Graduate credits UC’s inclusive culture for success
Aissatou Barry overcomes language and cultural barriers on her road to graduation
When Aissatou Barry arrived in the United States to complete her senior year of high school, she never imagined the impact that the journey would leave on her.
Barry, a native of the West African country Guinea, received a sponsorship to come to the U.S. and attend Cincinnati’s Robert A. Taft Information Technology High School. That opportunity led her to this moment—finishing her information systems degree in December and graduating with a full-time job offer. Barry credits the support of UC’s unique programs, International Admissions staff and faculty for these successes.
Aissatou Barry (middle) with some of her classmates | Photo/provided
When Barry was finishing high school, she attended college visits to schools around Ohio, but at UC, she felt at home: “One thing that stood out about UC was how diverse it is—like how there is so many different people from different backgrounds.”
Barry felt motivated to attend because of UC’s inclusive atmosphere, and she saw potential for personal growth through the university’s cooperative education programs. But even though Barry was already within the U.S., as an international student, the college application process was hard to navigate.
With the help of the International Admissions team, Barry was accepted to the information systems program in the Lindner College of Business. After only a few weeks, though, Barry was overwhelmed. She was struggling with speaking English, understanding information in her classes and communicating with other students.
“During my first three weeks of college, I didn’t like it exactly, because I wasn’t understanding what everyone was saying,” she explained.
Through the Accelerated College English (ACE) program, a now-sunset option designed for students to improve their English proficiency while making progress toward their degree, Barry was able to improve her language skills while continuing to take business coursework.
“Seeing what others were going through and where we needed improvement really helped,” Barry said. “When you first arrive in the U.S., I think you need that environment where you have other people from different backgrounds—where you don't feel left out.”
Aissatou Barry at her internship with Amazon | Photo/provided
One year later, after transitioning out of ACE and into her major, she felt ready for the American college experience. Barry was more outspoken in class, asking her own questions and felt like her English genuinely improved.
Overall, Barry felt that UC had an environment that fostered belonging and prepared her to succeed despite her personal barriers. Key to that success, she said, was UC’s commitment to inclusion.
“UC is a place where everyone is welcome,” she said. “You have a sense of belonging, which opens up other opportunities.”
For Barry, those opportunities included involvement around campus as an international student ambassador and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Academic Success and Lindner Women in Business.
With a supportive network and refined communication skills, she felt more empowered and confident in her career path. In 2022 and 2023, Barry completed two area management internships with Amazon. Her impressive—and eloquent—resume caught the attention of future employers, and she received two job offers prior to graduation.
“I'm very excited about having a job before graduating,” Barry said. “I had four interviews before getting the job so I believe if I didn’t have the oral communication skills, I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I did.”
She ultimately chose a role as an analyst with USI Insurance Services, where she will train with underwriters to evaluate corporate employee benefits programs. Barry is eager to start her postgraduate adventure in January, but is not quite ready to leave UC behind.
“I thought I would be so excited, but I feel sad when I walk around,” she concluded. "I will miss this place; I miss it already."
Featured image: UC information systems graduate Aissatou Barry at Italian Fest in Newport, Kentucky | Photo/UC International
Find yourself here. Discover what's Next.
Apply to UC and become one of our global Bearcats.
Related Stories
Prestigious green and gold accolades highlight UC Earth Day 2021
April 19, 2021
There’s no making light of the ‘Gold’ accolade recently earned by the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business’ new home on campus.
UC Day of Giving a success
April 28, 2021
University of Cincinnati Day of Giving’s 24-hour challenge was a tremendous success this year, raising $2,219,197 with 3,232 gifts. The fourth annual UC Day of Giving raised its most money to date with alumni, donors, students, faculty and staff joining together to support UC and UC Health.
USA Today: As COVID-19 cases and deaths spike in India, 'a sense of alarm and horror' in U.S.
May 27, 2021
Rajan Kamath, a UC associate professor of business, relays concern over the desperate situation in India due to COVID-19.
Protect Company Assets by Mitigating Cyber Risks
April 8, 2021
Cyber threats and insurance have become a ubiquitous business issue. Insurance is intended as a vehicle to transfer catastrophic risk to carriers contractually in consideration for premium dollars. There is no coverage area where the risks evolve more rapidly than cyber, and so the insurance must evolve with it.
Tactical Treasury: Fraud prevention is a never-ending task
April 8, 2021
With Nacha rule changes coming in 2021, along with new treasury solutions that are advancing and adapting to a world with more ACH transactions, it’s important to understand how to follow them and mitigate fraud.
Unlocking Your Company’s Value
April 8, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to adjust the way they operate. We now meet virtually, find new ways to engage with our employees, and rethink the way we do business. It has been a year of transition as our companies are adapting to a new normal, and it is the perfect time to unlock and discover new value opportunities in your organization.
Protect Yourself With Thoughtful Estate Planning
April 8, 2021
Now is a good time to review personal and family estate planning. Many new opportunities are developing considering the rising optimism with the broader economy, the new administration, and the new Congress. Although the future remains uncertain, there are many things that can be done in the present to protect the interests of your loved ones and yourself.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
UC Foundation Board of Trustees elects six new members
May 11, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Foundation Board of Trustees has elected six new trustees to its 52-member board: Paul D. Green, BBA ’90; Lourdes J. Harshe, BBA ’92; Anndréa M. Moore, BBA’10; Arun C. Murthy, BBA ’95; Kirk L. Perry, BBA ’90, HON ‘15; and Christopher J. Van Pelt, BA ’91, MA ’93.
AACSB renews accreditation for Lindner College of Business
May 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati Carl H. Lindner College of Business is pleased to announced that the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) has extended the college’s accreditation.