Student & Alumni Stories

During my time at GGU, I deeply appreciated the flexibility of working during the day while taking classes at night. This balance allowed me to apply what I was learning in real-time, and it opened up an incredible opportunity to intern with one of my professors. The networking and experiences that followed helped me secure a role at Netflix as a trainer, where my academic foundation and internship experience played a pivotal role. Over time, I advanced to an executive position, and I continue to apply the principles of organizational behavior I gained from GGU to enhance my leadership skills every day in my professional and personal lives.

I’m grateful to have completed my undergraduate, graduate, and CFP® certification programs at Golden Gate University, ensuring a seamless and high-quality education in one place. The university’s rigorous academics, supportive community, and commitment to professional growth—along with valuable resources like its extensive library and Small Business Entrepreneur program—gave me the skills and confidence to launch my firm, Joyner Financial Planning. I’m proud to be part of an alumni network that values lifelong learning and real-world impact.

GGU does their best to help students who need financial support. At GGU, I was offered a scholarship and received financial aid, which gave me the opportunity to complete my bachelor’s and earn my master’s degree.

Attending Golden Gate University was one of the most fulfilling decisions I’ve made for my personal and professional development. As someone working full-time in local government, I needed a program that offered flexibility without compromising quality—and GGU delivered exactly that. What truly stood out was how relevant the coursework was to my day-to-day responsibilities in public service. I was able to immediately apply what I learned in class to real-world challenges, which not only deepened my understanding but also enhanced my performance on the job. The professors were exceptional—deeply knowledgeable, approachable, and genuinely invested in my success. GGU provided me with a practical, enriching education that continues to influence my work and growth.

Earning my MBA with a concentration in Finance from GGU was one of the most pivotal steps in my professional journey. As an international student, GGU provided not just an exceptional education, but also a supportive, diverse, and dynamic learning environment that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Today, I’m proud to serve as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, guiding affluent clients through important financial decisions with confidence. The practical curriculum, real-world faculty, and strong alumni network at GGU played a key role in preparing me for success in the competitive world of wealth management.

Choosing to pursue a Master’s in Counseling Psychology at GGU was among the best choices I have ever made in my life. The curriculum laid the educational and theoretical foundation for my practice today, and the faculty fostered an environment where I was not simply learning theory, I was learning how to practice my therapy. The clinical experience and expertise of the GGU faculty offered students the space to creatively explore the various aspects of psychology without judgment, and the opportunity for students to ask questions about the current field. Without GGU, I would not have the clinical and educational background to work at my dream job, battle systemic inequities in our communities, and pursue my doctorate.

My experience at Golden Gate University was truly a game-changer. Through the financial analytics program, I gained deep insights into financial modeling, accounting, corporate finance, and more—skills that have been invaluable in my current role at Siemens Mobility Inc. What I appreciated most about the program was the supportive environment. My professors were always there to guide me and the relationships I formed with my peers were incredibly rewarding. I’m so grateful for the strong foundation this program gave me, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to grow in the finance field.

In financial planning, we often say that the more you understand yourself, the better you can serve your clients. This program reinforced that idea, helping me grow both personally and professionally. The supportive environment created by my professors and fellow students allowed me to build confidence, flourish, and define the kind of planner I wanted to become. While the technical knowledge—especially from my tax law classes—was invaluable, the deeper self-awareness I gained through my financial planning courses is a gift beyond measure.

My professors gave me an amazing foundation. All the skills I have learned at GGU are in-demand skills in the field of data analytics. Employers are looking for people with these skills to fill data analytics, business intelligence analytics, and marketing analytics roles.

I attended Golden Gate University as a retired United States Marine and graduated from GGU’s MBA program at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with little expectation of applying my degree in the civilian workforce. Yet to my surprise, in 2022, I was offered—and proudly accepted—the position of Director of Membership at the Marines’ Memorial Association and Foundation in San Francisco. My time at GGU prepared me in ways I never anticipated. The academic, social, and leadership skills I developed have proven critical to my daily success. Thank you, Golden Gate University, for the opportunity to continue my education and for helping me carry forward a standard of excellence in all that I do.

My experience in GGU’s Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) program has been truly transformative, both professionally and personally. The program courses didn’t just cover theory, they applied it to real-world public administration challenges. Whether studying organizational behavior, ethics, public finance, or policy analysis, the curriculum consistently emphasized equity, accountability, and leadership with purpose. Every instructor brought deep expertise, a passion for public service, and a genuine investment in my success and that of my fellow classmates. Golden Gate University empowered me to lead with confidence, integrity, and empathy. It gave me the tools to not only advance in my career, but to be a more effective advocate for the communities I serve.

Earning my Master of Science in Financial Analytics at Golden Gate University was an enriching experience that provided me with strong analytical and financial skills. The program’s diverse courses, along with career and networking events, helped shape my professional journey. I’m grateful for the knowledge, connections, and opportunities GGU provided and proud to be part of its alumni network.

The foundation GGU provided was transformative. It taught me not only technical skills but also strategic thinking and practical ways to help people achieve their dreams. At GGU, my professors weren’t just teaching; they were shaping careers with practical, real-world knowledge. That experience was invaluable when I launched my own firm with several other GGU alums.

During my time at GGU, I was immersed in a rigorous academic program that not only taught me the fundamentals of IT project management but also honed my skills in leadership, communication, and team collaboration. The curriculum was well-rounded, and the faculty was comprised of experienced professionals who brought real-world expertise into the classroom.

As a small business startup, the entrepreneurship program at GGU was invaluable for me. I learned technical skills such as putting together a business plan and the importance of a snappy elevator pitch, but I also made meaningful connections which are still benefiting me today. Teachers like Robert Shoffner deeply care about the success of program participants. I was touched by how he was always willing and to take the extra time to talk out an idea, brainstorm a pitch, or just listen. I am thankful for his experience, his expertise and his generosity.

Here at GGU — in a city where being an entrepreneur and being innovative can take you to the next level — you will be challenged and engaged. You will walk away with both technical and soft skills: better decision-making, understanding management, leadership skills, and values.

Being a part of the Golden Gate University Entrepreneurship Program was an amazing learning experience that refined my business plan and brought great clarity to my overall business goals. Having access to experts in marketing, finance, and business was so valuable and helpful in navigating next steps for my business. I’m also so grateful to the facilitators and my fellow classmates who provided a safe space for generating ideas, providing feedback, and lots of encouragement.

Completing my Master’s in Finance through this department has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic and professional journey. The curriculum was rigorous, current, and thoughtfully designed to bridge theory with real-world application. The faculty brought a wealth of knowledge and industry experience into every lecture, pushing me to think critically and strategically about financial markets, corporate finance, and investment management. What stood out most was the department’s commitment to student success — from one-on-one mentorship to career development support. I left the program not only with a stronger technical foundation, but also with the confidence to navigate complex financial environments, make data-driven decisions, and take on the role of CFO in my career.

GGU has been a very special experience to me. Being new to this country, GGU has given me lot of exposure to American culture and ways of doing business. My professors have been my greatest source of learning and inspiration. Getting my master’s degree represented a great leap forward in my career. Most of my classmates were experienced professionals, so we were able to share a lot of real world experiences.

My experience at Golden Gate University was transformative. Being surrounded by like-minded planners, learning from some of the best in the world, and having the flexibility to complete my degree while building my business made GGU the perfect fit.