Juan Paredes

After finishing my undergraduate degree in Business Administration  in 2004 from Universidad Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho (UGMA) in Barcelona, Venezuela, I moved to Maryland, where I have been living and working for almost two decades.  I always wanted to go back to school to further my education with an advanced degree and decided that the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) may be a great fit for the next chapter of my educational journey. 

I found out about USG after talking to a graduate school recruiter from UMCP’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. I was excited to learn about the USG campus as an option for earning a graduate-level degree from a top Maryland university, as it was close to my full time job, and convenience was a major factor for me to consider.

I selected the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offered by UMCP’s Robert H. Smith School of Business because of its rigorous curriculum, with a global business focus, top-ranked professors and the Flex MBA option, which provided excellent flexibility to working professionals like me.

My experience on the USG campus has been great so far and I have very much enjoyed the resources and facilities – in particular, the Priddy Library. I have also attended a number of workshops that have enriched my experience as a graduate student.

My anticipated graduation date from the MBA Flex program is 2023. I am very proud to say that I will be the first in my family to complete graduate school. I hope to become an inspiration for many others who believe that dreams are possible when you have the drive and persistence to power through the challenges.  After I obtain my MBA, I have plans to pursue a career in finance.