Nicolas Navarro
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Edelweiss School
Hometown: Valencia, Spain
Majors: International business, data analytics
Minor: Economics
Activities: Varsity tennis, Gamma Alpha Beta fraternity
Internships: Business operations intern at Tenerias Omega & Sport; management intern at MAE Sports & Education in Spain
Post-grad plans: Pursue business or data analytics career in the U.S. using my OPT.
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because it is a small school with strong academics and a wide range of opportunities. Also, they had a good tennis team with many international players.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
To be honest, my expectations weren’t even close. I come from a different country, and I didn’t expect it to be so easy to fit in somewhere else. I made new friends very easily through the tennis team, and then I joined the Gamma Alpha Beta fraternity, which made me feel at home.
Apart from that, I’ve grown personally and professionally through my two internships. I made connections that will last a lifetime, and I was successful with a great business plan idea.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I will always be grateful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to study in the United States because they have made great sacrifices for me, and to my siblings, who convinced me to come and study here. They knew I was going to have an unforgettable experience — and it has been.
But I also want to thank my advisor, Mrs. Marmé, and her husband, Dr. Marmé, for helping me so much during my four years and for being such outstanding professors.
Peak experience?
My best experience at Augustana in terms of school was when my roommate, Tim Philip, and I participated in the Business Plan competition. Even though we didn’t win, we made it to the final round.
My biggest takeaway is how much we learned by doing that project. I now understand the amount of work and sacrifice it takes to start or run a business — and how much pressure a business owner can face. This is an experience I'll always remember for how much I learned from it.
What surprised you?
What surprised me the most is how close professors are with students and how much support you can get from them.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for one of my internships.
What will you miss the most?
Definitely all the friends I’ve made here — they are the reason I had the best four years of my life. Also, playing tennis at a high level, traveling and competing in matches with the team.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Use all the resources Augustana offers, such as CORE for finding internships or jobs, Augie Choice, and any campus office that will help you academically, socially and personally.
"All the adjectives — hard-working, engaged, humorous, humble, unassuming — apply to Nico. I have known Nico for three years now, and in all my interactions he has never shown anything but a strong desire to participate fully in the learning process and to do it with curiosity and complete dedication. I am grateful to have had the pleasure of knowing him, and I will look forward to seeing what he does with the rest of his life."