Posted on May 2, 2025 by Rebekah Alegria
When Arnas Budreckis first arrived at UTSA, he didn’t just want to earn a degree; he wanted to make an impact. Now, as he prepares to graduate with a B.B.A. in Business Analytics, he reflects on a journey shaped by leadership, hands-on learning, and a deep commitment to student success at the Carlos Alvarez College of Business.
Arnas Budreckis, B.B.A. Business Analytics '25
Born in Boston and raised in Lithuania before moving to El Paso, Arnas Budreckis grew up with a global perspective. When it came time to choose a university, he weighed his options and found that UTSA provided the best opportunities and resources to support his education.
While his passion for data-driven decision-making was clear from the start, choosing business analytics as a major was almost a shot in the dark. “At first, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect,” he admitted. “But once I got into it, I realized it was the perfect blend of statistical analysis and coding with core business fundamentals.”
Taking advantage of the program’s flexibility, he enrolled in higher-level electives in finance, marketing and risk management to expand his skill set. “Business analytics is great because it allows you to pursue your interests while still gaining technical knowledge,” he explained.
From his first semester, Budreckis knew he wanted to get involved on campus. While he initially explored multiple organizations, he soon dedicated himself to three key leadership roles: president of the Business Student Council, vice president and director of operations for The Investment Society and a Student Government Association representative and treasurer. In these positions he helped strengthen student engagement and built connections between students and industry leaders. He also witnessed firsthand how student organizations evolve and grow, playing a role in the formation of the Real Estate Society and Economics Society, groups that emerged from connections he made in The Investment Society.
“It was incredible to see students take the initiative and launch new organizations,” he said. “There’s no competition. It’s about creating more opportunities for business students.” 
Budreckis credits faculty mentors and student resources for helping shape his success. Joey Ramos, faculty advisor for the Business Student Council and director of student success at the Alvarez Student Success Center, and Ron Sweet, faculty sponsor for The Investment Society, were among his biggest supporters. “Professor Sweet lives, breathes and dies finance—he’s an incredible resource for students,” Budreckis said. “And Mr. Ramos was instrumental in helping us get things done in the Business Student Council.”
An avid patron of the college’s Student Success Center, Budreckis values the center’s role in fostering student growth and collaboration. While many students may overlook its offerings, he sees it as a hidden gem on campus. “There are so many great programs and initiatives that more students should take advantage of,” he emphasized.
Budreckis strongly believes in the power of experiential learning, estimating that 80% of what he learned in college came from outside the classroom. “Theories are great, but applying what you learn through student involvement is where real growth happens,” he emphasized.
Beyond student leadership, Budreckis gained invaluable professional experience last summer as a risk and financial advisory intern for Deloitte. After applying for over 100 internships, he landed a competitive role in Deloitte’s Denver office, where he worked on internal audit processes for the U.S. Air Force. The internship was immersive, and he was able to travel to Washington, D.C. and Texas for hands-on training.
“Without my experiences at UTSA, I don’t think I would have gotten the internship,” he admitted. “The leadership roles, the networking and the skills I developed through my involvement were crucial.”
His hard work paid off, and he received a return offer from Deloitte. He will continue as an analyst after graduation.
Passionate about helping fellow business students maximize their college experience, Budreckis encourages studentsto step outside the classroom and engage with the community around them. “Everyone earns a degree, but it’s the experiences, connections and challenges you embrace along the way that truly set you apart,” he said. "Seizing opportunities, networking and getting involved are the keys to success in both academics and career development.”
As he looks to the future, Budreckis is eager to launch his career in the corporate world, knowing that his experiences in the Alvarez College of Business have laid a strong foundation. With aspirations of eventually transitioning into venture capital, private equity or even launching his own business, he is ready to take these next steps with confidence.
— Rebekah Alegria
