Graduate Q&A: From first-gen college student to global career

For Manny Avila, going back to school was about more than a degree — it was a promise kept. 

Motivated by his family, he returned to college with UW–Madison Online as a single father in 2022 to set an example for his teenage son and to honor a commitment to his mom. Two years later, he graduated from the prestigious Wisconsin School of Business with a Business Administration-Management BBA, launching him into an international career.

Today, Manny is blazing a trail in his field. We caught up with him to see how his degree and determination have changed his life — and his dreams for the future.

How has earning your bachelor’s degree impacted your professional opportunities since you graduated?

One of the biggest impacts has been the validation of my knowledge in the area of treasury, which allowed for my employer to increase their confidence in my decision-making and body of work. Seven months after graduation, I decided to explore the value of my position in the market and research further growth opportunities. I was lucky enough to receive attention from well-known companies, along with strong offers to continue to grow in the area of corporate finance.

Have you received any promotions, new responsibilities or job changes? 

I was fortunate enough to accept a new opportunity at Zendesk, Inc. as a senior treasury analyst. I get to work on the Capitol Square (in Madison, Wisconsin) and engage with an international team that covers APAC (the Asia-Pacific region), EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and LATAM (Latin America). I’m able to apply further concepts in cash liquidity, short-term investments, international funds and policy overview both domestically and internationally. 

What specific knowledge or skills from your UW–Madison Online program do you often employ in your career?

People management and tough conversation techniques have been some of the new skills that I’ve been able to apply in my new role. I’ve also improved communication and time management skills that have helped develop a more effective routine day in and day out.

In what ways has completing your degree affected you personally?

My confidence has grown immensely thanks to the completion of my degree. I finally feel like I am taken seriously in my assessments, and I am further able to pursue other growth opportunities with more determination than before.

What’s something you’ve done since graduating that you might not have pursued without your degree?

Honestly, putting myself out there to find my value in the market. It was so difficult to understand where my value was without it. Not that I wasn’t valuable, but, more specifically, what did it mean to have the degree and be taken more seriously?

What challenges have you faced post-graduation, and how did your experience as a returning student help you navigate them?

The biggest challenge is transforming my understanding that now my voice actually matters. As a returning student, the focus and commitment are different, and that helped me understand that knowing your self-worth will help you get over the hump about the work that you do in school, at work and in life. Getting that boost of confidence definitely helps shape further who you are, and you never forget where you came from.

Were there resources or people from your time in the program that you’ve continued to stay connected with?

I will forever be grateful for Randy Gentile (senior academic advisor, transfer manager with the Wisconsin School of Business), first and foremost. Leanne, my advisor, as well. Online former classmates Erin Vranas and Kyle Turris have also been big supporters after graduation.

What are your goals for the next few years?

Moving to Japan and utilizing my degree to grow in the realm of corporate treasury in the next few years is the ultimate goal! My degree has given me the confidence to pursue this dream of mine with more determination.