For Jessyca Souza, studying in the United States has never been just about earning a degree, it’s been about building something bigger.
Jessyca Souza is originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She says she grew up in an environment that emphasized independence, communication, and entrepreneurship. Her journey reflects a clear sense of purpose, to use education, communication, and strategy not only to advance professionally, but to create opportunities for others.
Building a Foundation in Education and Communication
Jessyca’s academic journey began in Brazil, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul. Early in her career, she worked closely with ESL students, helping them navigate language learning and build confidence in communication.
That experience became a defining influence, “Working with ESL students helped me develop the ability to simplify complex ideas,” she explains. “That later became a strong advantage in my marketing work.”
Jessyca’s passion for education and communication eventually led her to consider opportunities beyond Brazil. She made the intentional decision to move to the United States, believing that international experience would give her a competitive edge, “I believed that living and studying in a different country would help me grow and open new opportunities,” she says.
Over the past three years, Jessyca has focused on adapting to a new culture while continuing to build both her academic credentials and professional experience. Like many students, Jessyca is patching together her own business coursework at CSI by taking more than one program at the school. After completing programs in Marketing and Organizational Administration, she is now pursuing Business Finance to deepen her understanding of strategy and analytics. “I’ve always tried to be very intentional with my education,” she says. “Each program has helped me build a different part of my skill set.”
Turning Education Into Entrepreneurship
While many students focus solely on coursework, Jessyca has started planning for something more. She’d like to start a business to help young professionals strengthen their English communication skills for career advancement. “That experience working with students inspired me,” she says. “I want to build a platform that will help people improve their communication in a practical way for their careers.”
Her background in teaching, combined with her growing expertise in marketing, has allowed her to approach the business from both an educational and strategic perspective. Her business idea focuses on helping individuals develop the communication skills needed to succeed in professional environments, an area she believes is critical in today’s global job market, “English communication plays a huge role in career growth,” she explains. “It can impact confidence, opportunities, and the ability to connect in a professional setting.”
Her time at CSI is playing a key role in shaping the business idea. The program’s practical approach has allowed Jessyca to apply what she learns directly to her own projects. “The program has been very hands-on,” she says. “I’ve been able to connect what I learn in class to real professional situations, especially in my own business.”
In addition, her participation in the CPT program has given her experience working in marketing roles, where she has developed skills in content creation, strategy, and digital marketing.
Balancing School, Career Growth, and a Vision for the Future
Managing multiple responsibilities, school, gaining work experience, while still enjoying a personal life has required discipline and focus, “One of the biggest challenges has been balancing everything while adapting to a new country and academic system,” she says. “It takes a lot of organization and consistency.”
To stay on track, Jessyca relies on structure and intentional planning, “I set clear priorities and plan my schedule so I can stay consistent with my goals,” she explains.
Her approach to learning also reflects her background as an educator. Rather than focusing only on theory, she emphasizes application, “Focusing on output, not just input, is very important,” she says. “Applying what you learn, whether through writing, teaching, or real projects makes the experience much more valuable.”
Outside of school, much of Jessyca’s time is still dedicated to professional growth. She continues to develop her business idea, stay updated on marketing trends, and attend industry events such as Google Search conferences. At the same time, she enjoys exploring Boston and taking advantage of the opportunities the city offers.
Looking ahead, Jessyca plans to continue building her career in marketing and entrepreneurship. She is particularly interested in working with educational companies or marketing agencies where she can further develop her expertise in strategy and communication.
“I feel confident pursuing both paths,” she says. “I’ve built a strong foundation academically and through hands-on experience.” She is also considering pursuing a Master’s degree in Marketing in the future.
For students considering a similar path, Jessyca emphasizes the importance of being proactive and intentional, “The program is very practical,” she says. “The more you engage with it and apply what you’re learning, the more valuable it becomes.”
“I’m very grateful for the experience at CSI,” she says. “It has played an important role in shaping my path in both marketing and education.”
Maybe you’ve already got an idea for a business but aren’t sure where to start. CSI can help you lay the foundation to confidently become an entrepreneur. Reach out today to learn more!