Feature Stories 2017: Myles Dias '17: business studies, social justice, professional networks

Business courses that spark creativity & increase skills

The most interesting area of my business studies has been my Management Information Systems database courses. I intend to pursue a career in database, so this subject captured my attention effectively. I thoroughly enjoyed performing data entry and organization. Generating the SQL (Structured Query Language) code to create tables and queries proved challenging, but valuable and pleasurable. Drafting forms and switchboards was always an opportunity to let my logical and organization-driven mind roam free with creativity. Viewing and submitting my completed projects was always a highly enjoyable ordeal.

However, the most rewarding area of my business studies was definitely my Principles and Marketing (MKT 311) course with the late Dr. Godwin Ariguzo. Upon enrollment, I knew it would be an immense challenge: large workload, loose yet demanding guidelines, and frequent due dates. The course was styled as a lecture, but had a semester-long group project that I worked on out of class. The course caused constant stress, but upon completion I realize that I had gained an unimaginable amount of new information, interpersonal skills, and confidence.

A highlight of my involvement with DECA was traveling to the International Career Development Conference in Washington, DC, where I competed in Business Travel & Tourism, served as a flag bearer and international office voting delegate, and increased my professional contact network.

Building professional relationships through DECA

My involvement with DECA has been one of the best experiences I have had here at UMass Dartmouth. (DECA is an international organization that prepares emerging leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.)

I had the opportunity to build professional relationships with faculty members Dr. Jacqueline Einstein and Dr. Paul Bacdayan. I also developed strong friendships with peers I otherwise would not have met, and attended presentations from visiting business professionals.

The highlight of my involvement was traveling to the DECA International Career Development Conference in Washington, DC. There I competed in Business Travel and Tourism, ranking in the 60th percentile, served as the Massachusetts flag bearer and an international office voting delegate, and increased my professional contact network. In addition, I was selected as a representative to attend several business professional dinners and events as a representative of the club.

Founding member: NAACP chapter on campus

I became a founding member of the UMass Dartmouth NAACP chapter and was recently elected as the chapter treasurer. This organization is new to the campus, and I take pride in the fact I'm helping to shape its course.

We plan on handling issues related to social justice such as racial inequality and women's rights, to name a few. While our future is still uncertain, we hope to stimulate improvement on our campus and community, bring in influential speakers, and attend conferences.

A sense of pride & commitment to social justice

I've been a frequent visitor the Frederick Douglass Unity House here on campus. I've developed strong ties to Associate Director Nicole Williams, Associate Director Dr. LaSella Hall, and Administrative Assistant Donna Moore and the students who frequent the office. The various Black History Month events, lecture sessions, and public social justice demonstrations have given me a sense of pride.

I was also able to travel with the office on social justice trips to New York City and Washington, DC. Each trip provided me with vast knowledge that I could not have gained in the classroom. These experiences have provided me with knowledge of my culture and its history which is important to myself and my family.

Graduate school & continued campus involvement

Following graduation, I plan to attend graduate school here at the Charlton College of Business, in pursuit of a master's degree in Technology Management. I'll also continue working with CITS (Computing & Information Technology Services) as a Student IT Assistant.

The executive board of our NAACP chapter will be working towards increasing our membership and boosting funding in the summer months.