Florida-based companies tap into the University of Florida business graduate talent pool

When recent UF graduate Lauren Truong started her career with Raymond James Financial as a data scientist, she was already proficient in Python, R, and SQL – skills she learned while working toward a master’s degree in Information Systems and Operations Management from the Warrington College of Business. It was no surprise that the St. Petersburg-based financial services firm was quick to hire Truong right out of college.

“UF Warrington equipped me with a solid foundation in data science through rigorous coursework and a hands-on capstone project, which helped me secure [my] role,” said Truong, who graduated in 2023. “I use [my technical skills] to drive business decisions with data science. The program also helped me improve my ability to work collaboratively and solve business problems.”

Students like Truong draw numerous Florida companies to UF every year, as recruiters look for exceptional business graduates with the ability to problem solve, think strategically, and lead with excellence and innovation. Over the past four years, more than 1,600 Warrington graduates have joined companies in Florida in some of the state’s growing industries – including financial services, energy, and real estate – throughout Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville. 

“Our mission at Warrington goes beyond traditional business education; we're focused on developing professionals who can make an immediate impact in Florida's dynamic economy,” said Saby Mitra, dean of the Warrington College of Business. “When our graduates join companies across the state, they bring with them not just technical expertise and business acumen, but also innovative thinking and leadership capabilities that help drive Florida's economic growth.”

Warrington's distinctive approach to business education combines rigorous academics with experiential learning opportunities. The college serves upwards of 8,000 students across three schools and more than 35 academic programs. Notable offerings include the nation's No. 1 online bachelor’s degree in business and No. 4 online MBA program. 

With placement rates above 90% for students in the Full-Time MBA and master’s in accounting, finance, and real estate programs – and starting salaries exceeding national averages for students who earn master’s degrees in business – Warrington's programs consistently demonstrate their value in preparing students for successful business careers.

Some of the top employers of Warrington graduates in Florida include Deloitte, NextEra Energy, CSX, ALDI, FIS, L3Harris, and Royal Caribbean. Leaders from Raymond James Financial continue to come back annually to UF to find great talent, according to Alyssa Adasiak, the company’s campus engagement specialist. 

“Warrington students bring a fresh perspective to Raymond James. Year over year, UF students are funneling into our internship roles,” Adasiak said. “Warrington students stand out for us at Raymond James, as their curriculum is really preparing them for corporate world engagement after college.”