When Julian Bovasso ’13, ’15 MBA was considering graduate programs nearly two years ago, Johnson & Wales University — his alma mater — was at the top of the list. He had an amazing experience as an undergrad at the North Miami Campus and knew that the university could help him take his career to the next level. However, he had an enviable job with the Miami Heat in his field of sports/entertainment/event management, managing the retail operations of all of the team’s stands and locations, and he thought that a move to Providence and towards his educational goals meant he would have to put his career on hold. Julian found a solution in the JWU College of Professional Studies (formerly College of Online Education). Read below on how the online MBA program and the encouragement of a fellow JWU alum and friend, Michelle Meehan ’13, ’15 MBA, allowed him to pursue his MBA and career at the same time.
Why did you decide to attend JWU as an undergrad?
‘I chose to attend Johnson & Wales for undergrad for numerous reasons: the smaller class sizes, the personal one-on-one attention you received from professors, as well as the numerous opportunities that presented themselves to SEE majors in the South Florida area.’
Describe your study abroad experience in Australia, including how you met and became friends with fellow JWU alum Michelle Meehan.
‘Studying abroad in Australia was one of the best experiences I could have ever imagined. For over a month my classmates and I explored and studied our way though Melbourne and Sydney, while visiting some of the greatest sporting venues and historical landmarks in the world including the Melbourne Cricket Grounds as well as the Sydney Opera House. Michelle and I became good friends though wanting to experience more of what the cities had to offer after our daily site visits and coursework ended.’
Why did you decide to return to JWU and pursue your MBA?
‘JWU was starting to offer an MBA online program at the same time I was contemplating a move to Providence to pursue a graduate degree. After much deliberation, it seemed like the right fit at the right time to continue my education with JWU, as well as being able to continue and progress my career with the Miami Heat.’
Describe you online-learning experience.
‘Managing a full course load as well as a full-time job was no easy task. I spent the first trimester getting used to the online culture rather than being in a classroom setting. It helped having Michelle in my classes to bounce ideas off of and to keep on top of completing tasks and projects on time. Once I got the hang of it, I preferred being able to work on assignments on my own time no matter day or night.’
How has your JWU experience enhanced your career and prepared you for the future?
‘Though my experiences at Johnson & Wales, I have been able to travel to places I have only dreamed of, while at the same time making friends and memories that will last a lifetime. JWU has broadened my horizons academically and professionally as to what I can accomplish in life.’
Learn more about the JWU College of Professional Studies’ Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) degree or MBA – Hospitality.