Transfer student forges new path and discovers passion for global business at Thunderbird

Faith Velez’s experience transferring from Estrella Mountain Community College to Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University has proven nothing short of transformative in shaping her career.

Now a Bachelor of Science in International Trade candidate at ASU's West Valley Campus, Velez had been studying business management with a focus on accounting for two years at Estrella Mountain Community College, and was searching for a program that could offer a global perspective and more specialized opportunities. Thunderbird’s emphasis on international business and management made this transition an ideal choice.

“I chose to go to Thunderbird, because I want an international component to my career, and that’s not something I could get from other degree offerings,” the New Mexico native said. “My advisor and I compared Thunderbird’s degree programs to others I could choose, and Thunderbird was the best fit for me.”

One of the key benefits of transferring to Thunderbird at ASU, according to Velez, is the efficient path to completing general education requirements at a community college before transferring. This approach not only reduced her overall expenses but also allowed her to dive straight into Thunderbird’s specialized global management curriculum at a time when she felt committed to do so.

She recommends the transfer process to anyone ready to make the leap; and, as a substitute teacher in the Goodyear area, she has the opportunity to do so often.

“I work really deeply within the education system in the West Valley, with both high school students and community college students,” she said. “Many of them are in the process of transferring to Thunderbird right now, and it is something I advocate and support.”

Looking towards the future, Velez is eager to take full advantage of Thunderbird’s global network, especially while studying abroad in South Korea this year, and exhibiting a global mindset in all she does, both professionally and personally.

“When I graduate, I see myself getting into international finance and investment opportunities. No matter what, though, I know I will continue to travel and have the opportunity to connect with alumni all around the world.”