South Carolina native and incoming IMBA student named a Pozen Scholar

New International MBA student Michael Alcena, ’17 USC computer information systems, was ready to take the next step in his computer science career when he began exploring MBA programs.

Eventually hoping to be a C-suite executive for a multinational technology company, Alcena can focus on building his international business skills thanks to being named a Pozen Scholar.

The 2024-25 academic year marks the third year of the Moore School’s Pozen Scholar program, which was created by former financier Robert “Bob” Charles Pozen. Pozen is a former president and vice chairman of Fidelity Investments, a multinational Fortune 500 financial services corporation. Currently, Pozen is a senior lecturer for the MIT Sloan School of Management.

To enhance the Moore School’s access and opportunity efforts within the two-year full-time International MBA program, Pozen agreed in 2022 to sponsor full-tuition fellowships for students who are from underrepresented backgrounds. He specifically requested the students to be from South Carolina so they can earn their International MBAs and hopefully stay in the state after they earn their degree to positively contribute to South Carolina’s workforce.

Acknowledging the full fellowship he received as a Pozen Scholar, Alcena said beyond the financial aspect of the award, he sees it as a “symbol of trust and investment in my potential.”

“Already it has opened doors for invaluable mentorship, exclusive networking events and specialized workshops that have significantly broadened my perspective on global business practices,” he said. “The fellowship has empowered me to fully immerse myself in the program knowing I have the support and resources to succeed.”

Hailing from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Alcena is a first generation Haitian American.

In the seven years after he earned his B.S. from USC, he worked for multinational Capgemini, a technology business management company, first as a consultant and later as a senior consultant.

After five years with Capgemini, Alcena decided it was “the perfect time to deepen my knowledge, expand my global business acumen and develop the strategic leadership skills necessary to achieve my long-term career goals,” he said. “The IMBA at the Moore School offers the ideal platform to accomplish these objectives and to prepare me for future opportunities in a globalized business environment.”

Alcena seeks to combine the skills he learns from the IMBA with his technical knowledge in computer science to “drive global business strategies, enhance operational efficiencies and create innovative products that cater to diverse markets.”

He said the IMBA and the technology degrees will enable him to work in the artificial intelligence (AI) sphere, which he says is the future of business.

“AI’s integration can significantly streamline operations and enhance decision-making, ultimately making everyone's life easier. My experience with AI has been incredibly positive,” Alcena said. “It has led me to obtain the Azure AI-102 certification (AI Engineer), which has equipped me with the skills to implement AI solutions effectively in various business processes.”

While IMBA candidates don’t confirm their international immersion location until the spring semester of their first year, Alcena has set his sights on Spain.

“Spain offers a unique blend of traditional and modern business practices, which I believe would greatly enhance my understanding of international markets and global business dynamics,” he said. “Immersing myself in the Spanish culture would not only be personally enriching but also provide valuable insights into the European business environment, which is crucial for my career aspirations in international business.”

Along with his international immersion and the opportunities provided by being a Pozen Scholar, Alcena said he looks forward to collaborating with the “talented individuals” in his IMBA cohort, who are from a diverse range of industries. He says these classmates will enrich his learning experience and foster valuable connections for his future.