Judith Saungweme’s journey in the CBA

Judith Saungweme, an international student from Zimbabwe, is pursuing her MBA in finance at Central Michigan University. She serves as president of CMU’s Toastmasters Club, works as an office assistant for University Events, and is a CPA candidate. Driven by her passion for leadership and communication, she is preparing for a career in financial analysis and mergers and acquisitions while building meaningful connections within the CMU community.

When Saungweme left Zimbabwe to pursue graduate studies, she knew she was stepping into the unknown—and that was exactly her goal.

“My inspiration to study abroad comes from a desire to step outside my comfort zone, because I believe that's where the most significant personal and professional growth happens,” she said. “I see it as the ultimate training ground for problem-solving, independence, and adaptability—skills that are absolutely critical in global business.”

Her sister, a CMU alumna, also played a role in her decision. “She was the one who first introduced me to the university and strongly recommended it. Hearing about her journey confirmed that CMU's practical, hands-on approach to business education is exactly what I was looking for.”

Adjusting to life in the U.S.

Like many international students, Saungweme’s first challenge wasn’t in the classroom—it was navigating a Michigan winter.

“The biggest initial adjustment was the climate, particularly preparing for my first winter,” she said. “While it was a personal challenge, it taught me to be proactive in seeking solutions—a skill that directly applies to business.”

Workshops hosted by Global Engagement and advice from classmates helped her adapt quickly. “This experience showed me how strong the support networks are at CMU and how a seemingly small challenge can build real resilience.”

Building connections in the CBA

From the beginning, Saungweme found support in faculty and advisors.

“In my Financial Modeling class, Professor Vigdis Boasson’s use of real-world case studies made the material come alive and created a collaborative environment,” she said. “Beyond the classroom, our MBA advisor has been an invaluable guide from day one, and the accessibility of leadership—like the MBA director and associate dean, whose doors are always open—truly reinforces that student success is a top priority here.”

She also seized opportunities to lead. One of her proudest achievements has been founding CMU’s Toastmasters chapter with the support of faculty mentors.

“As president, it’s been an incredible opportunity to develop skills directly critical to a business career. Taking an idea, securing support, and building it into an organization with over 20 paid members taught me more about practical leadership, persuasion, and resilience than any single class could.”

Learning by doing

For Saungweme, growth has come from more than coursework. She competed in the “Make-A-Pitch” competition, earning two awards.

“Beyond the prizes, the experience itself was incredible. The mentorship provided throughout the process was invaluable. I learned a tremendous amount and would highly encourage any student to participate for the experience and the learning opportunity above all else.”

She also shared her culture at CMU’s annual Cultural Expo, where she and other Zimbabwean students hosted a booth with traditional foods and history. “It’s always a rewarding experience to not only teach others about Zimbabwe but also to see how curious and engaged other students were.”

Looking ahead

Saungweme’s long-term goal is to work in mergers and acquisitions within the financial services industry, leveraging her international perspective to help firms navigate global opportunities.

“The CBA has been the perfect training ground for this,” she said. “CMU didn’t just teach me how to build a model; it gave me a platform to practice how to champion that model’s findings, articulate value, and win the buy-in necessary to close a deal.”

Her advice for other international students considering CMU is straightforward: dive in.

“My biggest piece of advice is simple: don't box yourself in—participate fully. Actively seek out diversity. Join clubs like Toastmasters, compete in events like the New Venture Challenge, and don’t be afraid to start conversations with American and other international students. The more you put in, the more you will get out of this experience, both personally and professionally.”

A welcoming home for international students

For Saungweme, the College of Business has provided more than an education—it has been a community, a proving ground, and a platform for growth.

“I wish more people understood that being an international student isn’t a limitation; it’s a unique form of training,” she said. “We constantly adapt to new cultural contexts, communicate across language barriers, and solve problems without the safety net of familiar systems. My background isn’t a hurdle to overcome; it’s the lens through which I see innovative solutions and global opportunities that others might miss.”

That perspective—paired with the CBA’s focus on hands-on learning, faculty support, and inclusive community—makes CMU a place where international students like Saungweme don’t just study business. They live it.