Update from Los Angeles

Things are starting to pick up speed here in Los Angeles. (No, I am not referring to the traffic conditions..) A bunch of students have been moving in and settling down over the past few weeks, so let me share with you some quick updates on some of the local action as things start to heat up!

Over the summer, the Parker Career Management Center does a great job getting incoming students toned, ripped, and into shape for the Fall. In addition to introspective self assessments that would make Warren Buffett second-guess his career choice, 360 degree feedback that would make Shaun White's head spin, information interviews with a thoroughness rivaling that of Bob Woodward, career industry and function research exercises, resume writing guidance with more action-bullets than Grand Theft Auto V, and technical skill building, there's room for some fun preparation too! The Summer Mixer Series hosted by the Anderson staff and Student Clubs is one example.

Dean Judy Olian speaking at the Summer Mixer event at Shutters on the Beach

The 4th Annual UCLA Anderson Summer Mixer event in Los Angeles took place in the beautiful Shutters on the Beach hotel, literally steps away from the Santa Monica boardwalk along the Pacific Ocean. (For students outside LA, there were summer mixer events on both the east and west coasts in various locations with high alumni concentrations.) It was a great way to meet the extended Anderson family, including future 2016 classmates, current students, and a tremendous group of alumni. The alumni turnout in particular was very impressive. Assistant Dean Regina Regazzi kicked things off and introduced Dean Judy Olian, who welcomed the incoming class to the Anderson family with an air hug and warm words. Dean Olian continued by getting to the soul of the Anderson program, articulating the following three key characteristics which set Anderson students apart:

• Shared Success: Students have a genuine interest and stake in each other's success. They believe that when you win, everyone wins.
• Thinking Fearlessly: Using strong analytical and problem solving skills, students tackle challenging problems head on and relentlessly find solutions.
• Driving Change: Students are not satisfied with the status quo, and take action and apply their skills in order to see real results.

All of these three points describe how Anderson students go about "Thinking in the Next." According to Dean Olian, the success of Anderson students throughout the recruiting process can be attributable to these key traits that match what leading companies are looking for in their talent pool.

In addition to the mixer event, there have been plenty of opportunities to get to know future classmates in a more informal setting. One of these opportunities was our first annual "Sundowners" happy hour, a weekly Wednesday happy hour tradition that runs from the Summer throughout the year.

Sundowners happy hour at Brick + Mortar

We had a great showing from both 2015 and 2016 classes, and the Anderson Student Association was nicely represented by several members who were eager to share some tips and laughs. One student had just landed in LA from London and made sure to be there!

But that's not all. In future posts, I want to share more with you about some of fun things I have been doing with new friends and family, as well as tell you more about my preparation for this Fall and beyond.

Best,

Asher

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