Lights, Camera, Seattle: An International Student’s MSF Journey at Seattle University

Growing up in Uzbekistan, Ezoza Ubaydullaeva loved American cinema. She had always imagined her university experience would be like a scene from a favorite movie. Though she had never stepped foot on a U.S. campus before, Ezoza could picture it clearly: a campus filled with energy, late-night conversations with classmates from around the world, and the kind of learning that extends beyond the classroom.

She found all of that and more at Seattle University. Today, she’s working towards her Master of Science in Finance (MSF) degree—and what she’s gaining goes far beyond academics. Read more about how her journey has been shaped by cultural exchange, personal growth, and education that translates directly into real-world practice.

From the Silver Screen to Seattle:

On Pursuing an MSF at SeattleU

Before pursuing her MSF, Ubaydullaeva had three goals: advancing her own financial education, opening a business, and eventually becoming a professor. “More than anything, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone,” Ubaydullaeva says. From what she saw in the movies, earning a degree abroad would allow her to find the personal and academic growth she was looking for. In particular, the MSF would give her the financial acumen to thrive in any industry.

Her vision wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about becoming part of a community. "In my country, you’re never alone. You always have someone—someone you can ask for help, someone to share things with. It makes the journey easier.” When vetting graduate programs, she was hoping to find that same spirit of togetherness in her new environment. At SeattleU, she is surrounded by classmates and mentors who listen, support, and grow alongside her.

SeattleU has exceeded her expectations with its hands-on curriculum, strong support for international students, and a diverse, tight-knit community. Her closest friends and roommates come from across the world, including China, India, Ghana, Ethiopia, Korea, Japan, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, and Sudan. “I used to dream of having friends from every country, and now I have them,” says Ubaydullaeva. Together, they’ve created a space of shared learning and cultural exchange.

For Ubaydullaeva, the MSF program has brought both pieces of her vision to life: the financial application to pursue a future in academia and the supportive community she had hoped to find. What began as a leap outside of her comfort zone has led to a community that feels like home, reinforcing the idea that success is built on skills and shared connection.

On Putting Theory to Practice

While Ubaydullaeva gained a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge during her undergraduate studies, she realized she was lacking the practical experience necessary to further hone her skills. This gap between theory and practice was a key factor in her decision to pursue an MSF at SeattleU.

In particular, she likes that her MSF program places a strong emphasis on practical application and real-world projects rather than solely theoretical instruction. “At SeattleU, I am learning through application and discussion rather than just lecture,” she says.

One notable example has been the opportunity to perform valuations for startup companies, something she found particularly interesting and valuable. This hands-on work allowed her to put theory into practice, directly engaging with the types of challenges that finance professionals face in the real world.

What has stood out to her the most throughout this process is not just learning the “how” of finance—the formulas, frameworks, and technical skills—but, more importantly, understanding the “why” behind each decision. She has learned to think critically about strategy, to question assumptions, and to approach challenges with a broader perspective. This deeper level of insight has given Ubaydullaeva the tools to apply financial principles thoughtfully and effectively in real-world contexts.

On the Value of Upskilling and Failing Upward

Before beginning her graduate studies, Ubaydullaeva looked for ways to become a more well-rounded candidate—someone who could bring both technical and creative strengths to the table.

“I thought it would be beneficial to learn some new skills that I didn't yet know,” Ubaydullaeva explains. Inspired by her family’s background in architecture, she has always woven the arts into her interests, even when it comes to math and analytical thinking. Wanting to boost her resume and her skillset before moving to the United States, she decided to learn a new skill: graphic design.

What began as a way to enhance her resume quickly grew into a genuine passion. Graphic design evolved from being a practical tool to a creative outlet that offered Ubaydullaeva a refreshing balance from the analytical nature of her finance studies. “Finance is training for me, and graphic design is like sleep. I really enjoy the combination of the two,” she says. While graphic design offers her a sense of relaxation, she acknowledges that it, too, requires significant training and practice to master.

This upskilling aided Ubaydullaeva in more ways than one. The skill was a stand-out factor in her MSF application, and she also leveraged her experience to earn a part-time job as a graphic designer at SeattleU.

The transition to her new in-house role was challenging. Fortunately, she had the support and mentorship of her former supervisor, Alicia Kan, Seattle University School of Law, Assistant Dean for External Affairs. Kan offered encouragement and the time she needed to refine her new approach. “When I started doubting myself, Alicia encouraged me and helped me see these challenges as learning opportunities,” says Ubaydullaeva.

This shift was just the beginning of Ubaydullaeva’s journey toward embracing a new perspective: Accepting that failure is part of the learning process. She explains, “Back home, I had learned that you try, you fail, and that’s the end of it. But in America, the style is different: you try, you fail, and then you try again.”

Now, Ubaydullaeva approaches every challenge with this new mindset—viewing failure as an opportunity to improve, rather than as a setback.

Whether it’s asking questions when she’s unsure or resubmitting assignments until they meet the standard, she embraces the idea that growth comes from consistent effort. This shift has not only helped her academically but has also contributed to her personal development, reinforcing the importance of self-compassion.

Ubaydullaeva doesn’t see finance and design as separate paths but interconnected skills that make her a dynamic professional. Before ultimately pursuing her goal of becoming a professor, she hopes to work in a financial role that integrates the design skills she is honing. “In the future, I’d like to explore a way to combine the two,” she says.

Ubaydullaeva’s path reflects everything she’s come to value—embracing challenge, pursuing balance, and building a future on her own terms.

On Learning with Purpose and Teaching with Impact

For Ezoza Ubaydullaeva, education has always been about creating meaningful change. While women’s education is still viewed through a traditional lens in many cultures, she was fortunate to grow up in a family that valued learning and encouraged her ambitions.

Despite the physical distance, her parents, Rixsitilla and Dildora, have always been a steady source of strength. Their loving words and wisdom continue to guide her through moments of uncertainty.

She echoes the sentiment her parents have long shared with her: “Education will be your weapon. Without this weapon, it will be difficult to start something new or defend yourself.” For the Makhkamov family, education is a tool for protection, progress, and empowerment.

That belief in the power of education has helped her navigate the challenges of studying thousands of miles from home. It’s also shaped her vision for the future. Ubaydullaeva isn’t just focused on building a career in finance; she hopes to return home and share them with future generations, too. She says, “I want to take my learnings from the United States and become a professor.”

In particular, her education at SeattleU has helped her reimagine what education can look like. In her ideal classroom, theory is just the beginning. “I want to have discussion-based talks, not just view a PowerPoint and start talking about it. I also want to incorporate real-world experiences. Instructors can explain theory, but it’s important to also show how to put that theory into practice.” She wants to create space for open discussion, practical learning, and real-world context—just as she has experienced in her MSF program at SeattleU.

For Ubaydullaeva, the MSF program at SeattleU isn’t the final scene—it’s the turning point. And the story she’s writing is only just beginning to unfold. Looking ahead, Ubaydullaeva envisions a future rooted in community, compassion, and applied learning. She’s committed to continuing her own growth so she can one day help others grow too—using education not just as a tool, but as a platform for impact.

Explore The Seattle University Impact

Thinking about what’s next in your finance career? Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take things to the next level, Seattle University’s nationally ranked Master of Science in Finance program can help you get there.

Ranked #16 in the nation, the program blends practical, hands-on learning with a strong sense of community and support. Learn more about the MSF program and where it can take you.