Our culture is built on a foundation of values-based leadership and doing what’s right. Nothing is more important to us than applying moral and ethical standards to management decisions.

Our faculty shape and reinforce our leadership culture. They lead by example as innovators at the frontiers of knowledge and by bringing their insights and expertise into the classroom—and working with you to hone your skills. They will challenge you to lead responsibly, drawing on their latest research on leadership in practice, case studies and lessons from top executives.

In the military, I set the vision and led a team of 50 Marines and sailors. Business school takes these fundamental leadership talents and reinforces them. The Graduate School of Management’s close-knit community fosters camaraderie and excellence—we demanded it of each other. With my UC Davis MBA knowledge and skills, I now lead teams in finding and solving client business problems for IBM.

— Chris Welsh ‘05, Software Account Manager, IBM

Our leadership and career development training emphasizes self-evaluation to improve your leadership skills, position you for immediate post-MBA success and propel you forward for long-term achievement in your career.

The two-year skills and training program focuses on responsible business practices, and you will benefit from workshops, professional coaching and feedback. You will also receive a 360-degree peer leadership evaluation and craft a personal leadership development plan.

Leadership Lessons from the Frontlines

For the latest views on leadership from the frontlines, we host several Dean’s Distinguished Speakers, Executives-in-Residence and other guest speakers to share their experiences in small, informal events and seminars. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and probe the leadership style of successful business executives. Recent speakers include Anne Gates, executive vice president and chief financial officer, Disney Consumer Products; Hal Varian, chief economist, Google, Inc.; and Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation.