Pronouns: she/her
Current Position: Lead Program Assistant in the Office of Alumni Engagement, University of San Francisco
Hometown: Fairfield, California
Undergrad degree: Legal Studies
Career Focus: Alumni engagement, higher education
What motivated you to pursue an online MBA, and why did you choose this particular program?
I want to advance my strategic thinking skills, particularly in areas such as data, AI, and conflict management. I aim to become a more well-rounded and effective leader within my industry.
How do you balance the demands of coursework with other personal or professional commitments?
Balancing coursework with a full-time role in higher education requires intentional planning and communication. I dedicate specific blocks of time each week for class readings, discussions, and assignments, and I treat those hours as non-negotiable.
I also integrate what I learn in the MBA program into my work whenever possible, which helps reinforce the material and keeps me motivated. Setting clear boundaries between work, school, and personal time allows me to stay organized and maintain a healthy balance and social life!
Additionally, I’ve found it helpful to look ahead at the semester schedule, communicate early with teammates, and plan around busy work periods.
How would you describe your learning experience? What have you enjoyed most about your classes?
My learning experience has been very positive! I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how collaborative and engaging the online modality of the program is. My classmates and professors are thoughtful, supportive, and bring a wide range of professional experiences to discussions, which makes every class dynamic and relevant. I’ve really enjoyed how interactive the coursework feels despite being virtual.
How has the online format shaped your learning experience compared to what you imagine an in-person program would have offered?
The online format has given me the flexibility to balance my coursework with full-time work, while still feeling connected to my peers and professors. I’ve found the discussions and group projects to be just as engaging as what I’d expect from an in-person setting. While meeting in person might create more casual networking moments, the online structure has built a strong sense of community and flexibility that has really enhanced my learning experience.
How has your experience been with faculty, staff, and fellow students?
My experience has been excellent. The faculty are supportive and bring real-world experience that makes every concept applicable. The staff are responsive and genuinely want to see students succeed.
I’ve also really enjoyed collaborating with my classmates. They’re engaged, thoughtful, and bring such diverse perspectives from different industries, which makes discussions both dynamic and motivating.
What industries or roles are you most interested in pursuing now, and why?
I’m most interested in continuing to grow in higher education, particularly in roles that combine strategy, engagement, and leadership development. The MBA program has deepened my interest in organizational culture and change management, and I hope to use these skills to help teams thrive and advance institutional goals.
What goals do you hope to achieve through the program? How is the program helping you reach them?
My main goal is to strengthen my strategic thinking and leadership skills, especially in areas like data-driven decision-making, AI, and conflict management. The program has helped me approach challenges at work with a broader perspective and given me practical tools to lead projects and teams more effectively.
What advice would you give to someone just starting graduate school?
Give yourself grace and build a routine that works for you early on. Stay organized, participate in discussions, and connect with classmates (you’ll learn just as much from them as from the coursework). Most importantly, remember why you started; keeping your goals in mind makes even the busiest weeks feel purposeful, and a little less long!
My biggest tip is to treat the program like an investment in yourself. Small, consistent effort each week makes it manageable and rewarding.
