Jay Alilin was born and raised in the Sunshine State, and when it came time for him to choose a college, he was drawn to Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) because of the warm environment and welcoming community.
“When I toured campus for the first time, the thing that immediately stuck out to me was how friendly everyone was,” he shared. “I loved that it felt like such a Christ-centered campus.”
Embracing Every Opportunity
Jay, who will graduate on Friday, May 9 from the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and a concentration in franchising and entrepreneurship, has spent the last four years of college dipping his toes in every opportunity on campus. He was in student government, worked as a referee, and just last May, he was able to travel to Greece, Hungary and Croatia with the Titus Center for Franchising.
“It was really cool to see different economies firsthand and to see the success of franchisees in other countries,” he said. “We got to meet so many interesting people through the connections of our professors.”
PBA is one of very few universities to offer a concentration in franchising. Since 2017, the center has helped students master the principles of business franchising while also providing professional education for people who want to work in franchising, buy a franchise, or franchise their business.
Opportunities at PBA’s Doorstep
Jay shared how being in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach has provided countless opportunities for him. The University’s 29-acre campus is across the street from numerous Fortune 500 companies, and PBA students are in high demand from these businesses for internships and employment. West Palm Beach has garnered the nickname, “Wall Street South” because so many businesses are flocking to the area, creating a surge of job and internship opportunities for students.
“One of the internships I received in college came from a family who walked onto campus one day looking for a business student to help them with their business,” Jay explained. “They reached out to a few professors, who sent out an email to the students. I applied, interviewed, and got the job.”
Jay also served as a Presidential Ambassador at PBA beginning in his sophomore year, which allowed him to represent the University at different signature events. He noted that the close proximity to Palm Beach and being able to attend events on the Island with PBA has given him opportunities to network with individuals he might never have met otherwise.
“Attending events like the annual Women of Distinction luncheon at The Breakers gave me the ability to not only serve in a different capacity, but also to meet so many different individuals.”
Faith, Mentorship and Academic Growth
One of Jay’s favorite aspects of PBA is the close-knit community and the relationships he has been able to build with his professors. Each one has invested in him personally and academically, and they care about his spiritual growth as well.
“I am grateful for the relationships I have made with my professors,” he said. “As a Christian, we should use every opportunity we can to reflect Christ’s image, which is a concept that is so deeply rooted in all of our classes… PBA has helped me shape my identity in Christ… they do a really good job of integrating faith with education.”
After graduating, Jay hopes to stay in West Palm Beach working for a local business or franchise.
“I love the business world within West Palm Beach and Palm Beach… I want to stay in the area and contribute to the community that gave me an education.”
The Rinker School of Business (RSB) provides a highly-respected, proven learning experience for students looking to make their mark on today’s global economy. In 2023, the RSB achieved accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), putting them in the top six percent of business schools in the country. The programs incorporate essential business concepts with the added dimension of a Christian worldview, which provides an elevated level of preparation and produces graduates who are sought after for their knowledge, skills and principled decision-making. Additionally, in a few months, PBA’s business students will have classes in a brand new, six-story, state-of-the-art business hall. The stunning complex will upgrade the business program in a way that is responsive to the evolving demands of West Palm Beach’s business sector, equipping students to better serve businesses within the community and beyond. To learn more, click here.
