Alumni Spotlight:
Q&A with Qiana Brown

California School of Management and Leadership at Alliant International University
MS in Data Analytics Alum, Doctorate in Business Administration Student

Professional Information

Senior Planning Analyst at Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, CA

Q: How did your Alliant experience contribute to your career growth?

A: Before entering the illustrious halls of AIU, my worldview was pretty singular. Alliant introduced me to some amazing people with phenomenal backgrounds and purpose.  I have peers that are nation builders.  Let that sink in for a second. I have peers that are here with the purpose of learning- eventually shaping their nation. The ideas and experience sharing between peers and professors has been invaluable.  That tiny fraction of exposure enabled me to transition into a new organization and industry. Alliant, also provided the technical skills needed for the new role. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

A: An enjoyable part of my work is building relationships with site managers around the world! Equally enjoyable, is the ability to influence and drive global lab operations through the use of data.  The icing on the cake at Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is seeing awe inspiring stones with fascinating inclusions. 

Q: What inspires you to make a positive difference in the world?

A: What inspires me to make a positive difference in the world is knowing my efforts, whether, through knowledge sharing, deeds, or words positively impacted someone’s life. Also knowing those efforts will be paid forward to someone else. 

Q: Your advice for current students.

A: 1. Make the most of your time at Alliant International University. 
2. Connect with your classmates and fully participate in group discussions. 
3. Connect with local networking groups, like San Diego Tech Hub. 
4. Make use of all resources available to students

If you would like to share your reflections in an Alliant alumni spotlight, please click here or email alumni@alliant.edu.