Meet our student ambassadors
When applying for a business master's degree program, nothing is more valuable than hearing from someone who's in the thick of it. Graduate ambassadors are current Business Analytics, Finance, or dual Business Analytics/Finance graduate students. They are great resources for answers to your questions about life in Iowa City and the student experience at Tippie.
To connect with a Graduate Ambassador, you can either email the ambassador you would like to speak with at their email address listed below, or you can email Tippie Graduate Programs at tippie-grad-programs@uiowa.edu, who will get you in touch with an ambassador.
Ania Makarenko
Program: MSBA (AI & Technology Management)
Email: amakarenko@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Ukraine and Sioux Rapids, Iowa
Other degree(s) and college(s): Finance and Business Analytics & Information Systems, University of Iowa
What interested you in Tippie's program? I got exposure to analytics during my undergraduate studies and really enjoyed working with data. I knew I wanted to go deeper into the field, and the MSBA program seemed like the perfect opportunity to expand my knowledge while building connections within the industry.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: I have to say, the challenge course that we did as a group before the start of the program was super fun! It was a perfect opportunity to connect and meet everyone before the classes started.
Hobbies: Camping, backpacking, classical literature, and playing piano.
Advice for potential applicants: Really consider what you want to get out of the program and how it can help you achieve your goals. That way, you can hit the ground running and take advantage of all the opportunities the program provides.
Brian Collins
Program: MAc and MSBA
Email: brian-r-collins@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Bettendorf, Iowa
Other degree(s) and college(s): BBA in Accounting and Business Analytics from Tippie
What interested you in Tippie’s program? Tippie was one of the only programs that worked with me to pursue a dual degree in the Master of Business Analytics and Master of Accounting. This unique opportunity allows me to strengthen my expertise in both accounting and analytics, positioning me to tackle complex business challenges with a data-driven and financially informed approach.
Hobbies: Soccer, golf, reading, working on my car
Something I am looking forward to in the program: Gaining and developing in-demand skills while also sharing my knowledge as a Teaching Assistant for Managerial Accounting, giving me the opportunity to both learn and teach at the same time.
Advice for potential applicants: Research Tippie’s programs and make sure the degree aligns with your long-term career goals. Reach out to faculty and current students with questions—they can give you valuable insight into the program and Tippie’s culture. Talking with current students or alumni will help you understand the student experience and how the program can support your ambitions.
Emma Gutzman
Program: Master of Accountancy
Email: emma-gutzman@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Chatham, Illinois
Other degree(s) and college(s): BBA in Accounting, University of Iowa
What interested you in Tippie's program? I wanted to build on the foundation I gained during my undergraduate education, prepare for the CPA exams, and position myself for a successful start to my accounting career. I also had such a positive experience at Iowa that I was excited for the opportunity to continue my education and further develop both academically and professionally here.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: Attending the Kickoff event and going out with other new students afterward!
Hobbies: Tennis, hiking, and listening to music.
Advice for potential applicants: Take advantage of every opportunity and try to meet as many people as possible. The connections and experiences you gain can make a big difference!
Erick Fletcher
Program: MSBA
Email: erick-fletcher@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Other degree(s) and college(s): Mathematics and Secondary Education at Coe College
What interested you in Tippie’s program? After leaving a career as a math teacher and coach I was searching for a role to use my background in math to solve more complex problems, and I enjoy working with data to find the story it is telling. The Masters of Business Analytics program at Iowa was the perfect opportunity to build my technical skills and experience, explore careers and prepare me for the analytics industry.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: Meeting lots of great people including fellow classmates, faculty and staff. Everyone is friendly, open to helping, and focused on the same goal. Oprah says surround yourself with people who only lift you higher and I believe being around this cohort will elevate me personally and professionally. I am looking forward to creating many favorite moments this year!
Hobbies: Watching sports, especially football and basketball. I like working out, walking, or any other activity to stay active. I also enjoy just chilling at home; watching tv (currently in an anime phase), listening to podcasts and playing video games.
Advice for potential applicants: Time goes by quickly so don’t forget to slow down and appreciate where you are. But also, don’t be afraid to send it, you never know if you will get that chance again. Take advantage of every event and opportunity. Push yourself out of your comfort zone.
Grant Kruse
Program: MAc
Email: grkruse@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Other degree(s) and college(s): Accounting degree at the University of Iowa
What interested you in Tippie’s program? I decided to pursue the Master of Accountancy at Iowa to further my education and strengthen my understanding of higher-level accounting concepts. I also wanted to build meaningful connections with my peers, faculty, and staff while preparing myself for a successful career in accounting.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: Grabbing drinks with friends after a networking event.
Hobbies: Watching Iowa sports, playing basketball, and spending time with my family and two dogs.
Advice for potential applicants: Take advantage of opportunities to network with classmates and professors.
Ishika Singh
Program: MSBA (AI & Machine Learning)
Email: ishika-singh@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Kolkata, India
Other degree(s) and college(s): Bachelor's in political science from University of Calcutta, India, and I also have a master's in business administration from the University of Northern Iowa
What interested you in Tippie’s program? I was interested in Business Analytics because I enjoy working with data and seeing how it can be used to solve problems and make better decisions. I've used tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Excel, and I wanted to learn more and develop stronger analytical and technical skills. I also like the idea of being able to grab data, make sense of it, and use those insights to solve real business problems.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: My favorite grad school moment so far has to be meeting all of these wonderful people and seeing how they are so helpful to each other.
Hobbies: Dancing, singing, watching movies, cooking etc.
Advice for potential applicants: My advice is to just be yourself and do not be afraid to ask questions. Take time to learn about the program, speak to current students, and consider what you want from your experience.
Katelyn Lookingbill
Program: MSBA
Email: klookingbill@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Waukee, Iowa
Other degree(s) and college(s): Computer Science at the University of Iowa.
What interested you in Tippie’s program? I became interested in pursuing my Masters in Business Analytics after concluding that the career path I was on wasn’t right for me. I’ve always loved the analytical side of things with numbers and technology. Though, unlike most in the technical realm, I also enjoy conversating with others and being able to share my findings with those who aren’t as deep in the technical world. I felt that Business Analytics could open the door to the perfect career field for me with its technical and presentational elements.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: Even though we’ve just begun classes, I’ve already established great connections with many of my classmates. With our cohort being as small as it is, we have been able to work with each other both in and out of the classroom, which is not something that I experience in undergrad. We have already deemed “family lunches” on Mondays and Wednesdays over the break in our schedule, which has been a great way to continue getting to know one another!
Hobbies: Dance, going on walks, reading, and watching sports, especially college football and basketball.
Advice for potential applicants: Don’t be afraid to take a step into the unknown and change your trajectory! You’ll never know if you are meant to be doing something else if you never give it a chance.
Owen Hovick
Program: MSBA
Email: oahovick@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Other degree(s) and college(s): Finance here at Iowa!
What interested you in Tippie’s program? The transferable skills that are becoming ever more prevalent.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: Meeting all of the amazing people in my cohort.
Hobbies: Reading, basketball, pickleball, Iowa sports.
Advice for potential applicants: Think about how your professional profile will be differentiated with this degree.
Rachel Cotter
Program: MSBA
Email: rrcotter@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Other degree(s) and college(s): Accounting at William Penn University.
What interested you in Tippie’s program? The growth or AI and machine learning in the business industry.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: Being able to create friendships early on with my classmates.
Hobbies: Lifting, shopping, photography, fishing, and spending time with friends.
Advice for potential applicants: Try new things on campus and be involved with extra curricular in your program.
Stephanie Goldberg
Program: Master of Accountancy (MAc)
Email: stephanie-goldberg@uiowa.edu
Hometown: Northbrook, Illinois
Other degree(s) and college(s): BBA, Accounting at the University of Iowa
What interested you in Tippie’s program? I first discovered my love for accounting during my senior year of high school when I took Intro to Financial Accounting. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the field, and I haven’t looked back since.
Favorite grad school moment thus far: So far, my favorite memory has been meeting all of my new classmates and professors, as well as getting to know my peers from undergrad even better. The sense of community and connection has made the transition into the program especially meaningful.
Hobbies: Cooking, watching Iowa sports, and traveling!
Advice for potential applicants: Say yes! To this day, it remains some of the best advice I’ve received. Embracing opportunities, stepping outside your comfort zone, and allowing yourself to grow is what college is all about. Lean into the experience and enjoy it!