Thunderbird grad uses education, community to land position at Bank of America

“I read somewhere, ‘Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, in all ways you can, as long as ever you can.’”

These words of principle motivated Frank Martinez throughout his time at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University, from which he graduates this spring with a Master of Global Management (MGM).

This mantra, paired with his education at Thunderbird, helped Martinez land a career with Bank of America in their Global Risk department.

“I was able to accept a position at the Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, where I work as a global risk analyst,” said the Las Tunas, Cuba, native, who moved across the country in March for his new position.

Martinez is well equipped to take on a new role in a new city as he draws on both his global education and the worldwide community — the latter of which, he notes, is his favorite thing about being a T-bird.

“I love the opportunity to connect with T-birds inside and outside of school,” the Thunderbird Alumni Scholarship recipient said. “Last year, I traveled to Amsterdam, and I was able to meet other T-birds and join their local First Tuesday, one of many Thunderbird traditions.”

As Martinez celebrates these accomplishments and his upcoming graduation in May, he remains close to the Thunderbird community and cherishes the alumni connections he has — and will continue to — foster around the world.

Question: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?

Answer: I took three classes with Senior Associate Dean of Student Success Sophal Ear. I highly recommend his classes for someone with a concentration in global affairs like me. With him, I learned the theory and how everything is applied in practice due to his professional experience. My talks with him inside and outside the classroom enriched my Thunderbird experience.

Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?

A: Time management, knowing where you need to be, allowing adequate time to study, network, and attending career fairs. 

Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

A: I am grateful for my family and friends. They have been next to me in the good and the bad times and continue encouraging me daily.

In addition to the Thunderbird Alumni Scholarship, Martinez was also awarded the Dave Fisher ’67 and Mitch Kanai ’81 Scholarship, as well as the Helen M. Whitman Fund and the Lucille S. Bailey Memorial Trust Scholarship.