Sheila Muniz, MBA 2008

For Sheila Muniz, pursuing an MBA just made practical sense.

"I think an MBA is the most applicable degree. It's not just based on theory but actual skills you can take and apply to the business world."

Muniz is applying her new financial analyst skills to the Food and Beverage Operations in Disney Parks and Resorts. As a statistical business support analyst, Muniz recommends improvements that ultimately will help Disney's bottom line.

She first became interested in the Disney Company after meeting Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts, when she came to speak at the College of Business.

"FSU's College of Business presents its students with many opportunities to interact with top CEOs and network," Muniz said. "I feel this really helped me find a place of employment where I can see myself growing professionally."

A native of New York City, Muniz also made time to serve as president of the MBA Association, while raising a son and studying for class.

Muniz's past jobs ranged from negotiating contracts for concerts to selling apartments before. She also marketed for the American Heart Association. She readily admits she stepped out of her comfort zone to pursue a MBA concentration in finance, and she credits her FSU professors for helping her set aside her intimidation of numbers.

"Their passion for their subjects allowed me to overcome my fears and become deeply engaged with the material," Muniz said.

Hometown: New York City
Degrees: Bachelor’s degree in English, master’s degree in communications, FSU
Post-MBA job: Financial analyst, Disney Company, Orlando.