Meet Our Graduates: School of Business

Located in the historic coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston School of Business delivers a dynamic, innovative learning experience to more than 3,500 students.

With a wide range of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs, the School of Business equips students with the skills needed to make an impact after graduation.

This spring, we celebrate the achievements of three School of Business graduates who are ready to take on what’s next.

What CofC School of Business Graduates Are Doing Next 

Nick Bove

Economics major in the Honors College

Starting his career as a Teaching Fellow at Meeting Street Schools, building leadership skills and supporting underserved students in Charleston

Nick Bove was a young tourist when introduced to the College of Charleston. The South Jersey native vividly remembers the family trips that led him to apply to the College. Like many high school seniors at the time, he had options. But it was his acceptance into the Honors College that ultimately solidified his decision to attend.

“I made the right choice because I’ve taken some positively impactful interdisciplinary courses, like the Honors Colloquia, that ended up being the highlight of my experience here,” says Bove, who says his time in the Honors College made him feel like he wasn’t just a number.

Many experiential opportunities were among his proudest achievements, including participating in the statewide SC Competes pitch contest and working for the CofC Financial Wellness Program in the Career Center.

Inside the classroom, many classes shaped him, but one stands out the most: “Intentionality is the class I will carry with me long after my time on the bricks,” he says.

The unconventional course, taught by local businessman and philanthropist Ben Navarro and Beemok Hospitality Collection staff, taught Bove how to think about purpose, habits, empathy and community. During the class, he learned about a meaningful opportunity that would lead him to a job that combined his deep appreciation for service and education – the Teaching Fellows Program at Meeting Street Schools.

The highly selective initiative is a two-year program for college graduates to build the skills and mindset of exceptional educators and future leaders. Fellows develop leadership skills by co-teaching classrooms of under-resourced students and receiving ongoing training.

As a first-generation graduate, Bove is excited to pay it forward by beginning his career as a 2026-27 Teaching Fellow, teaching future generations how to use education and intentionality to empower themselves.

As Bove looks back on his time at the College, he has one major takeaway.

“Take the opportunity, go to that new place, try the hard thing, start the conversation,” he encourages. “You’ll never know the power of the domino effect and how the pieces can fall into place at just the right time unless you just do the thing.”

Jonathan Cardona

Professional studies major with a concentration in organizational management and development and an undergraduate certificate in project management

Commissioning as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army, focusing on human resources and personnel support in the Adjutant General Corps

If you ask Jonathan Cardona what was harder – parachuting out of an aircraft or returning to school after years in the military – the former paratrooper’s answer may surprise you.

“I did find college to be a bit more difficult than my work in the Army,” says the Hartford, Connecticut, native. “But, honestly, much of it was about finding my rhythm and determining what works best for me.”

Earning a degree wasn’t always part of Cardona’s plan. Growing up, he set his sights on military service early and was eager to enlist and serve his country when the time came. It wasn’t until he found himself on an Army operation surrounded by commissioned officers that he seriously considered pursuing a degree.

“I looked up to them. They mentored me to become a better person,” says Cardona. “They told me, ‘The only thing that separates you from me – in the Army’s eyes – is a degree.’”

That advice sparked new motivation. Through the Army Green to Gold program, Cardona transitioned from full-time Army service to attend college while staying on track to become a commissioned Army officer. After initially pursuing a different major, he learned about the Bachelor of Professional Studies program and found it a better fit with its flexible options and opportunities to apply classroom concepts to real-life situations.

Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Cardona completed his degree from the College of Charleston in three years and earned an additional credential, a certificate in project management.

“My time at the College of Charleston has introduced me to a different world outside the military,” says the first-generation college graduate. “It expanded my horizons, gave me new skills and opportunities and helped prepare me for my future.”

With a bachelor’s degree now in hand, that future includes a promotion. Cardona is commissioning back into the Army, returning as a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps, focusing on human resources and personnel support. Now, he is ready for his next mission: to lead.

Grace Puchert

Master of Science in Accountancy

Moving to Hartford, Conn., to work as an auditor at EY, a “Big Four” accounting firm

In just one year, Grace Puchert is celebrating not one but two graduations from the College of Charleston.

The master of science in accountancy graduate came to Charleston in fall 2021 from Westport, Conn., jumpstarting her time at CofC as an accounting major. She joined the Mu Beta chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, a nationally recognized honor society for financial professionals, and connected more closely with the industry.

“I’ve built an amazing community of friends and mentors around me in Charleston,” she says. “I’ve made various connections throughout Charleston, both professionally and casually.”

She believes it is these connections that play a big part in her motivation to succeed.

When she wasn’t earning high marks in the classroom, Puchert made sure to reinforce her learning through jobs and internships with the New York Mets and a local firm, Kathleen Rice, CPA LLC.

Eager for the next step, she decided to pursue the accelerated accounting (B.S.) to accountancy (M.S.) program at the College. The program allows students to fast-track their careers by taking graduate courses while completing their bachelor’s degrees. She was awarded the Rebecca Herring Scholarship to help cover the cost of the graduate program.

Puchert says her five years at the College have given her confidence in her abilities. Her professors and classes have shown her that with hard work, she can accomplish anything. Now, she is preparing to launch her career in Hartford, Conn., as an auditor at EY – one of the four largest accounting firms in the world.

“My time at the College of Charleston has further ignited excitement for my next steps in Hartford and has revealed to me a number of future opportunities to look forward to,” she says.

Congratulations, Graduates!  

A business degree from the College of Charleston is what you make it. Immerse yourself in several in-demand business programs and customize your experience with a combination of the College’s 150+ majors and minors.