After spending his childhood running into roadblocks, Ibrahim Muse found an open highway as a high school student. He’s been going full throttle ever since.
“My entrepreneurial spirit found its first expression when I volunteered to support a local small business,” he said. “Despite being in high school, I demonstrated my commitment and creativity, helping it secure a larger rental space and setting up its Google My Business.
“Ultimately, I led its marketing efforts. Under my direction, the company’s revenue skyrocketed fivefold — a testament to the extraordinary rewards of seizing opportunities and demonstrating unwavering enthusiasm, regardless of age or experience.”
Muse brought that drive and real-world experience as a CEO at LLD Marketing Agency to Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies. He graduated in December 2023.
“My adventure at Boise State University has been nothing short of transformative — a journey that turned me from a passionate dreamer into a formidable entrepreneur, ready to navigate the complexities of the business world,” he said. “From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was fueled by an intense desire to carve out my career in entrepreneurship.”
Muse chose the interdisciplinary professional studies route to tailor his degree to his needs and interests, focusing on marketing and leadership.
“Thanks to this program, I could customize my learning, building a unique curriculum aligned with my entrepreneurial goals,” he said. “Looking back, I only wish I’d found this program earlier in my college experience, as it was precisely what I needed to lead my educational journey.”
Bouncing back
Muse hails from East Africa, where he suffered a devastating stroke as an 8-year-old. He moved to the United States with his family seven years later after making a full recovery.
“Being in a foreign land, my tongue was tied, and I struggled to communicate,” he said. “But I refused to let these hardships break my spirit. I knew there was more to me than what met the eye.
“In 2016, I found my voice through the power of entrepreneurship and marketing, mainly personal branding. It was like a breath of fresh air that allowed me to break free from the shackles of silence and shine.”
In addition to a CEO role, including one for another local start-up in Boise, Muse penned a book, “The Unbeatable Brand.”
“As I immersed myself in the writing process, I realized that many people grapple with isolation and professional disorientation,” he said.
“My journey taught me that our voice is the most potent tool we possess, irrespective of our age or background.
“With the power of branding, we can articulate our story and amplify our message to reach a wider audience. My story, both in business and in life, stands as a testament to the resilience and tenacity needed to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.”
Muse gained valuable insights into his profession as an online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies student.
“While my initial passion was strong, I quickly realized that ambition alone wasn’t enough,” he said. “I needed the essential skills and knowledge to bring my visions to life.
“My time at Boise State ignited this metamorphosis, shaping me into someone poised for personal, social and professional triumph. I was able to implement what I learned in the program with my team right away. I took it from there.”
Several courses, including Online Startup Garage, Growth Hacking and Economics and Principles of Macroeconomics, proved especially important to Muse.
“Learning the intricacies of macroeconomic dynamics deepened my perspective on critical concepts like GDP, inflation and fiscal policy, giving me a strategic compass for the economic terrain of future ventures,” he said. “These experiences were more than academic; they became powerful tools to serve me in real-world economic and business scenarios.”
Pay it forward
Earning a bachelor’s degree was important to Muse as he embraces his role as an entrepreneur and leader. He is also an employment mentor at Rise Services.
“I am also giving back to the community, so that’s another reason I wanted to go back to school,” he said. “The online format worked out well for me. It’s a more convenient and cost-effective way to go about it. I had a lot going on in my life, so earning the degree online worked out well.”
After a solid experience as an undergrad, Muse plans to return to Boise State and enroll in the Online Master of Business Administration program in 2025.
“This path aligns with my vision of combining entrepreneurial insights with robust nonprofit leadership, enhanced by cutting-edge cybersecurity skills,” he said.
“So far, the journey has provided me with a foundation in strategic thinking and innovation, and my new pursuit in nonprofit administration will allow me to make a positive social impact while ensuring security and resilience in an increasingly digital landscape.”
Muse walked the graduation stage to complete his journey from a difficult childhood to a successful career as an adult in his adopted homeland.
“It was absolutely a great experience,” he said. “The online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies was a pivotal part of the journey, allowing me to steer my education toward a purpose-driven path. My family and friends were very excited and supportive.”
The flexibility of the undergrad program gave Muse the opportunity to add education to his experience on his own terms. He has no plans to take his foot off the gas.
“You have to know what you want to get out of [college] before you kick the ball down the road,” he said. “In life, you need to market yourself. It usually falls on deaf ears if you don’t know how to sell and market.”
Learn more about interdisciplinary professional studies at Boise State
Want to learn more about the online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Professional Studies? Join us for an online information session or contact a student success coach.