2024 Best & Brightest Business Major: Kyle Joaquin, Lipscomb University

Kyle Joaquin

Lipscomb University College of Business

“I’m highly analytical but also personable, I’m sort of a mix between accountants and marketers.”

Fun fact about yourself: I have never been to Disney World.

Hometown: Nolensville, Tennessee

High School: Nolensville High School

Major: Finance

Minor: Not applicable

Favorite Business Course: Entrepreneur’s Introduction to Business

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Provost List: Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023

Honor Roll: Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Fall 2021

Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society

President of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity

Co-President of the Lipscomb University Finance Club and Investment Team

2022 Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium 1st place poster competition winner

American Marketing Association Vice President of Finance

National Society of Leadership and Success member

Lipscomb University IDEAL Peer Mentor and Circle of Support Leader

Forest Hills Baptist Church College Leadership Team

Where have you interned during your college career?

State Farm, Nashville Tennessee, Sales & Marketing Intern

UBS, Nashville Tennessee, Investment Banking Operations Intern

Nashville Predators, Nashville Tennessee, Finance Intern

AllianceBernstein, Nashville Tennessee, Sales Relationship Management Intern

Forest Hills Baptist Church, Nashville Tennessee, Student Ministry & Finance Intern

Where will you be working after graduation? AllianceBernstein – Client Group Rotational Associate

Who is your favorite business professor? Dr. Julio Rivas – While I’ve been blessed with multiple amazing professors, Dr. Rivas stands out as my selection. I have taken four classes with Dr. Rivas and have enjoyed each and every one of them. His ability to make difficult subjects’ fun to learn and his ability to connect with students is unmatched. He has given me many memories and lessons that I will take with me for the rest of my life. He has become not just a professor, but a friend and mentor that has made my college experience a memorable and treasured one.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The importance of networking. While a degree is a wonderful step toward a successful career, networking is the key to finding the right opportunities.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Find a degree that you feel passionate about. Once you do, chase success. Gain experience as early as possible and work hard to capitalize on those opportunities.

What has surprised you most about majoring in business? The versatility. Every industry needs business individuals and the number of career options that you could pursue is endless. The skills you gain pertain to all areas of life and can be applied almost anywhere.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I would take more entrepreneurship courses. I believe this skill set would help me find ways to give back to my community and assist families looking to start or support their own businesses. I hope to one day participate in this kind of philanthropic work.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I’m most proud of making the honor roll in Fall 2020. Coming into college I was not the best student, and I never applied myself in school. When I made the choice to come to college, I made the choice to apply myself and change the narrative. When I received my first honor roll acknowledgment, I felt like I had proven myself capable of more than I believed. Ever since then that confidence has directed me into additional achievements and awards.

 Which classmate do you most admire? Kendal Matas – I’ve known Kendal since high school and her ambition has always motivated me to do my best. She sets a wonderful example for how others should use their time in college to dream big and chase their dreams. Her friendship has provided me so many laughs, and so many opportunities to test my capabilities and expand my skills. Kendal embodies what it means to be a servant leader, and I aspire to do the same!

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my dad, Don Joaquin. Growing up I didn’t have life on a silver spoon. In fact, my life was far from it. When Don entered the picture when I was in kindergarten, the trajectory of my life had changed. Thanks to him, I was given the opportunity to grow up into the man I am today. I attribute my work ethic and care for others to him. These two traits have led me to excel in many ways and I hope he knows how grateful I am for all that he has done for me.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

Help underserved communities start and manage their own businesses leading to generational impact.

Mentor others leading their personal growth and career aspirations.

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