Student Research Spotlight: Mille Langaas (Finance BS)

Mille Langaas, also featured in our 2023 NSU Research Video, is an undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Finance at the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. After finishing her undergraduate education, Mille plans to attend graduate school working towards a Finance and Sustainability MS degree.

 

Briefly talk me through your research journey at NSU.

Learning more about the differences between the U.S. and Scandinavia, in general, has been eye-opening to my own experience here in Florida. The research project I have been working on looks at communication across cultures in the workplace and was published in the Open Journal of Social Sciences in April 2023 (link below). Having a research publication before I turned twenty years old would probably be the biggest accomplishment from my research journey.

 

Langaas, M. and Mujtaba, B. G. (April 2023). Communication across Cultures in the Workplace: Swimming in Scandinavian Waters. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 11(4), 174-192. DOI: 10.4236/jss.2023.114014

 

What made you interested in the type of research you are currently working on?

As an international student, I find cross-cultural communication very interesting. I have lived in Stockholm, Oslo, Mallorca, and Barcelona, and now I study here in Florida, so I have definitely experienced communicating across cultures, let alone culture shock. Moreover, with globalization being so present, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of how to communicate with people from other cultures than oneself, and researching how cultural factors affect the communication process is very relevant in today’s day and age.

 

What made you decide to work with your current research mentor?

I decided to work with Dr. Mujtaba after taking him as my professor for Managing Workplace Diversity. Learning about diversity and hearing about Dr. Mujtaba’s background, I found his class extremely relevant and made sure to put my best foot forward. Toward the end of the class, Dr. Mujtaba allowed me to develop my term paper into research. With his background and knowledge, I instantly knew I wanted to work with him. One thing that I love about Nova Southeastern is how the professors really notice their students, and being given an opportunity to do research with Dr. Mujtaba is truly an experience that not everyone gets the chance to do during their undergraduate degree. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity!

 

How does this work relate to your future career goals and what do you plan to do next?

Considering how diverse the corporate world has gotten, having a better understanding of cross-cultural communication is very beneficial. Having done this research, I am now better equipped for when it is my turn to step into the corporate world, hopefully pursuing a career in investment banking or corporate finance.

 

How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself? Any specific NSU resources used that you would like to mention?

One thing I love about NSU is the class sizes. Classes are fairly small, making getting to know your professors easy. Students really have the chance to develop a personal relationship with their professors. I have never had any challenges reaching out to professors, and if I ever have any questions I can always get help. Also, I enjoy how most classes focus on current world events, and how most professors make class material relevant to what is happening today.

 

What advice do you have for other students interested in getting involved in research?

My advice for other students interested in getting involved in research would be to just go for it. Do not be afraid to reach out to professors, go to office hours, get to know them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; if given the opportunity, take it!