Reaching Higher

3+2 graduate Christine Rasquinha rises to the occasion

As she begins her career as an operations and procurement analyst at Accenture, Christine Rasquinha (BS ’17, MBA ’18) is well prepared to climb the corporate ladder. In fact, she’s prepared for just about anything.

Rasquinha, who describes herself as a “rock-climbing aficionado who is passionate about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable,” equates the challenge with her experience at the Krannert School and the world of business.

The similarities first occurred to her during a visit to the elementary school she attended while growing up in Issaquah, Washington.

“I was trying to describe my time at Purdue and my career plans to a group of fourth-grade students and needed something tangible to make the comparison,” she says. “I told them that rock climbing — just like life, college and work — is about trying to reach the goal at the top.

“Even though I may be climbing as an individual, I always rely on a team. I need people I trust to hold the rope and help me along the way, and once I reach the top, I have the responsibility and the opportunity to help others do the same and set new goals for myself.”

Rasquinha started preparing early for her climb at Purdue. During a high school internship with the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, a mentor recommended that she consider schools with strong job-placement rates, including Purdue.

“I always wanted to go to an out-of-state college, and when I visited Purdue, it was such an impactful experience,” she recalls. “I was impressed by Krannert’s people and programs, especially the experiential learning opportunities that let students jump into the business environment almost immediately.”

Rasquinha’s ascent at Krannert began as a direct-admit student in the school’s undergrad program, where she eventually triple-majored in general management, industrial management and marketing with a minor in supply chain, information and analytics.

While taking a course offered through the Jane Brock-Wilson Women in Management Center, Rasquinha discovered Purdue’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program, which she quickly added to her to-do-list. She also learned about the school’s 3+2 program, which allows high-achieving students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and an MBA in just five years.

“I was unsure if the 3+2 program was the right path for me, so I talked to my advisor and learned what a great opportunity it presented,” she says. “By combining scholarships at both the undergraduate and master’s level with a graduate assistantship, I was able complete both degrees and leave college debt-free.”

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