MBA Insider's Blog

Reapplying to UCLA Anderson

At UCLA Anderson, we love our reapplicants and we often see them succeeding the following admissions cycle.

Here's some encouraging news: if you decide to reapply, you're already well-versed in the application process, giving you a distinct advantage. While the composition of the applicant pool evolves annually, you have the luxury of extra time and newfound insights to craft a more compelling application. As a reapplicant, you embark on a fresh start because we don't refer back to your previous application when reassessing your profile.

We've simplified the reapplication process to assist individuals who submitted their full-time MBA application in the past two years. Please note that if your last application was more than two years ago, you will be classified as a 'new' applicant and should adhere to the guidelines for new applicants. The streamlined process entails submitting only one new recommendation, and there is no obligation to compose a new essay. Instead, we provide you with the chance in your reapplication to spotlight the developments since your last application across various categories. 

Test Scores, Academics, Professional/Employment, Extracurriculars, and Other. These sections are a great place to show the Admissions Committee that you have taken additional time to strengthen your candidacy and direct their attention to your achievements and improvements.

Here are some specific examples of what you could choose to highlight:

• Test Scores: Many of our reapplying candidates take advantage of the extra time to consider retaking the GMAT/GRE in an effort to enhance their application. While a higher score is advantageous, it's advisable to consult our class profile for GMAT averages and the 80% range to help you determine whether retaking the test is warranted. It's important to note that we admit individuals both below and above these averages annually. Ultimately, if you believe you can achieve a better score and it would significantly bolster your candidacy, it might be worth your time, effort, and investment to retake the exam. Some reapplicants have also chosen to switch to a different exam (for instance, switching from GMAT to GRE or EA) or not include a test score if they found it to be a better fit for their strengths. 
• Academics: If you believe your academic performance was below par and/or you didn't adequately showcase your aptitude for quantitative tasks, it could be beneficial to contemplate enrolling in supplementary courses through community college, extension programs, or third-party educational providers. While these courses won't alter your undergraduate GPA, they can serve as evidence of your capacity to handle the rigorous curriculum that our program entails.
• Professional & Extracurricular Experiences: Since your last application, you've likely had ample opportunity to expand your professional background, including acquiring new skills, achieving milestones, working on projects, and even securing promotions. Additionally, you may have enriched your extracurricular involvement by taking on new leadership roles or engaging in volunteer activities. Be sure to showcase these developments in your reapplication.
• Self-Reflection & Research: At times, an applicant may possess strong exam scores, GPA, and career achievements, yet still face an unfavorable outcome due to the softer aspects of their application. In such cases, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on the messaging in your previous application. Consider asking yourself the following questions: Have my post-MBA goals evolved or become more defined? Did I adequately convey why this moment in my career is the right time for an MBA? Do I now possess a deeper understanding of how UCLA Anderson's program aligns with my aspirations and how I can contribute to it? Remember that your reapplication offers a clean slate, and it's perfectly acceptable to share any updated goals if they have indeed changed.

• Check back for more Application Insider blog posts that will cover information and tips on the many aspects of applying to the UCLA Anderson MBA program!

Researching MBA Programs

The process of selecting the right schools to apply is extremely important. Fortunately, there are numerous avenues to explore when researching MBA programs. We enjoy reaching out to prospective students like yourself to offer guidance and insights. Below you will find a few recommended resources to learn more about MBA programs -

Web Resources:

Many of you will likely begin your search on the internet, and there's no better way to gather information about MBA programs than by visiting their official websites. These websites are treasure troves of valuable information, offering details about the admissions process, curriculum, student life, and career placement statistics. Delving into these websites will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what each program seeks in applicants and whether it aligns with your aspirations. At UCLA Anderson, we also maintain a blog, and you can find us on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram, providing additional insights into our community. Furthermore, you can complete an inquiry form to receive updates about upcoming events via email.

 

 

Campus Experience:

Many schools host on-campus experiences, and we are thrilled to host candidates at UCLA Anderson. Visiting the campus allows you to immerse yourself in the school's atmosphere and envision whether it could be your home for the next two years. A campus visit is a customizable adventure, allowing you to tailor your experience to your preferences. It may include attending a class, engaging in informal conversations with current students over coffee, taking a guided tour of the campus, and participating in an informative session about the program. These interactions will connect you with current first and second-year students who can offer diverse perspectives on what it's like to be part of the #AnderFam community.    Click here to register

Virtual Meet-Ups:

For those unable to visit the campus in person, most schools, including UCLA Anderson, offer virtual alternatives to help you explore their programs. Our virtual campus experiences mirror the on-campus ones, featuring virtual information sessions and chats with our students. Additionally, you can take a guided virtual tour of the campus and its surrounding communities, allowing you to gain a sense of the environment.

Networking:

Don't underestimate the power of your existing network. Colleagues or friends who have pursued MBA programs, or those who know someone who has, can be invaluable resources for firsthand information and personal experiences. They can provide unique insights that you won't find on official websites or in brochures.

These recommendations offer just a glimpse of the many research avenues available when considering MBA programs. The more diligent your research, the more informed your decisions will be when selecting schools to apply to and, ultimately, where to enroll. Your journey to finding the perfect MBA program begins with exploration and discovery.

First Year Perspectives: Preparing for Your Summer Internship

About Tara: Tara Kezic (’24) grew up in San Diego before heading off to Texas to get her degrees in Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics from Southern Methodist University. After graduation, she made a hard pivot and became a consultant at EY-Parthenon where she focused on doing growth strategy assessments for consumer retail companies. She loves working at EY-Parthenon so much, she’s already committed to returning after graduation! In her free time, Tara enjoys traveling, watching tennis, and trying new restaurants.

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Wow, what a year! Feels like just yesterday that I packed up my life and moved to LA to start at Anderson. It’s been an incredible experience so far – I have met some amazing people, taken extremely interesting classes, and scored my summer internship in consulting. Now that spring quarter is upon me, I’m starting to feel the simultaneous excitement and anxiety of starting my internship in a new city in an office of all new people. But there are a few things I’m doing to prepare for everything and (hopefully) set myself up for a successful summer:

1. Keeping up with my network in the firm

We all spend our fall and winter quarters meeting people at our favorite consulting firms by scheduling coffee chats, attending presentations, and visiting offices. Through all this, we get to meet some great people who will be our future coworkers, and who we can continue to keep up with as we prepare for our internships! I’ve worked hard to not let these connections fade just because I’ve signed my offer, continuing to get coffee with them and messaging back and forth as I prepare to join them.

2. Leaning on my classmates who will be interning with me

I’m lucky enough to have a group of 8(!) fellow classmates interning with me this summer which means I have a built-in support network I can leverage as we go through it all. Currently, we are discussing potential start dates, the types of projects we want to do, and how often we plan to go into the office. It’s been an early bonding experience and I feel it will better prepare us as we navigate through 8 weeks in the office together.

3. Learning the “lay of the land”

As a consultant, there is no day-to-day I can lean on when working so it's all about learning the little things for what to expect. I’m mentally prepared for either consulting scenarios of staying at home and working remotely or traveling every day -  as both are just as likely to happen. I’m already looking at what traffic looks like to get to and from the office on a Friday and arranging for some carpooling to pass the time. Mostly, I’m excited to try something new and have a unique intern experience.

4. Getting ready to have a great time!

Internships are meant to be fun – it’s all about getting to know the people and office culture to make the best decision as to whether you want to return. I can’t wait to attend office events, trainings, and of course happy hours. My major goal is to form great relationships with new people that I can have for years to come!

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Student Blogger: Tara Kezic ‘24

Undergrad: Southern Methodist University (’17) – B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Applied Mathematics

Pre-MBA: Management Consulting, EY-Parthenon

Leadership@Anderson: VP of Social, Anderson Student Association; VP of Prospective Student Affairs, Admission Ambassador Corps; VP of Community, WBC; EVP, Wine Club

Instagram: @tarakezic

First Year Perspectives: Unexpected Benefits of Attending UCLA Anderson

About Jack: Jack Wilson (’24) is originally from San Francisco. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science and a minor in Computer Science. After graduation, Jack moved back to San Francisco where he worked in retail merchandising for the last four or so years. Jack loves to golf, surf, and spend time with friends. Jack is planning on working as a retail consultant immediately upon graduation.

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While the advertised, and maybe even cliché, benefits of attending UCLA Anderson have proven accurate with students successfully pivoting careers, creating a strong network of future business leaders, and learning the necessary skills from a rigorous curriculum, I’d like to offer three benefits of UCLA Anderson that I did not anticipate prior to matriculation that have already had a substantial positive effect on my perspective and experience. Anderson offers the unique opportunity to meet (and befriend!) international students, create strong and lasting roots in Los Angeles, and gain early leadership skills from our strong club culture.

Anderson’s recent 2024 class offers a 40% international student split. With 2 out of every 5 students being foreign-born, the opportunity to meet and learn from folks from Taiwan, Chile, Ukraine, etc. is an incredibly unique offering – one I would argue is nearly impossible to find anywhere else. For example, students recently visited Tokyo and Osaka, led by 3 Japanese-born (and speaking) students each showing off their home cities. Beyond the cultural richness and fun of celebrating each other's cultures – the future professional opportunities from a foreign network are strong.

In my opinion, the location of your MBA experience holds more weight than most students consider. Choosing your MBA location will in turn – likely be choosing where you work and then where you live after graduation. Los Angeles is – without a doubt – one of the best cities in the world. It is culturally rich, with a diverse population and incredibly delicious food. It is naturally stunning with nearly perfect weather, excellent beaches, and parks. While expensive – the cost of living is more reasonable than NYC or San Francisco – other popular options for recent MBA grads. Creating roots and friendships in Los Angeles will prove invaluable for your future happiness in a city with so much to offer.

UCLA Anderson’s club culture is strong and ever-present in students’ lives from the first day you set foot on campus. As a first-year student, I was lucky to hold leadership positions in the Management Consulting Association, Tech Business Association, and the Admissions Ambassador Corps. I have the Consulting Association to thank for my internship and the social clubs to thank for my new friendships. I’m looking forward to my upcoming Vice President role in the Consulting Association and very much underestimated how important clubs would be to my UCLA experience.

Exposure to international students, a Los Angeles network, and club involvement have proven to be three of my most beneficial, and unexpected, UCLA experiences thus far and I look forward to further immersing myself in these experiences during my 2nd year of school.

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Student Blogger: Jack Wilson ‘24

Undergrad: Washington University in St. Louis ‘17

Pre-MBA: Senior Category Manager – Chubbies Inc.

Leadership@Anderson:  Director Roles in Admissions Ambassador Corps, Management Consulting Association, Tech Business Association, Retail Business Association

Instagram: @jvwillz

First Year Perspectives: Pay-It-Forward Mentality at UCLA Anderson

About Gina: Gina Leggio (’24) is originally from Cincinnati, OH. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from the University of Georgia. After graduation, she relocated to Los Angeles and worked for J.P. Morgan across various industries and roles. At Anderson, she seeks to pivot her career from banking to Private Equity.

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There are many reasons why I chose to come to Anderson, but one of the main reasons was the sense of community and camaraderie among students. It’s clear that everyone is working hard to achieve their personal and professional goals, but there is also a strong emphasis on collaboration and support in and outside the classroom. Reflecting on my first year, it’s incredible how much help and guidance I’ve received from the Anderson community; whether it be classmates, second-year students, or alumni, the pay-it-forward mentality is visible from all over. From the Anderson Career Teams (ACT), roundtable and guest speakers, learning teams, and fellowship opportunities, students are fully immersed into the MBA program on Day 1 and exposed to new relationships, networks, and friendships.

Anderson has a collaborative approach to the job search and it is clear that this has been a key part of the culture for a long time. During my internship search, I was able to talk to a number of alumni who were always willing to give advice, make introductions, or pass along my resume regardless of their employer or the year they graduated. While they were giving back and helping create opportunities for success, the alumni were also focused on forming relationships and were constantly checking in and providing general advice (including hyping up the weekly Thursday nights at Qs or which social clubs to be members of). Additionally, Anderson encourages and facilitates mentorships with current students and alumni through its fellowship and student admit buddy programs that help make the entire MBA process more manageable. Current students also look for ways to start giving back and paying it forward whether by making introductions, planning treks, serving as an ACT coach, helping with interview prep, or through leadership positions. I was able to heavily leverage and rely on classmates and professors to share interview resources and firm lists, help with competition prep, and review resumes and cover letters, which all contributed to my success and made the internship process easier. Additionally, many students apply the pay-it-forward mentality outside of Anderson, volunteering or participating in philanthropic events individually and through student clubs.

Thinking back on the last year, it’s incredible how much help I received from the Anderson people who were just paying it forward. It’s encouraged me to think beyond my own goals and has contributed to my success. I have no doubt that the mentality will continue, and I’m excited to have more opportunities to return the favor.

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Student Blogger: Gina Leggio '24

Undergrad: University of Georgia, ‘17, Business Administration

Pre-MBA: Banking at J.P. Morgan

Leadership@Anderson: Director, Admissions Ambassador Corps; Vice President of Private Equity, Investment Finance Association; Director of Sustainability, Anderson Venture Impact Partners; Vice President of Finance and Membership, Wine Club; Vice President Velocity Programming, Women’s Business Connection 

Instagram: @ginaleggio

First Year Perspectives: A Brief Insight into Life in LA Outside of Anderson

About Alex: Alex Liu (‘24) is a native Californian who migrated from NorCal down to SoCal to attend Anderson. He graduated from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor’s in Finance and has experience working at a tech startup and in the defense industry. He hopes to find a job he is passionate about, whether that be as a consultant, in entertainment, or in another industry. In his free time, Alex enjoys watching classic movies, trying new cocktails, and spending time with those closest to him.

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When deciding where I wanted to attend business school, the location was always further back in my list of priorities. Surely we’d be so busy with classes and recruiting that where I physically was would not really make that big of a difference. Well in 9 short months, that idea has completely evaporated, as being able to live in a metropolitan setting with countless activities available has been such an uplifting experience. The ability to connect with those with similar interests and have everything at your fingertips is truly incredible, and having the time to do it all is something I didn’t expect. The 3 main factors about life outside of Anderson are:

1. Literally, anything you want to do, you can. Los Angeles truly has something for everyone, whether you want to be outside, inside, or somewhere in between. Friends have been able to surf and ski within the same day, check out both new and old movies at the countless theaters, or do a little of both like going for a hike and then a concert. Not many cities exist in the world that have the attractions that LA has, and almost every weekend I find myself in a new neighborhood seeing different things.

2. Plenty of time to do things. With classes being once a week and no classes on Fridays, there’s ample time to explore and take your mind off of school. I was concerned with the time commitment of everything piling up, and while periods as such do exist, there is also certainly downtime to get back to doing what you want to do. I’m sure I could have had even more time previously if I had learned to manage my schedule more effectively early on!

3. Easy travel access for yourself and those if your life. Another great benefit of being in Los Angeles is that there is no shortage of flights in and out of the city. If you’re not a native Angeleno like many here, that means your family and friends are probably spread out across the country. But with LAX and other airports being so close, it makes travel for those coming to visit and you visiting very simple. It feels like people are always jetting off somewhere or having someone come stay with them, but with a class of 300+, people are bound to be going to cool places and doing cool things.

I had many preconceived notions about what life at business school would be like, and believe me when I say I have plenty of time to explore my passions in a city that contains them all. Los Angeles has anything you could ever want to do, Anderson seemingly budgets time for us students to be able to do those things, and the city is easy to travel both in and out of.

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Student Blogger: Alex Liu ‘24

Undergrad: Santa Clara University ‘17

Pre-MBA: Pricing Analyst at Northrop Grumman

Leadership@Anderson: First-Year Director, Admissions Ambassador Corps; John Anderson Golf Club; Wine Club at Anderson

Instagram handle: @alex_liu3

First Year Perspectives: From Broadway to B-School - The Value of Non-Traditional Backgrounds

About Franklin: Frank Swann ('24) grew up in Denver, CO, and attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. At NYU, he majored in Production & Design and Politics. After graduation, Frank lived a childhood dream and worked on Broadway. He worked in a variety of roles, eventually rising to become a production manager for many shows and projects, including Hamilton (Global), The Inheritance (B’way), CAMP (Metropolitan Museum of Art), The Time’s Square New Year’s Eve Ball, and more. At Anderson, Frank is focused on strategy & operations within the entertainment, media, events/sports, and hospitality industry. He hopes to eventually work at the intersection of art and commerce, helping storytellers reach new audiences and address new topics.

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As I was going through the business school research and application process, I quickly learned that my background was, to put it mildly, nontraditional. When I told current students, other prospective students, or even admissions staff that I was a Broadway Production Manager, it usually elicited a surprised look and a question about why I wanted to return to school. I was frequently reminded of how “unique” my experience would be.  

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about going to business school from the theatre world. While my time at NYU was rigorous, and my job allowed me to help lead some of the most exciting entertainment properties of the last decade, I did not have much experience or coursework in many of the core areas of B-School. I wondered how I could translate my experience working backstage to the classroom. Would I be able to contribute anything to the discussions? Could I keep up with my peers in classes like Finance and Accounting, where I had no experience?

In most MBA programs, you see a lot of similar work experiences in the student body: former accountants, consultants, bankers, etc. After going to several admitted student days, I was prepared to be the odd one out until I visited Anderson. For the first time in my B-School process, I found a group of people with so many unique backgrounds. From former teachers and filmmakers to engineers and entrepreneurs (and even another person who worked in professional theatre!), everyone was brilliant, driven, and many of us were trying to figure out how to take our “unique” background and bring it to the MBA. I felt like I had found a place where the school and the students truly valued all the different experiences we would bring.

Similarly, there was a ton of variety in what people wanted to do post-MBA. While Anderson has its share of consultants and bankers, my classmates also wanted to go into industries like entertainment, clean tech, non-profits, and more. It was exciting to envision myself in a world where people were coming from, and going to, all different walks of life.

Now, almost a year into the Anderson MBA, I can confidently say that getting your MBA after working in a non-traditional field is not only possible but an incredible opportunity. My professors and classmates at Anderson leverage the unique experiences of every person in the program to gain valuable and wide-ranging insights. Want to hear about queuing theory in practice? Who better to ask than a classmate who worked at a theme park managing the rides? Trying to learn about the challenges of running a non-profit? Talk to your classmate who used to run one. Or do you want to work in an industry where you have to manage creative and business teams? Find your classmate who worked on Broadway and spent his time trying to help designers & directors understand the financial and schedule ramifications of their ideas. 

So, if you’re considering business school but are nervous about it because your background is not the typical B-school path, I have a few pieces of advice:

1. Be authentic! Don’t feel like you must change who you are, what you did, and what you’re excited about to fit a mold. Just as diversity in gender, race, religion, etc., makes for a better business school community, so does the diversity of thought and experience. Bring your whole, authentic self to the application process, and it will help you find a school where you will thrive.
2. Find a school and student body you genuinely connect with. It might feel like an extra expense or inconvenience to visit schools in person, but in my opinion, it’s so worth it! In talking to other admitted students, I got a better sense of the type of class I’d be a part of and gauged if it was a community I could see myself succeeding in professionally, academically, and socially. Getting a sense of the school’s culture is incredibly important. Similarly, if you want to use your MBA in a unique way post-grad, find a program like Anderson with classes, clubs, and professional support services for a wide range of industries. Leveraging those offerings can help someone with a unique background pivot into a new career.
3. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class. At first, I was nervous to talk about my work experience. But once I started to speak up more, it benefited not only myself but also our whole class. Business school students are naturally inquisitive and want to learn more. I’ve found that everyone loves hearing about the exciting challenges and projects their classmates faced. And 90% of the time, the non-traditional background folks have way more interesting tales to tell!  
4. Be ready to put in some extra work. Business school allows people to make big changes and try new things. But if you don’t have as much experience in the business world, then some classes might be more challenging for you than some of your classmates. Don’t let that deter you! Be ready to put in the extra work, seek out help when needed, and don’t feel like you have to master something on the first try. At Anderson, I love that the professors and my classmates want everyone to succeed. Every time I’ve turned to someone for extra help, they have enthusiastically jumped in to give me that additional support. Trust me, if a guy like me, with his BFA in Theatre, can do this, so can you!

The business school application and decision process can be daunting for anyone, particularly if you’re coming from an industry where this is not the norm. Don’t be discouraged. While it might be a little extra work, the value of your unique background will shine in the MBA environment and make this degree even more meaningful!

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Student Blogger: Franklin Swann ('24)

Undergrad: NYU/Tisch (’15) – BFA, Theatre Production & Design, Politics

Pre-MBA: Production Manager, Hudson Theatrical Associates/Hamilton the Musical

Leadership@Anderson: First-Year Director, Admission Ambassador Corps; Director of Social, Section E; Director of CEMS Relations, Entertainment Management Association; Board Fellow, Net Impact; Mentor, Riordan Program

Instagram: @frankdswann

First Year Perspectives: Why Anderson - Own Your “Non-Traditional” Background!

About Cassassandra: Cassandra Ronquillo (’24) is originally from Los Angeles County. She graduated from Whittier College with a B.A. in Mathematics. After graduation, Cassandra stayed in Southern California and worked in higher education development where she focused on raising funds and managing key relationships on behalf of the schools she worked for. Most recently, Cassandra worked as the Director of Major Gifts at UCLA Anderson. Now, as a student at Anderson, she seeks to pivot her career from higher education development to big tech.

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I always knew I wanted to go back to school and get a master’s degree, but I was unsure of the right program for me. I spent most of my years post-undergrad in higher education development (ie. fundraising across colleges/universities in Southern California). My seven-year career in higher education was classified as a “non-traditional background.” Education is very important in my family, and we knew it was a true vehicle for upward mobility and continued growth. I explored many different options and ruled out each one by one: no to financial engineering (I was a math major so thought perhaps, but absolutely no for me), education (I come from a family of educators, but I wanted to eventually do something different), public administration (my background was in higher education fundraising, and I was hoping to pivot out). In 2017, I met my current partner, who was an MBA student, and I came to know more and more people who had an MBA. Before this, the idea of an MBA was intimidating to me, my mind was filled with many doubts like it’s been too long since I graduated from undergrad, I didn’t go to a top undergrad institution, I barely knew what consulting was (who really does anyways?!), and what I was most insecure about: I don’t have private sector experience and my job isn’t as recognizable, sexy, or cool. However, upon growing my network and understanding the array of diverse backgrounds of those who have entered and graduated from MBA programs, I realized that all these students were not that different from me or any better than me—and I knew I had what it takes to be a successful, competitive applicant.

Once I decided I wanted to go to business school, I began the school research, GMAT studying, and self-reflection on my professional and personal goals. I sought out programs that would be the absolute best fit for me, which included a place that was inclusive and location-rich, and I also put a big emphasis on a program that would help me make a career pivot into the private sector, specifically into big tech. Much of the business school application is around crafting your unique narrative to ensure the admissions teams that you’ll be successful once you’re admitted. I wondered if I could be successful in trying to make such a large pivot.

I knew that business school admissions and tech recruiting were rather competitive landscapes, so I leveraged the heck out of my work experience by diving deep into my day-to-day work, projects both big and small, and ultimately the impact I’ve delivered. Since there’s usually a smaller number of applicants from non-traditional backgrounds, it’s hard to find information in the popular online blogs, so you’re left with few people to relate to on the application journey. My mental deep dive into “what have I accomplished?” and “what the heck have I been doing for work the last 7 years?” helped me be introspective in deciding what I wanted out of a program and what is important to me in choosing a business school and beyond. I realized that my experience provided me access and opportunities to make an impact directly on an organization at some of the high levels—experiences that many people would not experience until later in their careers. I noted the levels of decision-making power I was able to achieve, the number of difficult conversations I had already had, and the influence I was able to have across senior leaders and other teams. From there, I recounted exciting stories that I could use in my application and for my future interviews. Never think that your experience doesn’t matter! In fact, a smaller team, organization, nonprofit, school, etc. often forces you to gain an array of experience across roles and functions and likely gives you an opportunity to make an identifiable impact within your organization.

Turns out, one of my biggest insecurities turned out to be my biggest differentiator in my business school apps and in my internship interviews (SPOILER ALERT: made me a star! Jk, kinda). While I thought my job was the least “cool” because it wasn’t as recognizable or as common as those coming to business school, it provided me with ample opportunities to share what I did and highlight the impact I made. It also provided me with meaningful and memorable conversations with students, admissions folks, recruiters, and tech interviewers. Sorry traditional candidates, but non-traditional candidates are coming in hot with our memorable differentiators!

I was fortunate to face a tough decision between an M7 program and UCLA Anderson (back to priorities and those introspective moments—know who you are and what you want!). I knew what kind of environment I needed to be in to ensure that I would be the most successful during the short 2-year program. I wanted to be on the West Coast long term, have success finding a summer internship in big tech, not feel like I was getting lost in a sea of people, and an underrated factor: have good vibes on campus and off.

After countless conversations, I knew UCLA Anderson would provide the best experience and chance to achieve my goals. Anderson has the perfect-sized full-time class (not too big, not too small), world-class Parker resources and advising, an impressive track record of students recruiting for tech (in addition to consulting, banking, real estate, and entertainment) from all backgrounds, one of the largest West Coast networks, and the coveted relaxed Los Angeles energy.

I came to Anderson for a number of reasons, and every reason has proven to be 100% worth it. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to interview at some of the largest and most recognizable tech firms—and impressed at the face time with company representatives and the caliber of recruiting events I’ve been able to join. I feel as though my non-traditional background served as my differentiator even during tech recruiting: it helped me stay memorable and drive stories that focused on impact and how my soft skills could easily be translated to other roles. I finally felt that it all began to make sense and that I brought a unique value to my class. I have no regrets and it has SO been worth it (cliché, I know). Oh, and also catch me at Amazon this summer 😉

Must mention! Some key, high-value Anderson adds from the first-year experience:

1. IPT (interview prep team): One of the best offerings/programs from Parker Career Center! Four first years were grouped together with one second year to meet weekly in the fall/winter for mock interviewing and preparation for case and behavioral interviews. It was challenging yet encouraging, and probably the most helpful tool in getting good at interviewing—and a good group to vent to!
2. Parker Advisor: Because of the size of the school, I’m not competing for her attention. As someone who can run a little last minute, I love the quick turnaround time in scheduling appointments. She has also been a great person to talk candidly with, mock interview with, and talk about career paths or resume reviews with.
3. Fall networking roundtables career event from Andertech & WBC: Two of the best networking/recruiting events each club has put on where alums from top companies come to have candid and open conversations and build connections.
4. As a Consortium fellow, I took advantage of some early recruiting opportunities. These exist for Forte and some companies have specifically DE&I-focused early recruiting events, weeks, camps, etc.
5. Learning Team: This is a small group (5-6 people) from all different backgrounds that you do most of your work/projects with for your core classes. They have served as a memorable and key piece in my own learning, and I have leaned on them quite a bit. Love you guys!

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Student Blogger:  Cassandra (Cassie) Ronquillo ’24

Undergrad: Whittier College (B.A. Mathematics)

Pre-MBA: Director of Major Gifts, UCLA Anderson

Leadership@Anderson: VP of Interviewing, Admission Ambassador Corps; VP of Social, ALMA; VP of Cultural Exchange TSBA; VP of Marketing CBC; Net Impact Board Fellow; Consortium Fellow

Instagram: @cassbass92

First Year Perspectives: Learning in the Digital Age

About Austin: Austin Weatherholt (’24) is originally from San Jose, California. He graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and a Minor in Economics. After graduation, Austin worked for HP and Micron in Sales Operations and Finance roles. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and a variety of other sports, cooking, and being outdoors.

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Several years removed from my biology and economics undergraduate coursework, I was excited to see how the ever-more digital world had impacted the school experience. UCLA Anderson has successfully leveraged improved technology systems and learnings from the pandemic to bring the MBA educational experience into a new and exciting digital age.  Digital aspects of the MBA experience have added value to the start of my 2-year journey by providing a wider set of opportunities, supplementing the important in-person elements.

Here are a couple of my favorite digital elements:

Bruin Learn: At UCLA we use an online education platform called Bruin Learn, powered by Canvas. This platform brings all coursework into one place, creating a central location for assignments, instructor announcements, and basically, anything class related. The interface has made it easy to stay on top of deadlines and access course material. The platform is also occasionally used to take tests and quizzes and you can get access to video recordings of classes when you miss due to illness. The mobile application has also provided a level of flexibility in when and where I can access course material.

Slack & Campus Groups: Slack is Anderson’s virtual social hub. It is one of the main communication platforms for your learning teams, section, and professional and social clubs. Staying on top of the different channels is important as there are tons of events and opportunities that get posted to this site every day. Campus Groups is Anderson’s hub for all events put on by clubs. There is an endless amount of opportunity to attend different events and meet fellow classmates across programs. Be sure to check Campus Groups often as well, some events have limited space and sell out quickly!

Online Seminars, Speaker Events, and the Summer Immersion: UCLA Anderson has leveraged Zoom and related technologies to allow for increased access to training, networking, and mentoring opportunities than that which could be done purely in an in-person environment. UCLA Anderson and professional clubs are consistently offering opportunities to supplement coursework with additional online training. Access to Zoom has allowed for an increased breadth of personalized interactions with alumni from across the globe. Leadership@Anderson has offered online executive coaching which I have found extremely valuable for my leadership development journey.

In the month before coming to campus for orientation, UCLA Anderson offered in-person and virtual Summer Immersions to deep dive into a specific industry. This virtual classroom experience offered a great opportunity to kickstart my transition back to academia before making the move to LA. I also gained a feel for the teaching style at Anderson and got a head start on refining my recruitment interests.

The digital era of the MBA brings endless opportunities to your fingertips. If you have any questions about the MBA experience at UCLA feel free to reach out to me at [email protected]. Go Bruins!

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Student Blogger: Austin Weatherholt ‘24

Undergrad: University of the Pacific (’16) – B.S. Biology & Minor in Economics

Pre-MBA: Sr. Financial Analyst, Micron Technology, Inc.

Leadership@Anderson: First-Year Director, Admission Ambassador Corps; VP of Emerging Technology, Andertech; VP of Strategic Partnerships, HBA; President, John Anderson Golf Club

Instagram: @aussiesgotit

Global Paths Cross in LA

As we create the next MBA class with our admits this time of year, another great international mix is forming. Our mission in Admissions is to create a kind of miniature United Nations here, where our MBA students learn about global culture from each other while gaining management understanding together too. Los Angeles is a gateway to the world which opens both ways, so this is the perfect place to mix the best of America with the best from 40+ countries around the world.

International students (and their families) find that they fit well in our multi-lingual city with every cuisine available. A taste of home may be comforting, but our students also share a sense of adventure, which is why they come to this forward-thinking region in the first place. Pioneers have always found their way to California, and we rely on newcomers to keep bringing fresh ideas and global perspectives which make this place dynamic for everyone.

Many Anderson graduates stay on the West Coast after their MBA since we offer such interesting careers and a balanced lifestyle. Those from abroad often arrange to stay for at least a few years under special work permit programs that help them establish their post-MBA careers while adding to the US economy.

UCLA Anderson's status as a STEM program helps students to get visas, just as all students benefit from the credibility that a UCLA degree brings anywhere in the world. Southern California may be the base of our alumni network, but thanks to our international commitment we keep growing connections to successful people worldwide.

Speaking for myself, I'm glad to have seen the world several times over as I traveled to recruit applicants for our MBA program. Asia, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East -- I've been everywhere to meet prospective students and learn about many cultures first-hand. Nowadays I stay at headquarters upholding that global mindset, while my team of admissions officers takes their turn to travel and share UCLA Anderson's appeal.

We all understand the value that international students bring to our school and our country. Add in the vital Americans and we feel lucky to be part of a worldwide network of fascinating, friendly people that we in MBA Admissions keep adding to every year.