Q&A with Nour

What does a typical day look like for you during the semester?
I have three in person classes this semester, two on Mondays and Wednesdays, and one on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I usually come into the office around 10 am and work for a few hours until my classes start. After class, I either come back to the office and work some more or go back home.

What has your journey at MSU Denver been like?
My journey has been hard and rewarding at the same time. The first few years on campus I was struggling and balancing working two jobs with a full load of classes. There were times I was working 7 days a week just to save up. I have had my share of interesting classes and met very lovely professors along the way. The most rewarding part of my journey here has been my exposure to the College of Business’s faculty and staff whom I’ve learned a lot from and grown very fond of.

What are you passionate about within business?
My path towards business was rough. Growing up, I never knew what I wanted to do with my life, and to be honest, I still don’t have a clue. I found comfort in studying business because of its versatility. I talked to a lot of people and listened to good advice that led me to majoring in global business knowing that whatever I decide to work in after college, my degree would be an asset either way.

What are your future career plans?
This is a question I ask myself daily and as of right now, my plans still aren’t clear. I dream of working in an industry that aligns with my values and that I’m really passionate about. For me, that shows up in industries like film, music, entertainment, and marketing. Now that graduation is coming up, it seems like my answer has to be formulated rather quickly, but I’m still trying to be patient with myself and accept that this confusion is also part of the journey and that no path you take is irreversible.

What clubs, organizations, or events have you enjoyed the most at MSU Denver? 
So far, I’ve really enjoyed working with the College of Business because part of my job is attending most campus events and that alone is very fun. Every year, our Marketing department puts on an Outstanding Student Awards Banquet, and every year for the past four years, I’ve helped organize and plan that event. It’s something we all look forward to and it’s a really fun way to celebrate everyone’s achievements.

What advice would you give to new business students?
My advice would be to try different things. College is about figuring out what you do best and what you like doing, and venturing outside the required classes for whatever major you pick is a huge part in helping you figure out your path. I would also say take people’s advice with a grain of salt and always remember to follow your heart. Sometimes, the path you wish to take might not be the one most encouraged, but if you know deep down that’s what you want, always go for it.

What’s something that you wish you knew before you started college?
I wish I would have had more sessions with advisors. Starting college, I was lazy with my course load and ended up taking longer to graduate than I needed to. I also wish I could have known that self-confidence and esteem go really far, and you can do anything you set your mind on. I was a completely different person 4 years ago, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that a college isn’t simply a class and some assignments, it’s a huge list of resources like faculty, students organizations, clubs, networking events, and career services etc., all at your disposal.

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the College of Business at MSU Denver?
I love how much knowledge I’ve gained through meeting and working with the faculty here. I also love the relationships I have with everyone and how close I feel to the professors than most other students do. I’ve spent half a decade here almost and these people have seen me grow through a lot of harsh phases of my life. I feel blessed to be part of the College of Business and I know the friendships I’ve made here will last me a lifetime.