My CIMBA Journey: Cole McQuirk

1. Where are you from? Tell us more about your current and past jobs.

I am from Denton, Texas, and went to the University of Arkansas for my bachelor's degree in International Business. After graduation, I began working for Modthink Marketing as a digital marketing specialist. This was my first job in an office, and I learned a lot about the practical side of marketing, which was much different than the theoretical side I had learned in university. I worked for Modthink until I had the opportunity to join the Peace Corps in Albania as a community economic development specialist. I was in Albania working with a local municipality on developing local tourism, and implementing youth programs and activities. My time was cut short as the pandemic hit, and I was sent back to the States with no idea as to what to do next. I started working for Modthink again remotely and found CIMBA through Professor Molly Rapert. After being accepted, I moved to Italy to pursue my MBA part-time while working for a US company. After CIMBA, I now work for IOT Lenses, a company based in Madrid that specializes in designing ophthalmic lenses and creating new innovations in the optical industry.

2. When you think back to your CIMBA experience, what are some of the things that changed your way of thinking?

I was able to gain exposure people with a lot of different perspectives and knowledge, and learned how to listen to others better before speaking my mind. During CIMBA, I gained confidence in who I am and what my values are, as well as a better understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. I discovered that not everything is always so black and white, and many issues have a large shade of gray, even if people tend to think in moral absolutes. I also learned how to objectively analyze problems by reframing the questions I am asking, and a great load of detail about different areas within a business.

3. What was the impact of the program on your life and career?

The CIMBA program allowed me to live in Italy, integrate in Italian culture, and taught me how to cope with uncertainty and chaos of life. I have a new home in Bassano del Grappa, where I lived and made many friends and connections that I hope will last a lifetime. I also grew a lot through my work during CIMBA, and developed new skills in marketing, as well as start building a career and life in Europe in general.

4. Looking back at your professional career, is there something you regret?

Not necessarily. There may be specific moments that I regret not speaking up for my values or that I wish I had said something different. I think if I regret anything, it is that I should have learned some skills outside of the business world while in university. I would have loved to learn GIS or urban planning, as sustainable city design and walkable infrastructure has become an important part of my thinking since moving to Europe.

5. What advice would you give a current and prospective student?

Don’t worry about it. You may think everyone has it figured out, or that they know what they are doing, but we are all just humans doing our best. It is okay to not fully understand your life or the lives of those around you, and this is partially what makes life exciting! Do new things. Challenge the core beliefs you were raised with. Break down your informational silos. Listen and be empathetic. Challenge norms that don’t make sense within your organization. The world is tough, and we need more people standing against the status quo.

6. What has the future in store for you?

I have no idea, and that is what makes life exciting! I just started a new adventure in Spain and am focused on this present moment right now.

7. What inspires you?

I am inspired by nature and by the kindness of others. No matter what is going on in this crazy world, I find that nature is resilient (perhaps even more than we are) and that there are people who are actually putting in work to leave this planet better than they found it: more equitable, more peaceful, and more in harmony with nature. Keep an eye out for people like that, and if you find out how to help them in their work, do it.