NYC Semester Student Spotlight: Michael Bahena
After graduation, Michael was able to leverage his experience and contacts in the King’s program to obtain a permanent job in finance.
As he approached the end of his junior year at Olivet Nazarene, Michael Bahena was seeking a study-abroad experience in order to enhance his international business and finance major. Although he had thought of traveling internationally, one of his professors turned Michael’s attention toward The King’s College’s New York City Semester program. Michael was accepted into the NYC Semester in Business (NYCB) during his senior year, and due to his stellar work ethic, gained an internship at Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, a respected financial services company. After graduation, Michael was able to leverage his experience and contacts in the King’s program to obtain a permanent job in finance.
As New York City is home to some of the world’s greatest financial institutions, Michael was excited to acquire this position in King’s NYCB program. The academic rigor of his classes at King’s, the networking that led to long-term friendships and contacts, worshipping at historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the experience of living in a luxury apartment on Wall Street combined to make NYCB an unparalleled opportunity for Michael. Michael’s supervisor and mentor at MMBB, King’s Fellow Dr. Matthew Sherwood, not only provided the contact for Michael’s permanent job back in the Midwest after graduation, but continues to keep in touch with him on a regular basis. Ultimately, Michael found that learning to study and adapt in NYC’s fast-paced and competitive environment taught him how to become successful in the field of finance; as he says, “Life in New York City was the best thing; it helped me to grow as an individual.”
The NYCS program is a visiting students program of The King’s College, which is a Christian liberal arts college in the Financial District in Manhattan. It is open to any currently enrolled college sophomore, junior or senior with a minimum GPA of 3.0 over at least 30 credit hours. The program features tracks in business, journalism and theater. For more information, please email us at nycsemester@tkc.edu or visit www.tkc.edu/nycs.