MSBA Class of 2018 Job Placement: Justin Lerma

If you are a current senior or recent college graduate wondering if the MSBA program is right for you or how it can help enhance your undergraduate degree, keep reading!

Justin Lerma, MSBA '18, has accepted a job as a Acquisition Consultant and Strategic Data Analyst for ASI Government. Below, Justin shares his experiences in the program, and how it helped him find his career:

Q: Why did you choose the MSBA Program? 

I always enjoyed the business classes I took throughout undergrad. After sustaining an injury that sidelined my performance career, I considered getting an MBA and met with another CUA faculty member, Frederic Sautet, to get his thoughts. Frederic recommended the MSBA program, explained the differences between both degrees, and stressed the importance of understanding the fundamentals of business.

After meeting with Stew McHie and Marykate Conroy, I felt the MSBA would give me a firm foundation in business, but more importantly, I had a sense that both were genuinely interested in my growth as a professional and person. It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Q: What company will you be working for, and what will your title be? 

I am an Acquisition Consultant and Strategic Data Analyst for ASI Government.

Q: How did you get interested in this type of work?

While I was completing the program I worked as a contract specialist for the National Science Foundation. From my time in the Navy, I was familiar with Federal Acquisition Regulations and contracts, but at NSF, I was able to be involved in the federal contract process from beginning to end. Through this progression, I gained great respect for transparency in financial reporting and fairness in contract awarding. When this opportunity came up, I knew I’d be an ideal fit for the team, and, so far, I’ve had a great time.

Q: What from the program stands out specifically that you think helped prepare you for a career in this field? 

This was answered in the previous question but again, the program stresses curiosity. It is the most necessary quality in a professional and has to be with how competitive the world is today.

Q: Can you recall a favorite memory from the program?

Oh man, I have a lot of favorites. The highlights include the Army/Navy jokes with Herb Shatzen, Rob Warren’s accounting classes, interacting with Dawn Carpenter, hearing Harvey Seegers’ stories, all the laughs, and the incredible support from every professor and staff member.