Dancing toward her degree: Gabbie Diassi, MBA ’19
Graduate | Dec 14, 2017 | Dushinka Malhotra
After a full semester, the newest MBA class is taking key steps for the future: securing internships, preparing for spring courses, and developing networking skills. One student is also practicing another set of steps.
Gabbie Diassi, MBA ’19, competitive ballroom dancer, shares what motivates her.
What did do before you started at the Gabelli School?
Before Gabelli, I was working as an account manager at a social-media marketing agency.
Why did you choose the MBA program at Fordham?
Working as an account manager made me realize how much I liked working with my clients, but also how much I enjoyed analyzing data. That’s why I wanted to go to business school—to study finance. Fordham was always my first choice. The Gabelli School is not only in the center of an amazing city for business, but all the opportunities that we are exposed to either in the form of speakers or opportunities to visit different offices … it honestly can’t be beat.
How do you spend most of your time outside of class?
I am a competitive ballroom dancer, so when I’m not in class or doing schoolwork I’m either training with my partner or competing. There are times when directly after class I’ll hop on a plane to go to a competition and come back Sunday night to start all over again.
How do you balance time between your love for dance and your demanding school schedule?
It’s not always easy, but I’m so passionate about both that I can’t imagine my life any differently. I take my classes and schoolwork very seriously, but because I dance, sometimes that means staying up till 3:00 a.m. to get things done. I wouldn’t have it any other way, though.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
I’d really like to go into private wealth management. The more I learn about the field, the more I’m sure it’s a perfect match between my love for account management and data, and the Gabelli School is doing a great job in helping me make this transition.
Fun fact: I cannot pass up picking any piece of spare change off the ground. I have about $20 now.
