MBA Insider's Blog

Student Spotlight: Lane Mergler - From Product Design Engineer to Sports Marketing (UCLA Anderson Class of 2019)

This post is a part of the Student Spotlight series where we highlight a current Anderson student or alum to learn about his/her experiences at Anderson. 

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LANE MERGLER
UCLA Anderson Class of 2019

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Name:  Lane Mergler UCLA Anderson MBA Class: Class of 2019 Hometown:  Port Washington, New York Undergraduate Studies:  McGill University - Mechanical Engineering Pre-MBA Career:  Schaeffler Group - Product Design Engineer Post-MBA Goals: Sports Marketing

Q. Introduce yourself to your classmates!
A. I was an engineer in the automotive industry for four years, where I was first hired into a rotation program and worked in Michigan, South Carolina, and Germany. After completing my rotations, I worked as a Product Design Engineer in the metro Detroit area. After working there for two years, I realized that it wasn't my passion and I am now looking to pursue my true goals and work in the sports industry. As I completely redefine my career, I am excited to take the first step and pursue my MBA at Anderson.

Q. Why did you decide to attend UCLA Anderson -- #whyAnderson?
A. I chose Anderson for plenty of reasons, but the primary one was because of its well-reputed sports business program. The courses that UCLA Anderson offers, such as Sports Marketing and Sports Management, go much more in depth in this field than the courses offered at other business schools. Additionally, Los Angeles is the best city to be in if you want to get involved in the sports industry, and I plan on networking extensively while I'm there. Many sports media companies, sports agencies, and sports merchandise companies are all in Southern California.

On a final note, I spoke with some of the students at Anderson while I was applying and all of the great things they had to say about the school and the Parker Career Management Center made me realize that UCLA Anderson was the right school for me.

Q. What are you most excited about at UCLA Anderson?
A. There is certainly a lot to look forward to, but I think it's the total change of lifestyle that excites me most. Utilizing a lot more of my time to focus on sports marketing as compared to working as an engineer is something that I look forward to. Additionally, after hearing about experiences that current Anderson students had while pursuing their MBAs, I am very excited for the opportunities that I will have to expand my network and learn more about the sports industry. I would also have to say that the change of lifestyle is something else I look forward to, as living in Los Angeles should be a very welcome change from living in Detroit, especially in the winter months!

Q. Why did you decide to pursue an MBA degree?
A. I wanted to pursue an MBA degree in general because I felt that the skills that I currently have as an engineer wouldn't carry over into a marketing position. I am pursuing my MBA because I want to redefine my skill set and find a position in a new field that I would enjoy more.

Q. What are some clubs you're planning on joining at UCLA Anderson?
A. I plan on joining and being very involved in the Sports Business Association and the Marketing Association in regards to the professional clubs, and I will also join the Jewish Business Student Association. As for interest clubs, I plan on joining the Outdoor Adventure Club, Craft Beer Club, and the Fantasy Sports and Analytics Association.

Q. What did you do in the months leading up to starting business school?
A. I quit my job about a month before class started and I decided to take a road trip around the USA, starting in Detroit and ending in Los Angeles. The twenty day trip involved stops in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Moab, the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, Tahoe, San Francisco, and, finally, Los Angeles.

 

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

Student Spotlight: Andrea Sini '18 - Italian Living in Kazakhstan to Los Angeles (Live Webinar)

Tune in this upcoming Tuesday, September 12 at 6:30PM PT for a LIVE webinar with a current UCLA Anderson MBA student! This week you will have the opportunity to connect with full-time MBA student Andrea Sini as he tells his career-switching story as an Italian living in Kazakhstan working in oil & gas to his transition to the toy industry in Los Angeles.

PROFILE:

• Name: Andrea Sini
• Class: Class of 2018
• Hometown: Pisa, Italy
• Undergraduate & Masters Studies: University of Pisa - Computer Engineering
• Pre-MBA Experience: Controls & Audit Team Lead at NCOC NV (Kazakhstan) and Vendor & Compliance Specialist at eni Mozambique Engineering Ltd
• Summer Internship: Mattel - Global Development & Product Supply
• Activities@Anderson:  
  • Vice President of Admissions - Strategic & Operations Management Association
  • Vice President of International Outreach - Admissions Ambassador Corps
  • Vice President of Alumni Relations - European Business Association
  • Director of Career Development - International Business Association
  • Alumni Chair - Section B
  • Deloitte National Case Competition
  • Board Fellows Program (pro-bono consulting)
  • Anderson Leadership Development Program

  

Register and view webinar here: UCLA Anderson Liveguide 

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Alumni Spotlight: Video on Amanda Kullman '17 - From Theater to Tech

This post is a part of the Student and Alumni Spotlight series where we highlight a current Anderson student or alum to learn about his/her experiences at Anderson and beyond. 

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Amanda Kullman, MBA Class of 2017, was inspired by her journey at UCLA Anderson to use technology to tell her story and land her dream job at a tech giant. Watch her story below! 

 

YouTube: "Owning It" - A UCLA Anderson Spotlight on Amanda Kullman '17"

 

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

MBA Intern @ Mattel: Nic Mohadjer '18 (Instagram @uclaMBA #TuesdayTakeover)

Introducing you to today's Instagram #TuesdayTakeover student, Nic Mohadjer! Nic will be taking over our Instagram account @uclamba for a whole day today to show everyone a "Day in the Life" of a UCLA Anderson student and MBA summer intern!

Check in throughout the day to our @uclaMBA instagram account to hear about a "Day in the Life" as an MBA Summer Intern!

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Name: Nic Mohadjer Hometown: Oceanside, California Undergraduate Studies: UCLA -  Mass Media Communications Pre-Anderson:  Deloitte Consulting -  Consultant, Strategy & Operations Summer Internship: Mattel - Brand Marketing, Hot Wheels

 

    

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LEARN MORE ABOUT NIC: 

Academic Specialization: Brand Management

Leadership@Anderson:

• Vice President of Finance, Marketing Association
• Vice President of MANbassadors, Women's Business Connection
• Interview Prep Team (IPT) Coach - Marketing
• Admissions Ambassador Corps Interviewer and General Information Session Leader

Clubs@Anderson:

• Marketing Association
• Women's Business Connection
• Net Impact
• Entrepreneur Association
• Anderson Basketball Club

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Student Spotlight: Katie Farias - From Accounting to Entrepreneurship (UCLA Anderson Class of 2019)

This post is a part of the Student Spotlight series where we highlight a current Anderson student or alum to learn about his/her experiences at Anderson. 

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KATIE FARIAS
UCLA Anderson Class of 2019

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Name:  Katie Farias UCLA Anderson MBA Class: Class of 2019 Hometown:  Shavertown, PA Undergraduate Studies:  Georgetown University - Anthropology Pre-MBA Career:  MUFG Securities Americas - Accounting Analyst Post-MBA Goals: Retail Entrepreneurship/ E-Commerce

Q. Introduce yourself to your classmates!
A. My name is Katie Farias, and I’m originally from Shavertown, PA but am coming to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, NY. My previous job was in Accounting at MUFG Securities Americas, and I’m excited to transition to a career in Entrepreneurship at Anderson. I like to listen to podcasts, try new restaurants, and enjoy the outdoors in my free time. I moved to LA with my girlfriend, and we’re very excited about our new apartment in Santa Monica (4 blocks from the beach!!). I can’t wait to be in LA to eat amazing tacos and spot celebrities.

Q. Why did you decide to attend UCLA Anderson -- #whyAnderson?
A. I felt Anderson was the school that cared the most about its students. From the sky-high ratings of the Parker Career Center to the introduction of the Summer Quarter, it is evident that the students are #1 at Anderson. I also fit best with the vibe of Anderson student body. Everyone I have met is smart and talented while staying down-to-earth. They also are really well-rounded and lead interesting lives outside of the classroom. Last but not least, Los Angeles caught me in its spell, and I could not pass on the opportunity to live there. With Silicon Beach, a fantastic food scene, and amazing weather, who doesn’t want to move to LA?

Q. What are you most excited about at UCLA Anderson?
A. I’m excited to get involved with the Price Center for Entrepreneurship, ride my bike down The Strand, and trade the icy slopes of the East Coast for some West Coast powder at the annual Anderson Ski and Snowboard Trip.

Q. What are some UCLA Anderson clubs you're interested in joining?
A. Entrepreneur Association, Retail Business Association, Out@Anderson, Anderson Wine Club, Outdoor Adventure Club

Q. What did you do in the months leading up to starting UCLA Anderson?
A. I traveled to Seattle twice, once for the Forte Conference and once for a ROMBA (Reaching Out MBA) career trek for admitted students. I also went camping in Acadia National Park in Maine (where attached picture is from). Finally, I spent a lot of time seeing family and friends on the East Coast before I headed to LA.

Q. What is one thing you hope to accomplish by the end of your 1st year at Anderson?
A. Create a business plan for my venture.

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

MBA Intern @ NBCUniversal: Avni Amin '18 (Instagram @uclaMBA #TuesdayTakeover)

Introducing you to today's Instagram #TuesdayTakeover student, Avni Amin! Avni will be taking over our Instagram account @uclamba for a whole day today to show everyone a "Day in the Life" of a UCLA Anderson student and MBA summer intern!

Check in throughout the day to our @uclaMBA instagram account to hear about a "Day in the Life" as an MBA Summer Intern!

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Name: Avni Amin Hometown: Manalapan, New Jersey Undergraduate Studies: Rutgers University -  Supply Chain Pre-Anderson:  J.P. Morgan - Investments Business Management Summer Internship: NBCUniversal -  TV Product Development and Strategy

 

  

 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT AVNI: 

Academic Specialization: Entertainment

Leadership@Anderson:

• Vice President of Career Development, Entertainment Management Association
• Forte Foundation Ambassador 

Clubs@Anderson:

• Women's Business Connection
• Entertainment Management Association

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Student Spotlight: Nitish Bhagia - Travel Enthusiast Consultant (UCLA Anderson Class of 2019)

This post is a part of the Student Spotlight series where we highlight a current Anderson student or alum to learn about his/her experiences at Anderson. 

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NITISH BHAGIA
UCLA Anderson Class of 2019

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Name:  Nitish Bhagia UCLA Anderson MBA Class: Class of 2019 Hometown:  Mumbai, India Undergraduate Studies:  Mumbai University - Information Technology Pre-MBA Career:  Deloitte Consulting - Technology Consultant Post-MBA Goals: Strategy Consulting

Q. Introduce yourself to your classmates!
A. Travel Enthusiast, Sports Lover and Beer Fanatic! I've spent most of my life living in Mumbai. I had been working as a technology consultant at Deloitte for the past 3.5 years. I enjoy backpacking solo and have traveled to several countries in Eastern/Central Europe and South-East Asia. Being an Indian, I am a big cricket fan and love playing the game as well. Have represented my firm in several corporate cricket competitions. I play a bit of soccer as well and am a die hard 'Liverpool F.C' fan.

Q. What are your short-term and long-term career goals?
A. My short term goal post my MBA would be to get into a prestigious strategy consulting firm. Having worked with Public Sector clients, as a technology consultant, over the past three and a half years, I know that this is where my interest lies. However, I want to be part of the team that gets business for the firm, which interacts with clients, understands their problems and comes up with a solution. I want to apply the skills and knowledge gained at Anderson along with my experience in the public sector to attain my short term goals.In the long term, I see myself grow in the Strategy Consulting space, implementing my on-the-job learning to challenge myself and work with a diverse array of clients not restricted to the public sector.

Q. Why did you decide to attend UCLA Anderson -- #whyAnderson?
A. An MBA with a specialization in Consulting at UCLA Anderson would be the perfect launch pad for my journey. With one of the best Career Centers in the US - Parker Career Management Center (CMC), Anderson provides ample opportunities to students to land their dream job. Their career services and interview prep teams are unparalleled. UCLA Alumni are well placed all across the globe. All the Anderson alumni that I interacted with, were very proud of the Anderson/UCLA brand and that spoke volumes about the school in itself. Networking is essential for an MBA graduate to succeed in his/her field and LA provides the best opportunities for students to meet with and observe actual industry specialists on the job. With its academic resources, alumni network, strategic location, strong career services, emphasis on team-work, study groups and case method approach to learning, Anderson was the most obvious choice for me.

Q. What are you most excited about at UCLA Anderson?
A. At Anderson I am most excited about working on Applied Management Research projects, which would help me better understand real world global management problems and solve key strategic issues. I really look forward to being a part of the Management Consulting Association. With help from their Interview Prep teams and Case Interview workshops, I look forward to representing Anderson in several Case Competitions. Last, but not the least, getting to attend B-school in as picturesque and as strategic a location such as Los Angeles is only a dream come true.

Q. Why did you decide to pursue an MBA degree?
A. During my three and a half years working with Deloitte as a technology consultant, I realized that I enjoyed making strategic decisions instead of only implementing said strategy. I knew that although I was good at my job, I wasn’t interacting with clients as much as I would have liked. I wanted to understand business problems and create solutions. I had the technical knowledge, the communication abilities, and the creative problem solving ability. However, I lacked the broad business understanding and vision to think from all angles. In my opinion, this is why I need an MBA.

Q. Fun and/or interesting fact about yourself?
A.  Post college, I decided to learn a foreign language. I joined a 2 month course to study Spanish at ‘Instituto De Hispania’. My teacher spoke fondly about Spain and its tapas bars, cobbled streets and its easy moving life. I was really intrigued and so took a trip to Spain. This was my first international backpacking trip. I really enjoyed this and decided to take a trip to a new country every year. Over the past few years,I have had several memorable experiences: From meeting an underground gaming clan in Bratislava, to an all-night trek in Budapest, from learning how dark beer is brewed in Prague to living with a local family in Granada, from Bungee jumping in Rishikesh to Full moon parties in Thailand. Interacting with people from various cultures has been a great experience and has also been one of my personal motivations for studying abroad.

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

MBA Intern @ Amazon: Landon Medlock '18 (Instagram @uclaMBA #TuesdayTakeover)

Introducing you to today's Instagram #TuesdayTakeover student, Landon Medlock! Landon will be taking over our Instagram account @uclamba for a whole day today to show everyone a "Day in the Life" of a UCLA Anderson student and MBA summer intern!

Check in throughout the day to our @uclaMBA instagram account to hear about a "Day in the Life" as an MBA Summer Intern!

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Name: Landon Medlock Hometown: Dallas, Texas Undergraduate Studies: Stanford University - Management Science & Engineering Pre-Anderson:  Software Consulting & Teach for America Summer Internship: Amazon - Senior Product Manager, Tech Products

 

 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT LANDON: 

Academic Specialization: Technology and Social Impact

Leadership@Anderson:

• Vice President of Interview Prep Teams (IPT), AnderTech
• Vice President of Finance, Net Impact
• Vice President of Events, Black Business Students Association
• Vice President of Diversity, Admissions Ambassador Corps

Clubs@Anderson:

• Anderson Technology Business Association (AnderTech)
• Admissions Ambassador Corps
• Black Business Students Association
• Net Impact
• Anderson Basketball Club

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]

Student Spotlight: Naurine Shahzad - From Entertainment Finance to Marketing (UCLA Anderson Class of 2019)

This post is a part of the Student Spotlight series where we highlight a current Anderson student or alum to learn about his/her experiences at Anderson. 

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NAURINE SHAHZAD
UCLA Anderson Class of 2019

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Name:  Naurine Shahzad UCLA Anderson MBA Class: Class of 2019 Hometown:  Los Angeles, California Undergraduate Studies:  USC - Business Administration Pre-MBA Career:  The Walt Disney Company - Senior Financial Analyst Post-MBA Goals: Entertainment Marketing

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Q. Introduce yourself to your classmates!
A. Hello! My name is Naurine Shahzad. I am a first year here at Anderson, focusing on Brand Management in Entertainment. I grew up in beautiful, sunny Los Angeles. Prior to Anderson, I worked in entertainment at Disney for 5 years in corporate finance. I went to USC for my undergrad, and am now excited to be an AnderBruin!

Q. Why did you decide to attend UCLA Anderson -- #whyAnderson?
A. I decided to join Anderson because of their focus on sharing success. Every person you speak with not only wants to help or is excited to be learning from Anderson, but also is extremely talented and bright. Another extraordinary aspect of Anderson is the resources they give for you to have your dream career, whether it is the top ranked Parker Career Management Center or the amazing student-led organizations.

Q. What are you most excited about at UCLA Anderson?
A. One of the things I am most excited for at Anderson are the international travel opportunities, whether this is through the AMR project or from our own student-led travels during a break ( I have heard about a spectacular Japan trip with students). I am also very excited for industry-focused classes such as Entertainment Marketing and Strategy Management in Entertainment.

Q. What are some UCLA Anderson clubs you're interested in joining?
A. Women in Business Connection, Entertainment Management Association, Challenge for Charity, and Marketing Association.

Q. What is one thing you hope to accomplish by the end of your 1st year at Anderson?
A. I hope to obtain a leadership position in the student body in my 1st year at Anderson -- I want to get involved and help to lead the community.

Q. What is a fun and/or interesting fact about yourself?
A. I love to dance! My sister and I have done Bollywood dance in competitions, at our friends' weddings, and in parties! I'm always interested in learning more in dance. I have taken classes in Ballet, Modern, and Tango!

Q. What is a piece of advice you have for prospective business school applicants?
A. Have a clear sense of what you want to do, and then why you want to go to the prospective school. With so many things that you can do, narrowing down things that are important to you are key.

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]

MBA Intern @ Imperative: Anna Goldberg '18 (Instagram @uclaMBA #TuesdayTakeover)

Introducing you to today's Instagram #TuesdayTakeover student, Anna Goldberg! Anna will be taking over our Instagram account @uclamba for a whole day today to show everyone a "Day in the Life" of a UCLA Anderson student and MBA summer intern!

Check in throughout the day to our @uclaMBA instagram account to hear about a "Day in the Life" as an MBA Summer Intern!

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Name: Anna Goldberg Hometown: San Jose, California Undergraduate Studies: Pitzer College - Organizational Studies Pre-Anderson:  Deloitte Consulting -  Senior Consultant, Human Capital Consulting Summer Internship: Imperative - Diversity & Inclusion Strategist

 

 

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LEARN MORE ABOUT ANNA: 

Academic Specialization: Social Impact

Leadership@Anderson:

• President, Women's Business Connection
• Vice President of Impact@Anderson, Net Impact

Clubs@Anderson:

• Women's Business Connection
• Net Impact
• Jewish Business Student Association
• Anderson Wine Club
• Out@Anderson

 

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Stay in Touch: Introduce Yourself
Follow the Admissions Team @uclaMBA:  Twitter and Instagram
Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]