Jakub Sirota: Outstanding Graduating International Student

Jakub Sirota of Kroměříž, Czech Republic is the Outstanding Graduating International Student in the Maine Business School. Sirota is a double-major in marketing and management and a member of the men’s ice hockey team. He is a two-time member of the Hockey East All-Academic Team and has been a three-time University of Maine Scholar-Athlete. He also was named to Athletics’ 13th annual Team Maine. Sirota plans to pursue a hockey career, followed by an entrepreneurial path in business. 

What difference has UMaine made in your life and in helping you reach your goals? 
I learned discipline and the importance of the process at UMaine through coaches and professors. 

Have you had an experience at UMaine that has changed or shaped the way you see the world?
Certainly, the passing away of our coach Red Gendron a year ago made an impact on me. It showed me how quickly things can change and how much we need to value the time we have. 

Why UMaine?
Great ice hockey program, exceptional business school and inviting people.

How would you define the opportunities for student success at UMaine? Is there any particular initiative, program or set of resources that helped you succeed?
The amount of resources available to students is countless. Many advisors from various faculties help students in chasing their dreams. Entrepreneurial opportunities, Zooms with now very successful alumni, internship and career-building programs, and many other benefits offered by the school were all helpful to me. 

Have you worked closely with a professor or mentor who made your UMaine experience better?
Many professors made an impact on me. Two professors in particular deserve my thanks. First is professor Muralee Das, whose classes were enjoyable and whose communication with me was so friendly that we still stay in contact. The second professor who helped me see into the academic field a little better is professor Erin Percival Carter, who has an amazing gift for sharing knowledge that made learning so much easier. 

What advice do you have for incoming students to help them get off to the best start academically? 
Listen to your professors and try to understand them. All of them want students to succeed on their journeys and all they want in return is just attention in classes. Be involved, contribute to discussions and enjoy the process of learning. Certainly, many things you will forget, but there is a great value to be gained in the undergraduate school, so don’t let that go to waste.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, nagle@maine.edu