Beauty by the Numbers: New Grad Lands Dream Job with Top Global Brand

Fresh out of graduate school and armed with a master’s degree in analytics and information management, Giovanna works in New York City as a business analyst for Sol de Janeiro, a global hair and skincare brand known for their signature scents, sunshine-inspired packaging and incredible popularity. The company recorded $780 million in sales in 2024. 

Forming bonds, building skills

Giovanna is thriving in her role, which allows her to combine two of her passions: numbers and the beauty industry. 
 
“I do reporting for the Americas wholesale team for all of Sol de Janeiro,” she said. “It’s a lot of analyzing, reporting and communicating with our leadership. It fulfills me and feels like I’m in the right place.”
 
Giovanna has a good sense of what she wants to achieve and the impact she can make. Her Duquesne coursework helped her get there. Initially drawn to graduate school so she could advance her career, Giovanna also wanted to reaffirm her independence, gain confidence and find her fit in the workforce. 
 
“Duquesne’s program seemed so amazing, and the University is growing and becoming so influential,” she said. “I wanted to be part of that.”
 
Giovanna attended class remotely from her home base in New York City. Even from afar, she made lasting friendships and found a great support system in classmates, professors and Palumbo-Donahue School of Business staff who trusted in her potential—relationships that have lasted beyond graduation.
 
“It didn’t feel like you were remote,” she said. “It was nice to know that people are so welcoming in this program and a shoulder for you to lean on. Everyone takes you under their wing and sets you up for success.” 
 
Friendships, faculty and hands-on learning experiences kept Giovanna grounded throughout the program as she also worked full-time for a global luxury fashion brand. She was surrounded by those who inspired her to keep going and reach for bigger goals, knowing that success is about the person she’d become.
 
“Initially I was nervous to go back to school and get back into the groove of things and find balance,” she said. “Everyone at Duquesne pushed me to find myself.” 

Prepared for anything

As the program wound down and job interviews began, Giovanna felt confident in her skills and abilities. 
 
“Throughout the interview process, the language they were using and the systems they mentioned—it really clicked,” she said. “I felt so prepared and could say, ‘I know how to use that.’ It feels like I have all this education under my belt, and I’m set up for success.”
 
Sol de Janeiro conveys themes of self-celebration, joy, authenticity and feeling comfortable in one’s own skin. Giovanna appreciates that her company aligns with her goals and values and hopes to continue growing within her career. 
 
“I love beauty and I love numbers, so to have all that together is great,” she said. “It makes me proud to be part of such an amazing, empowering brand.”