Name: Luis Palomino
Degree Program: Business Management
Grad Year: 2023
Current Job Title and Company/Organization: Executive Director of Sales and Brand Growth at Chick-fil-A Northridge
Hometown: Pacoima, CA
Current City: Pacoima, CA
Why did you choose your major?
When I started college, I chose Communications as my major because I saw it as a broad field that could prepare me for various career paths involving people. I was interested in areas like public relations or presentations, but to be honest, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do during my first two years of college. After my second year, I decided to switch to Business Management. This decision came from my growing passion for the restaurant industry. I realized that pursuing a business-related degree would equip me with the skills I needed to build a successful career in the field I was falling in love with. Business Management seemed like the best fit for my long-term goals.
What interested you in this particular field of study?
Business Management appealed to me because the name itself reflects exactly what I wanted to do—manage a business. I’ve always envisioned myself owning a business, and I knew that understanding the principles of management, finance, and leadership would be essential to making that dream a reality. It was clear to me that this major would give me the tools to succeed as an entrepreneur.
What career aspirations did you have when you started at CSUN?
When I first started at CSUN, my career aspirations were unclear. I knew I wanted a role where I could interact with people, meet new faces daily, and not be confined to sitting at a desk all day. I wanted to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where I could build relationships and make a tangible impact.
Did you do any internships or other experiential learning? If so, how did that help you on your career path?
I completed one internship during college. Before that, I was already a high-level leader at Chick-fil-A Northridge. I interned for a leadership development internship at a Chick-fil-A in Woodland Hills. This hands-on experience taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and running a business. It solidified my passion for the restaurant industry and helped me chart my career path with clarity.
What have you done since graduating? What was your professional path during and after college?
After graduating, I committed full-time to my role as a leader at Chick-fil-A Northridge on Tampa Avenue. Over time, I worked my way up to becoming the Executive Director, which is essentially the General Manager of the restaurant. In this role, I oversee a team of over 100 employees, driving the business’s growth and ensuring we achieve our goals. My career ambition has always been to become a Chick-fil-A franchise owner. To reach that goal, I plan to apply for Chick-fil-A’s Leadership Development Program. This two-year program involves becoming an interim manager for existing restaurants awaiting permanent operators and later serving as a grand opening supervisor for new restaurants, where I’d consult and support new operators in establishing their businesses.
What was your favorite class you took and why?
My favorite class at CSUN was BLAW 306. It was fascinating to learn about state and federal laws and how they impact businesses. While the class was a requirement for my major, I would have taken it anyway because of how valuable the knowledge is—especially in a city like Los Angeles, where running a business comes with significant legal considerations and risks.
What advice do you have for current CSUN Nazarian students?
My advice to current Nazarian students is to prioritize networking. Building relationships will take you far in life—whether it’s finding a future business partner, getting a recommendation for a job, or simply getting help with homework. Networking was one of my biggest supports in college. Another piece of advice is to always give your best effort in everything you do. You are your own personal brand, and how you carry yourself matters. When people think of your name, they should associate it with professionalism, reliability, and hard work. Represent yourself well, and let your reputation speak for itself.
