Lindenwood Magazine - Spring 2018: Connecting to Alumni and Friends

KUROGI LANDS MARKETING GIG WITH TOP CONSTRUCTION FIRM by JENNIFER FERGUSON 9 CAMPUS NEWS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT FACULTY SPOTLIGHT LINDENWOOD SPORTS ALUMNI EVENTS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES LINDENWOOD Spring 2018 Rodrigo Kurogi (’16) began preparing for an American education when he was just 9 years old. As a boy growing up in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he was certain about two things–he wanted to earn a degree and play tennis at an American university. “I began studying English at a very young age in preparation for studying in the United States,” said Kurogi. “Then, when I was 18, all of the hard work I put in as a child paid off because I came to Lindenwood Belleville in pursuit of playing collegiate tennis and earning a degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing, a degree that would be internationally recognized.” As a member of the Student Government Association, Kurogi participated in service projects and volunteer work for organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which directly affected his employment prospects post-graduation. During his senior year, Kurogi spent about two hours each day applying for job opportunities, and even solicited the help of his professors and the campus president on his quest for employment. “I really had a great mix of professors while at Lindenwood, and many of them stay in touch with me now,” Kurogi said, “but what really surprised me is that the president of the university was willing to meet with me and gave me advice and tips on how to secure a job after graduation. I get the sense that doesn’t happen at a lot of universities.” With that, Kurogi received a call from the construction firm TopBuild, based in Daytona Beach, Fla. Now, as a marketing analyst, Kurogi is in the front line for his company, analyzing various markets to help determine where the company may want to invest resources or deploy sales teams. “My transition into the professional world of work couldn’t have been any smoother,” said Kurogi. “I am very grateful for the support and guidance offered to me by so many faculty and staff members at Lindenwood Belleville. It was a perfect starting point for my time in the United States.” As an international student on an F-1 visa, Kurogi was eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to a year following his graduation. Upon completion of an international student’s OPT, the student must either return to his home country or be sponsored by his employer to begin the process of securing a work visa. The Human Resources Department at his company recently reached out to Kurogi to begin his sponsorship process. “I really like TopBuild and the analytical side of developing and running a company,” said Kurogi. “So, I hope to stay with TopBuild and gain the necessary industry experience to move up in my career when the time is right.” To learn more about the Division of Business and Entrepreneurship, contact Division Chair Dr. Chris Gourdine at 618.671.6060 or CGourdine@lindenwood.edu . Rodrigo Kurogi I am very grateful for the support and guidance offered to me by so many faculty and staff members at Lindenwood Belleville. It was a perfect starting point for my time in the United States.” Rodrigo Kurogi “ Lindenwood University-Belleville ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT