Students connect with classmates, FIU Chapman faculty and staff, alumni and advisory board members during the networking portion of Chapman Launchpad.
The FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business welcomed its newest class on August 11 at Chapman Launchpad, an event designed to prepare incoming graduate business students for their journey at one of Miami’s leading business schools.
From the start, students were directly connected to the FIU Business community, hearing from faculty and accomplished alumni, meeting classmates who will become part of their professional networks, and discovering how earning a graduate degree at Chapman extends well beyond the classroom.
The Launchpad Experience
Angel Burgos (left), executive director of graduate programs at the FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business, and William G. Hardin III (right), dean of FIU Business, welcome incoming graduate students.
The evening began with a warm welcome from William G. Hardin III, dean of FIU Business, and Angel Burgos, executive director of graduate programs at the FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business.
Together, they introduced students to a business school shaped by decades of growth, innovation and a commitment to expanding access to graduate business education in Miami and South Florida.
FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business launched its first online course in 1998, positioning the school as an early adopter of online business education. Today, Chapman’s graduate business community represents more than 90 countries, with students learning from more than 160 scholars and business leaders from 38 nationalities.
John Nykolaiszyn (left), director of the Office of Business Career Management at FIU Business, speaks to incoming graduate students as attendees (right) listen to the presentation.
Following the welcome, John Nykolaiszyn, director of the Office of Business Career Management, introduced students to the career development resources available to them throughout their graduate studies at FIU Chapman.
Through the Office of Business Career Management, graduate students have access to career planning, professional networking guidance, internship and job opportunities, interview preparation, resume support, career fairs and opportunities for direct connections with employers.
That emphasis on career readiness reflects a larger part of the Chapman experience: giving students opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom into professional growth within South Florida’s international business community.
Connecting with the FIU Business Community
Alumni panelists Raul Duarte, Luis Fernandez, Victoria Durkin, Andrew Yanez, Sharon Fine and Stefania Herrera (left to right) share their experiences and insights with incoming graduate students.
One of the highlights of Chapman Launchpad was an alumni panel featuring accomplished graduates Luis Fernandez, Victoria Durkin, Andrew Yanez, Sharon Fine, Stefania Herrera and Raul Duarte.
The panel brought students face-to-face with members of the FIU Business community who have built careers across a variety of industries and remain connected to the university through their involvement with the FIU Business MBA Advisory Board.
Panelists shared perspectives from their careers, reflected on their experiences, and offered advice to students as they begin graduate school and prepare for the professional opportunities that can follow it.
Their presence also demonstrated one of Chapman’s greatest strengths: a network that continues long after graduation. Across Miami, South Florida and beyond, FIU Business alumni have become executives, entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders in a broad range of industries.
Students build connections throughout the networking session, meeting classmates within their programs (center) and engaging with alumni and MBA Advisory Board members Andrew Yanez and Raul Duarte (right).
Following the alumni panel, the evening transitioned into a networking reception, where students met classmates from their own cohorts and other FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business programs while connecting with alumni, advisory board members, faculty and others from the FIU Business community.
The classmate sitting next to them today could become a future colleague, business partner or lifelong friend, while a conversation with an alumnus could lead to mentorship, career advice or an opportunity years later.
Launchpad gave students an early opportunity to begin building the relationships and professional network that will remain part of their Chapman experience and long after graduation.
Built on a legacy of momentum
The students joining FIU Chapman enter a graduate business school with a growing national and international presence.
FIU is ranked No. 1 in the nation for upward economic mobility by U.S. News & World Report, while Chapman programs continue to earn national recognition. The Online Master of Science in International Real Estate ranks No. 1 in the nation by Forbes Advisor, the International MBA No. 5 among public universities by U.S. News & World Report and the Professional MBA Online No. 5 in the U.S. by QS World University Rankings. QS also ranks Chapman’s Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management No. 6 in the U.S. and its Master of Science in Marketing No. 9 in the U.S.
But rankings tell only part of the story.
Chapman’s growth has been driven by the students, faculty, alumni and business leaders who have built its community over the years. Each incoming class adds something new to that legacy.
The event may be new, but the idea behind it is connected to FIU Chapman’s mission: giving ambitious professionals the education, relationships and opportunities they need to move forward.
Chapman’s newest graduate students began that journey at Launchpad. They left with new classmates, new connections and a better understanding of the community standing behind them.
At FIU Chapman, they will continue building the knowledge, networks and business acumen to become the next generation of Miami’s business leaders and make an impact across South Florida and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
What graduate business programs does FIU offer in Miami?
The FIU Chapman Graduate School of Business offers MBA, specialized master’s and doctoral programs in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, information systems, international business, human resource management, logistics and supply chain management, real estate, healthcare and sports management. Programs are offered online, hybrid and in-person formats. These graduate business programs in Miami are designed to prepare professionals for opportunities across South Florida and the global business community.
What is the graduate student experience like at FIU Chapman?
The graduate student experience at FIU Chapman combines business education with career development, professional networking, faculty expertise and connections to alumni and business leaders. Events such as Chapman Launchpad give new graduate business students opportunities to begin building those relationships from the start of their programs.
How does FIU Chapman support business career development in Miami?
For students seeking business career development in Miami, FIU Business Career Management provides resources including career planning, resume and interview preparation, internship and job opportunities, career fairs, networking guidance and connections with employers. Chapman students also benefit from studying within the broader South Florida business community.
Why pursue graduate business education in South Florida?
Pursuing graduate business education in South Florida places students within a diverse international economy spanning finance, technology, real estate, logistics, healthcare, marketing, hospitality, sports and international commerce. FIU Chapman gives graduate students opportunities to build relationships within that community while earning their degree.
How is FIU Chapman ranked among graduate business schools?
FIU Chapman is a nationally recognized business school in Miami, with graduate programs and faculty earning top rankings across several disciplines. FIU Business ranks No.1 in the world for real estate research productivity, while its Online Master of Science in International Real Estate ranks No. 1 in the U.S. Its International MBA ranks No. 5 among public universities, its Online MBA No. 5 in the U.S., its Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management No. 6 and its Master of Science in Marketing No. 9.