Alumni Profile

Patricia Silva

The title of her final project—"Self-help Enterprises Volunteers” (baccalaureate thesis). My thesis took a close look at the volunteering system of Self Help Enterprises, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to help low-income families build homes.

Where do you work? I recently was hired by Morgan Stanley as a financial advisor. I have passed my Series 7, 66, 31 and insurance licensing at Morgan Stanley. It’s exiting to know that my degree allowed me to get a job with one of the most prestigious firms in the world.

Interests: I love to read, fellowship and most importantly I love to work on my spiritual journey with Christ.

Favorite book: Angela’s Ashes by Frances McCourt.

Best advice you ever received: That you can do anything if you just put your mind to it.

Favorite business leader: Warren Buffet. He is regarded as one on the most brilliant investors of our time; and yet he gives away most of his fortunes to charity.

If you were having a dinner party, who would you invite and why? My friends and family. I believe strongly in loving the circle that encourages me to do greater things in life. My friends and my family inspire me to work hard and are there to pick me up if I should fall.

Biggest challenge at work: Today’s economy. As an advisor I have to be well-versed in the U.S. and world economies. During a down market my job can be extremely difficult as mergers, losses and government policies grow increasingly.

What would you want people to know about you? I’m always up for a day of fun. I love to go to the lake and wake board, go to the beach and watch my friends surf or simply invite everyone over for game night.

What advice would you give a student in business today? History has shown that the business world is ever-changing. Just in my lifetime I have seen business evolve from the door-to-door salesman to the Internet. Plus, it’s important to realize that our economy is no longer just based out of the Americas. We are going global, with emerging markets and international markets being in the forefront. I also recommend that they look at the up-and-coming BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China).