Gabriel Alexander Perez
What is your current role and department at UM?
I am an administrative assistant in the Office of Admissions, Academic and Alumni Services, School of Communication.
What degree will you be receiving at graduation?
Master of Science in leadership
How long have you been at the University?
Just over 3 years
What were some highlights of your time as a student and employee?
The relationships you form with classmates and professors are truly special and easily one of the best aspects of going back to school. But, one of the most memorable experiences was the Miami Leadership Challenge—a crisis management simulation program where teams of students role-play as the senior executives of an organization in the wake of disaster. We worked under immense pressure throughout the night to develop a crisis response plan and present it the next morning to a mock board of directors comprised of business leaders from the South Florida and UM community. We got coaching and feedback afterward from communication professionals and the board of directors along with several hours of debriefing the following day in class. Immersive experiences like that or like Dr. Scandura's Negotiation Strategies class provided incredible growth opportunities.
What is a favorite UM memory?
My favorite memories include going to the football games, the Miami Leadership Challenge, and interviewing alumni and faculty members for a video project.
Please share advice for employees looking to go back to school.
Why would you not take advantage of this benefit? Going back to school is a great way to propel your career if you're just getting started, or to break out of a rut if you've been in the game for a few years. There are so many advantages to establishing relationships with professors and students.
Learn about other 2021 graduating employees.
