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Can you describe your current role and the path that led you there?

I am the co-founder and director of a nutraceutical company and am currently pursuing a PhD in Strategy at the Jones School of Business, Rice University. After graduating from UNT, I began my career as a research analyst at Buxton, a data analytics firm. I then transitioned to Head of Strategy at a large pharmaceutical company, where I focused on acquisitions and new business development for five years. Due to an interest in sustainability, I pivoted to the fashion industry, working for a manufacturer that supplied brands like Nike and Lululemon, where I led 'Circularity', developing sustainable business models. In 2016, I took a leap of faith, quitting my job and investing my life savings to start my own company. Since then, it has grown into Sri Lanka's largest sports drink brand and has now evolved into the nutraceutical company.

How did your degree from UNT Economics contribute to your career development?

In my role as a research analyst at Buxton, I built statistical models for retail, restaurant and healthcare clients such as Nestle, Samsonite, Miami Children’s Hospital and private equity firms, directly applying the knowledge from my econometrics classes. There were many other UNT Econ graduates on my team, and I saw them bring in new methodologies into the workplace that were directly from econometrics material Dr. Tieslau had taught us.

In a different role, I used my macroeconomics knowledge to assist a large conglomerate in their strategic decision-making process. Dr. Hauge’s class on Strategic Behavior was also useful in this role. When I ventured into entrepreneurship, I relied on the logic from my microeconomics classes to inform my decisions and solve problems; lessons from Professor Kwon’s intermediate micro class etched in my mind. Ultimately, my degree from UNT Economics has been invaluable—both by giving me tangible skills I could apply directly and by teaching me to think analytically and logically in every aspect of my life.

What did you most enjoy about your time studying economics at UNT?

As an undergraduate, I enjoyed meeting people with diverse interests. One of the most brilliant alumni from the UNT Economics Department started out as a jazz music major but switched to Economics after taking an introductory course.

As a graduate student, I had the opportunity to teach Intro to Microeconomics, which I absolutely loved. Many students came to the class with the misconception that Economics was abstract and difficult. It was incredibly rewarding to see them have those "light bulb" moments in class and completely change their perception of the subject.

Do you have any advice for someone considering an Economics degree at UNT? What advice would you give to current and prospective students who are considering a similar career path?

Economics is one of the most versatile degrees you can pursue, opening doors to a wide range of fields, including banking, data science, government, NGOs, and entrepreneurship. Many organizations highly value the analytical mindset and problem-solving skills that Economics graduates bring to the table. In fact, I know of companies that have specifically recruited from the UNT Economics Department because of their positive experiences with its high-caliber graduates.

The best career advice I ever received was: “Find what you love to do, and get someone to pay you for doing it.” With a degree in Economics from UNT, you won’t be limited in your options. The world is your oyster—you can pursue what you love, knowing your education has equipped you for success.