MIB Student Spotlight: Rojhat Kaymaz

Rojhat Kaymaz (MIB ‘25) is a graduate of the Master of International Business Program and a Fulbright Scholar from Germany. He is currently in Paris working at the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration. 

Q: Tell us about yourself
Kaymaz: “My name is Rojhat, and I grew up in a working-class neighborhood in Cologne, Germany. Cologne is home to the famous Cathedral, one of the tallest and oldest Gothic churches in Europe. Where I come from, pursuing higher education was not the common path. Most people focused on finishing school quickly and entering the workforce. A turning point for me came when a friend encouraged me to apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, a highly competitive program for cultural exchange and study in the United States. To my surprise, I was selected in December 2023 which changed the course of my life and gave me the opportunity to pursue graduate studies in the United States.” 

Q: What was your undergraduate major, and why the MIB program?
Kaymaz: “I studied Business Administration in Cologne with a minor in Tax Law. After my undergraduate degree, I was seeking a program that offered three things: breadth of course selection, flexibility in designing my own curriculum and international exposure. The Master of International Business program at UF was the perfect fit.”

Q: What is the best thing you like about the MIB program, and how has the program helped you professionally?
Kaymaz: “One of the highlights of the program was the Global Immersion Experience in Brazil where my team worked with a Brazilian AI start-up to develop a market entry strategy for the retail sector. We presented our findings directly to the founder and investors in São Paulo. Beyond the project, the trip included fascinating guest speakers across sectors and meaningful cultural experiences in Rio and São Paulo. This was my first exposure to South America and it gave me a new global perspective on business challenges. Overall, the MIB program has expanded the way I think about international business, helped me build confidence and prepared me to engage with global challenges as part of the solution.”

Q: What are your plans now that you have graduated?
Kaymaz: “After graduating in August, I was fortunate to be awarded the Carlo Schmid Fellowship, a highly competitive program that supports outstanding students and graduates in familiarizing themselves with the issues and working methods of international administration and organizations. With the support of my UF professors, I joined the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration in Paris, where I work in the Counsellor team of Manal Corwin, the Director. My focus is on international tax challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy. Working so closely with the leadership team of such an important international organization is truly a dream come true.”

Q: What is your advice to undergraduate students considering the MIB program?
Kaymaz: “My advice is to ask as many questions as possible. Reach out to recent MIB graduates, contact student ambassadors and schedule advising appointments to design your individual curriculum. The program is right for you if you want to build a strong toolkit while also exploring your strengths and weaknesses. The variety of courses allows you to target areas for growth and to specialize in fields that align with your interests.”

Q: Tell us a cool fact about yourself.
Kaymaz: “My name, Rojhat, means sunrise in my mother tongue. I also have a twin brother, whose name is Rojhillat, meaning sunset.”