The Global Pulse: Expect the World!

The University of Maine Business School is fortunate to have hard-working graduate assistants (GAs) including Christine Clark, Audrey Co, Stephen Fortune, Irem Secil Reel, Joe Costello, and Krystle Reilly. Their responsibilities include grading, proctoring and class management as teaching assistants, but they also help UMaine Business School faculty members in different research areas. In addition, they work on valuable projects in the Maine Business School including strategic planning for the MBA/MSA programs, working with the Graduate Business Association, and alumni event planning.

Irem Secil Reel and Krystle Reilly worked with Dr. Nory Jones on strategic planning and creation of a monthly newsletter to help build a community within the graduate program and to promote the UMaine Graduate Business Programs. Krystle Reilly summed up her experience, “We do cases to help us learn how to do strategic analysis but by analyzing the Maine Business School and graduate programs, I was able to learn strategic analysis in depth."

Christine Clark, Audrey Co, and Stephen Fortune have been working on planning an event to aid the Business School's new focus on strengthening alumni relations. Steve Fortune developed a plan for a homecoming event next year and also initiated the first outreach effort to alumni via an e-mail newsletter. Christine Clark is conducting research with Dr. Mahon and Irem Secil Reel is working on research projects with Dr. Borgman related to issues/concerns in the State of Maine and hoping to be a co-author of a case-paper. Joe Costello worked with Prof. Criner in accounting.

Audrey Co described her position as a great learning experience and added, "It's hard to list everything that I've learned from the program, but I can say that I have gotten a lot of "aha" moments in my classes." Stephen Fortune added, "The Maine Business School has taught me how to think dynamically and has enabled me to develop the soft skills I now know are essential for a successful career.” Christine Clark has found her assistantship a great networking opportunity within and outside of the Maine Business School, saying, "It has enriched my learning.”

All of the GAs, except Christine, are graduating this year, and they are all looking forward to new challenges in life and business. Krystle is starting her career in Philadelphia. Stephen, on the other hand, is staying in Maine and working as a programmer for Tyler Technologies and also planning to continue his formal computer engineering education at the doctoral level. Audrey is planning to open her own business. Christine has one more year to work on the Graduate Business Association and the UMaine crew team and to take both student groups to success.

 The Maine Business School looks forward to seeing their GAs become future business leaders, using the skills learned in solid business practices in the Maine Business School.

Return to the Global Pulse

Return to News Page