For aspiring professionals, the Master of Business and Science (MBS) degree is more than just a credential: it’s a direct connection to opportunity. We achieve this by offering career-focused workshops, panels with industry leaders, professional development, opportunities for experiential learning, and more. One student, Daisy Nwabineli, leveraged her coursework and MBS connections to secure a full-time internship offer at Givaudan Fragrance Corporation, a global leader in the fragrance and beauty space.
As a self-professed skincare and makeup addict, Nwabineli knew that our Personal Care Science concentration was a perfect fit for her, mixing both the science and business side of the beauty industry. She received her undergraduate degree in pharmacology in 2021 from Afe Babalola University in Nigeria. Nwabineli then went on to work at a fashion retail company and Ipsos, where she explored her passion for beauty and honed her market research skills. After, Nwabineli came to the United States and enrolled in the MBS degree full-time. She will graduate in the summer of 2025.
Journey through the MBS degree
Nwabineli used her time as an MBS student to hone key skills in her desired field, network effectively, and build her professional resume. She notes that the Principles of Communication and Leadership class, taught by Professor Kathleen Cashman Walter, was an impactful experience that helped her step outside her comfort zone and build her network. She also completed an externship for Colgate-Palmolive, gaining hands-on work experience in their fragrances and flavors division.
In early 2024, Nwabineli began working as a Graduate Assistant for the Professional Science Master’s program, where she helped organize and facilitate many of the events we hold for students. She also attended our first collaboration with Givaudan, “Scents of Success.”
During this interactive panel, Nwabineli smelled fragrance ingredients and heard from Givaudan employees about the leading fragrance company.
She realized, “Why would [I] work anywhere else?”
From there, Nwabineli established her goal: to work for Givaudan. She checked Givaudan’s career board routinely, leveraged LinkedIn to connect with Givaudan employees, and networked with MBS alumni employed at Givaudan. She was also aided by MBS Executive Coach and Head Corporate Partnerships Abbe Rosenthal and Personal Care Science Advisor Jay Goldring, who helped her polish her resume and prepare for interviews.
After many applications and interviews, Givaudan invited Nwabineli to apply for her current role. Nwabineli is set to start her position as a full-time intern in Givaudan’s controlling department starting summer 2025.
The Path Forward in Fragrance
Nwabineli’s goal is to work in sales and account management and become an industry leader. Her aspirations include selling Givaudan fragrances to major companies, leading a brand, and most importantly, “being able to point to a shelf and tell people that I was part of the creation.” This opportunity is especially exciting for Nwabineli since Givaudan creates the fragrances for many of the brands that she loves.
Advice for Students
As an MBS Graduate Assistant, Nwabineli says she benefited greatly from attending many of our events. Attendees always learn something new, especially when connecting with potential employers and current students. Each event provided Nwabineli with an opportunity to learn and connect—at one of our events, she even connected with a Givaudan employee who referred her to the company.
Nwabineli also highlighted the value of MBS advisors, executive coaches, and classes. She advised students to share their career goals and let others advocate for them.
Furthermore, Nwabineli shared the importance of having specific goals and sharing them with those around you.
“Don’t just say, ‘I want to do UXD [User Experience Design].’ What exactly do you want to do? Do you want to create an app or create more accessibility? When you communicate your reason, people value that.”
This is especially important for international students like herself, said Nwabineli.
“Lots of people in the MBS are rallying for you to achieve those goals,” she said.
She also advised students to take advantage of our vast alumni network to find allies in the job search process.
“Don’t forget why you came here,” she said. “Don’t let up. You can do it if you put your mind to it. We don’t have a lot of luck out here, but we can.”
Looking to make that career switch and land that dream role like Daisy Nwabineli? Learn more about the MBS degree and its concentrations, or book a call with our advisors. We also host informational webinars.