The Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree program has been proud to showcase alumni across a wide range of industries, and this month we're featuring two at once: Volodymyr Kunderevych, MBS’22, concentrated in Cybersecurity (Computer and Information Science), while his younger brother Mykola Kunderevych, MBS’26, with a concentration in Engineering Management, focused on Pharmaceutical and Quality Engineering. Volodymyr now works in cybersecurity as a Security Engineer, Advisor I at Fiserv, and Mykola is a Process Automation Engineer at Siemens.
Two very different technical backgrounds, one shared decision to pursue the MBS degree, and a passion to excel in their industries.
Choosing the MBS Degree
Volodymyr came to Rutgers in 2017 through the NJ STARS program, earning his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Economics. Once he finished his undergraduate degree, joining the MBS degree program was the natural next step.
"I wanted to advance my career and deepen my academic understanding to better leverage industry knowledge," said Volodymyr.
Mykola, who studied Chemical Engineering at Rutgers, entered the MBS program with a specific goal: to expand beyond the technical side of his field and build the business skills needed for the next stage of his career.
"My brother's experience gave me knowledge of the program, and after further research, I realized it would be a great fit for me too," said Mykola. "His degree allowed him to build his career, and I wanted to apply that success to my industry."
The Value of the MBS degree
Both brothers landed on the same answer when asked what stuck with them most: the shift in mindset the program pushes students toward, and the “Principles of Communication and Leadership” class that crystallized it.
"Developing a professional mindset prepares you to establish yourself effectively in the working world," said Volodymyr. "The ‘Principles of Communication and Leadership’ class serves as a prime example of this preparation." He also pointed to the Capstone Course as a turning point, one that pulled his coursework together and pushed him to think beyond the obvious answer.
Mykola took the same class early in the program and had a similar experience.
"It was perfect for me as a young professional," he said. "I started realizing that I needed to treat work as an intentional part of my career growth. I couldn't expect anything without showing my value in a clear way."
Professional Achievements
Each brother shared their professional achievements.
Volodymyr has spent time working on security infrastructure for a leading crypto company, as well as on fintech cybersecurity systems, an experience he credits with accelerating his professional growth.
Mykola has spent his first year at Siemens rotating through different groups within the business unit, a structure that let him see multiple sides of the company before landing where he wanted to be.
"Not only have I gotten to experience many different facets, I have also been chosen to join the Life Sciences team upon completion of the rotational program," said Mykola.
How MBS Shaped Their Careers
For Volodymyr, the degree sharpened his approach to solving problems on the job.
"It definitely provided me with a distinct edge in understanding where issues arise, how to respond effectively, and how to prevent them," he said.
Mykola felt the benefits even before graduating, thanks to the close alignment between his rotational program at Siemens and what he was learning in class.
"I was getting the practical application of the material I was learning in class," said Mykola. That overlap also helped him build relationships with coworkers and industry leaders with whom he could actually talk shop. "I was able to take the knowledge I was taught in class to have many intellectually stimulating conversations."
One moment in particular stayed with him: a conversation with Constance Anders Woolley, the Senior Program Coordinator for Admissions and Enrollment, near the end of his undergraduate degree, about his plans as he was starting his first job and the MBS degree program at the same time.
"Fast forward a year, I saw her at the graduation dinner, and it was surreal to realize how quickly time passed and how much I was able to accomplish when I put in consistent effort."
Advice for Current Students
Volodymyr's advice is about reframing the work itself.
"Approach everything as a challenge," he said. "It might feel like just another task you are trying to complete, but instead of viewing it that way, treat it as an opportunity to learn how to communicate common concepts to other professionals in the most effective manner possible."
Mykola's advice is not to underestimate the material, even when it doesn't feel immediately useful.
"Some of the information seemed like a lot at the time, but as I completed the program, I learned that you never know what piece of information could be useful," he said. "I had multiple instances where I was the least experienced person in the room, but I was able to explain something to everyone because I was exposed to the idea throughout the MBS program."
For more stories like this, see our previous MBS alumni spotlights:
- Daniel McWhorter, MBS’25, Cybersecurity
- Justin Kovacevich, MBS’21, Engineering Management
- Tatiana Luts, MBS’23, Personal Care Science