CSUSM-Temecula means Business to the ‘Corps’

Where does a retiring Marine turn when trying to figure out the most logical next step to follow his or her dream?

Richard Serrano is enrolled in the Business Administration program at CSUSM-Temecula. (Courtesy photo)

For Murrieta resident Richard Serrano and Jennifer Tauriac of Temecula, the answer was California State University San Marcos-Temecula campus.

“I had to decide between a strictly online program – which I didn’t want to do,  a private school which was too expensive or a public school,” says Serrano. “CSUSM at Temecula was a perfect choice. I was able to register and attend class immediately.  School costs are reasonable, class sizes are small, class work is group-oriented and the campus is just a short drive from my home.”

Tauriac concurred. “I was a personnel administration officer in the Marine Corps and wanted to leverage that experience in the civilian work force. But, I knew I’d have to finish my college education in order to market myself and get the kind of job I wanted in Corporate HR or Marketing. When I walked in the door at CSUSM-Temecula and they made me feel welcome, appreciated and empowered to finish my education and achieve my professional goals.”

Jennifer Tauriac is working towards her degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Corporate HR or Marketing at CSUSM-Temecula. (Courtesy photo)

As part of CSUSM at Temecula’s first class or cohort of students in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program, Serrano and Tauriac knew they would get the classes they needed, as they needed them, and graduate on time. They also knew that with an average student/professor ratio of 15-to-1 they would receive personalized attention and focus. What they didn’t necessarily expect, and could not have anticipated, are professors who are genuinely interested in their success and want to make class work relevant and meaningful.

“They take a story out of the Wall Street Journal and show us why it’s significant and what it will mean to us in our future careers,” said Tauriac. “How many professors do that?”

“The most unique benefits thus far have been the up-close and personal classroom environment, outstanding group projects and world-class educators, “said Serrano. “My wife and I have a small business in Murrieta and I’ve always envisioned myself as the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. The BSBA is tying my work experience and military service together and showing me a concrete way to achieve my career goals.”

“This is a great program,” added Tauriac, “and it’s a blessing to have it right here in Temecula.”

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