Some choose music, some choose business. Wayne Joseph chose both.
Music to our ears
Wayne Joseph was born and raised in Iowa. Muscatine first, then Iowa City as a high school student playing soccer at City High and viola at the Preucil School of Music. While he did plenty of traveling as a child, Iowa was where he belonged. Attending the University of Iowa just made sense.
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“I grew up wanting to go to the University of Iowa,” says Wayne. “It was my number one choice. The lifestyle here suits me. I like how friendly the people are.”
“I also love the state of Iowa,” he continues. “I like seeing the opportunities here regarding manufacturing and even international business. A goal of mine is to see how I can continue to put Iowa on the map, on the international radar. That's just a big part of what I want to do when I enter the workforce.”
Then Wayne mentions music, that he plays the viola. So well, in fact, that he has a second major. He’s pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in music.
Tippie business students don’t typically take on a second major in music, but maybe Wayne is more than typical.
“My primary major is management on the leadership track at Tippie, but then I'm also majoring in and getting a BA with a music emphasis.”
Another of Wayne’s goals is to see how he can combine the two degrees. How that happens, he’s not sure…yet.
Two degrees. One well-rounded education.
Some may see the two degrees as a disconnect, but Wayne sees them as an opportunity.
“What I've learned so far has helped me to become well-rounded. Keeping me open to ideas. I've learned a lot just from people's experiences, faculty experiences, and their stories. Knowing that there are real-world applications for what they're telling students gives me a lot of confidence going into the workforce.”
He talks specifically about one class, Dynamics of Negotiations, with Professor Beth Bellman.
“That's been fun. It's been very rigorous, but I also see the applications for it. The everyday need for negotiations.”
He continues, talking about the use of AI in that same class and how it can be applied nearly anywhere, even to the art of negotiating.
“We’re given a scenario and as many attempts as we want to test different strategies. Real-life negotiations can have serious consequences, such as reputation loss, so this is perfect option. It prepares me perfectly for the eventuality of working in sales or management, talking with people and creating value for everyone involved.”
Would Wayne recommend Tippie to other aspiring business students?
“I would 100% recommend Tippie,” he says. “The professors want to help, and they maintain personal connections with their students. I’ve done my best to capitalize on that. The relationships I have with them will pave the way for a successful future.”
He then mentions Professor Dimy Doresca as his greatest mentor at Tippie, and a source for motivation, tips for navigating school and business, and general life advice.
“We are both aligned in our ideas that international business is one of the best types of business. Like me, he has Caribbean roots, he enjoys learning about other cultures, he travels extensively, and he loves Iowa. Some of the advice I have received from him are to seek relationships, take opportunities that are in front of you, and stay out of trouble.”
The stories they tell him, the advice they’ve given. The connections they're willing to share with the ambitious. Wayne goes on to say that Tippie is a great place for students who want to push themselves.
“The sky’s the limit. I’m only at this institution for four years. Why not? Why not make the most of it while I’m here?”
And that is music to the ears of everyone at Tippie.