BABA General Studies spotlight: how students customize their business degree

The University of Florida Warrington College of Business designed the Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration General Studies program to allow students to build a broad business foundation while growing knowledge of a niche industry, acquire an in-demand skill set or prepare for an international career.

From entry-level to executive, employees are expected to balance budgets, develop growth strategies, organize teams and use technology. That’s the case if you’re on Wall Street, promoting an athletic franchise or training to become a lawyer.

Students pursuing a BABA in General Studies can choose from 79 specializations that cover 70 disciplines to diversify their studies.  

The sustainability studies specialization explores how sustainability influences business practices and community development, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental and economic concerns at local, national and global levels.

Ines Rahmani, Chloe Kamp and Natasha Rattray are just three Business Gators who are developing the skills and insights needed to pursue careers that combine business with environmental considerations. Read how these students are preparing to make an impact.

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Ines Rahmani, BABA ’25

Ines Rahmani (BABA ’25), has “always viewed business as one of the most transformative tools for driving meaningful and lasting change.”

“At UF’s Warrington College of Business, I found a place where I could align purpose with practicality,” she said. “UF gave me the foundation to merge analytical rigor with empathy, to see business as both an engine of growth and a platform for global good.”

Her grandfather grew up in a small rural village near Marrakech in Morocco with the belief that knowledge could transform lives. With that belief, Rahmani’s grandfather built a school in his village, which has inspired her to pursue a path in impact entrepreneurship.

In the future, Rahmani hopes to “[help] companies design strategies that align financial growth with measurable [environmental] impact.”

So far, her experience in impact entrepreneurship spans across multiple continents, including places like the United States, Morocco, France and the UAE.

She’s served as an intern working under the chief sustainability officer at Areti Bank, a consultant intern at TranSengy in Dubai and as an intern for the World Bank.

While pursuing her degree, Rahmani worked alongside her brother Rayan Rahmani and teammate Lucas Caldenty to build a solar-powered classroom in her grandfather’s village.

“At the World Bank, I built partnerships with Rotary International and Computer Aid International to support our solar-powered classroom initiative in Morocco.”

She credits the Warrington College of Business’ interdisciplinary approach and global focus for giving her the freedom to explore her interest across disciplines, economies and global development.

“The college’s emphasis on experiential learning helped me develop the confidence to lead initiatives like our solar-powered classroom project, where strategic thinking, empathy and collaboration are equally essential.”

Rahmani is a firm believer in Bhagavad Gita’s philosophy: “It’s better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.”

She encourages her peers to explore the unknown.

“Growth happens when you challenge yourself to step outside familiar boundaries.”

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Chloe Kamp, BABA ’28

Chloe Kamp (BABA ’28) was always outside as a kid, growing up on six acres of land.

“While other kids played with dolls, I dug in the dirt and explored the woods,” Kamp said.

While she always knew that she wanted to pursue a career that involved the outdoors, it was her AP Environmental Science course in high school that drew her to protecting the environment.

“That’s when I came across sustainable business and environmental law,” she said. “Both my parents were in business, so combining my love for the environment and my familiarity with business led me down this track.”

Through the Warrington College of Business, Kamp has had the opportunity to network with others within the industry.

“The Warrington College of Business has provided numerous opportunities and resources to deepen my business acumen,” she said. “With these resources, I am meeting people in the sustainable business field and learning about the paths I can take.”

In the future, Kamp hopes to work within a company to improve issues like deforestation, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, either in a corporate or legal role.

“By going into sustainable business, my hope is to target these problems from the inside,” she explained. “I would [like to help] companies abide by environmental laws, minimize their negative impact and improve their sustainability performance.”  

She encourages her peers to network and make connections within the industry now.

“Find out ways to get involved while you’re young, and don’t be afraid to do things out of your comfort zone,” she said. “The sustainable business field always needs more creative minds who operate out of passion.”

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Natasha Rattray, BABA ’27

Natasha Rattray (BABA ’27), grew up in Boca Raton, Florida. In the last few years, she’s watched her hometown’s natural landscape dwindle. That transformation has shaped her resolve to protect the spaces that connect people to nature.

“I’ve seen the benefit that properly resourced wild spaces can have for people,” she said.

At the University of Florida, she’s found hands-on ways to do just that.

Rattray works with O-Town Compost, a company that collects food waste from local businesses and households and transforms it into nutrient-rich soil. As a sales representative, she connects with local Gainesville and student organizations to help them implement composting initiatives.

Rattray is passionate about the environment and plans to pursue a career that allows her to make a positive impact in that space.

Her interest in environmental protection isn’t new.

Rattray has been cleaning up litter since elementary school and often spends time at Lake Alice, where she’s seen the dangers that discarded fishing lines can cause to local wildlife. Her personal experiences continue to fuel her passion for environmental conservation.

Rattray says her courses at Warrington have equipped her with practical knowledge and professional confidence.

“When I found out that Warrington allowed me to do a specialization in anything, that was really cool for me,” she said “That [has] allowed me to get a multi-focus degree.”

While Rattray’s future career path is still taking shape, she’s motivated by the same philosophy that’s guided her since childhood: leave the world better than you found it.

“Be the change you want to see,” she said “If that space doesn’t exist, I’d like to create [it].”