Master of Science - Global Management - Julio Rios '10

Julio Rios '10
United States
“I have definitely enhanced my international business knowledge, but more importantly, I have become a stronger leader - capable of working in a challenging and multicultural environment.”


Julio Rios '10

Julio Rios’s arrival at Thunderbird was not merely coincidence. “My uncle – Rudy Zepeda '72 – went to Thunderbird,” explains the Texas native. “In addition, I had the opportunity to intern for his Thunderbird roommate, Roberto Orci '72, during my undergraduate studies.”

His uncle’s success, he says, was always inspirational. And, later, so was Orci’s. “I saw firsthand both of their successes and how they are truly global citizens. It had a strong influence on my decision to get my education completed as soon as possible.”

Thunderbird's Master of Science in Global Management program, Rios says, was the perfect fit since he didn’t have extensive work experience, having graduated from Villanova University in 2009. “It offers the strong foundation of a Global MBA, with the opportunity to matriculate into the MBA program later.”

Rios’s undergraduate internship with Orci, working at Acento Advertising in California, also helped him hone in on his focus at Thunderbird: Hispanic advertising and marketing. “Ultimately, I want to connect Hispanic consumers to products and services that make their lives easier and better, whether I’m working in the United States or Mexico.”

Though he previously studied and lived abroad in Puebla and Guadalajara, Rios says at Thunderbird he’s learned even more about communicating with the Hispanic demographic, and also with people of all nationalities. “I have learned so much from my classmates. My global outlook has changed significantly, probably as a result of working in multicultural teams.”

Thunderbird, he says, has also given him a chance to practice his Spanish. “It was spoken sparingly in my house, so I studied it throughout high school and undergrad, and also while living in Mexico.”

One of his most notable Thunderbird experiences, he says, was participating in the Winterim to Costa Rica. “I had the chance to experience the Costa Rican culture, people and business environment while learning the importance of sustainability and corporate social responsibility.”

He’s currently in conversation with three companies regarding internship opportunities this summer. “I am talking with a Hispanic advertising agency in Houston, a movie theater chain in Mexico City and an international bank in Miami.”

When he has spare time, the 23-year-old can be found participating in Thunderbird’s Basketball Club or taking advantage of the Thunderbird Marketing Association’s guest speakers and workshops. With the prospect of an upcoming internship, though, Rios hopes to be busy through the summer. “I hope to learn more about the advertising and marketing industry. I want to work to make the lives of Hispanic consumers better through marketing and advertising.”