The MBA Student Voice

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

Arrived in LA!

Hello again! There are so many things to share since my last post, so let me start with the biggest update: I made the cross-continental leap from East Coast to West Coast and will be posting from Los Angeles from here on!

The move went pretty smoothly, but it's not quite complete... Most of our stuff is actually in storage in NY and will follow us here once we move into a permanent apartment in early August. Our cars arrived here separately via truck, in one piece! (The various minor bumps/scratches accumulated from tight, NYC parallel parking "squeezes" are still there - right where we left them!) For now, we are staying at Ruti's parents' place in Central LA. (Because Ruti's parents live here, we decided to do apartment-hunting post-move. More on the apartment question in a bit...)

Let's Get Started!

Hi Everyone!

My name is Asher Kurland, and I am an incoming student to the UCLA Anderson full-time MBA class of 2016! I am so excited to be a part of this amazing program with an equally amazing group of people! I can't wait to start sharing my MBA journey with you here via the MBA Student Voice.

First, let me tell you a little bit about myself: I'm from Brooklyn, New York and currently live in New Jersey with my wife Ruti and one-year-old son Yonatan. I have always lived in the NYC area, so moving to LA is a big move for me! Somehow, I don't mind the frigid, snow-choked winters or the sultry summers here in NYC, but I will have no trouble getting used to the balmy SoCal climate!

Ruti grew up in LA, and we visit often, so I know LA pretty well. I am looking forward to revisiting some familiar places and discovering new ones, with new friends!

In pursuing an MBA at Anderson, I am making a career shift from the actuarial consulting field, where I have worked for over 5 years, to transition into investment banking. In future posts, I would like to get into more detail on career paths, and a whole lot of other good stuff business school and Anderson related. 

At this point in my pre-Anderson preparation, I am busy wrapping things up in NYC before flying out to LA in a couple of days! So far, I have gotten to meet some of the awesome NYC area admits at local happy hours, and I can't wait to meet the LA crowd very soon!

I look forward to sharing my journey with you throughout the summer!

Best,

Asher