teaches international finance and business. After her return to the U.S., Finkbeiner conducted advanced research with Biswas.

It was a perfect fit.

"When talking to Rita, I feel more like a friend than I do as strictly as student. We have shared laughter and tears about personal and professional things. I gained a mentor and a friend," Finkbeiner said.

A native of Perrysburg, Ohio, Finkbeiner moved to the Capital Region from Boston with her husband, Neil, an engineer at General Electric Co.

Working with Finkbeiner was "very inspiring," said Biswas, who moved to the U.S. from India 25 years ago and joined UAlbany in 1990. "Katie doesn't shirk from hard work, she doesn't cut corners, and most important, she is always upbeat."

"She just has a great outlook on life and is forging ahead," said Biswas, who appreciates the School's commitment to educating women in business. "This is why I just love UAlbany and my department."

While studying at UAlbany's evening MBA program, Finkbeiner worked fulltime for Applied Industrial Technologies in Albany, where she is a customer sales and service representative supervisor."The confidence I have gained while in the MBA program has benefited not only me but the company I work for. It is a win-win," she said.

School of Business Dean Don Siegel recently praised the MBA program for its exemplary work with female students saying it gets "maximum return on our human capital," while The Princeton Review has ranked UAlbany in the Top 10 in the nation in terms of the opportunities provided to female students in the MBA program.

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