After earning his bachelor’s degree in economics—with minors in math and dance—at Washington University in St. Louis, Tomás Quiroz came to Vanderbilt seeking practical skills and career direction. “My economics courses were mostly theory-based, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do career-wise,” he recalls. “I had an interest in marketing from an undergraduate business fundamentals class—and I also figured the marketing program would serve as a mini-MBA and help me figure out my first career steps.”

Vanderbilt was especially attractive because of its solid record of post-graduate employment and its Nashville location. “Vanderbilt’s high post-graduate salary and job placement were big factors,” Tomás says. “And I’m a singer/songwriter, so Vanderbilt’s location in Music City was also a draw.”

Tomás touts Vanderbilt’s smaller size and strong community as significant plusses that enhanced his business school experience. “The personal scale had a great impact—I was able to form better relationships with my classmates, and I felt valued and supported by faculty and staff who knew me by name,” he says.

He has a particularly fond memory of a weekly Closing Bell gathering hosted by African students. “The speakers were blasting Afrobeat, and I couldn’t help but dance with the group. My friend Olu, dressed in his traditional Nigerian attire, placed his robe and hat upon me. It felt amazing to be an honorary Nigerian, and we danced the entire night.”

During the program, Tomás also found time to work as a substitute ballet instructor. “I really took pride in my adaptability, because I was sometimes called only 30 minutes prior to teach a class!” he says.

Tomás found that his coursework and his internships with RJ Young and TJX Companies—the holding company of discount retailers TJ Maxx and Marshalls—focused and helped hone his career interests. “This program inspired me to start my professional career off on the right foot,” he says. “It has given me a clear idea of where I want to go in the future.”

Fun Fact: Tomás is a classically trained ballet dancer who has danced since age 2. 

The program has given me a boost—and a clear idea of where I want to go in the future.