Crafting a Compelling MBA or Master of Management Application

For Gerard Bañales admissions is more than just selecting candidates; it’s about building a class of Aggies who will thrive, contribute to our learning environment and go on to make an impact in their careers.

As associate director of admissions at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, Bañales is available to guide you through your admissions journey and how a UC Davis graduate business degree can help you meet your professional goals. He brings more than a decade of experience in higher education and business school recruitment and enrollment.

We spoke with Bañales about his leadership role, his career into higher education admissions and what prospective students can expect from the UC Davis MBA and Master of Management programs.

You’ve worked at several universities and recently joined our UC Davis team—what drew you to UC Davis Graduate School of Management?

I’ve had the privilege of working at several incredible institutions, each with its unique strengths, but UC Davis Graduate School of Management immediately stood out to me. What drew me in was the school’s strong sense of community, its commitment to innovation and its impact on students' professional growth.

I love that UC Davis takes a collaborative and forward-thinking approach to business education, ensuring that students don’t just learn theory but develop the leadership and analytical skills that will make a real difference in the world.

I was also drawn to the School’s Industry Immersion program, which provides MBA students with hands-on experience tackling real-world business challenges in high-impact sectors like biotechnology, food and agriculture, and sustainable energy.

And, of course, Davis is such a beautiful place to live and work. The mix of small-town charm, beautiful campus, dedicated professionals and world-class graduate business education is truly special.

How has your background in enrollment management shaped your approach to admissions?

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My background in enrollment management has given me a deep appreciation for the entire student journey, from the moment someone starts researching a program to the day they walk across the stage at graduation and beyond!

Admissions is more than just selecting candidates; it’s about building a class of individuals who will thrive in our programs, contribute to the learning environment and go on to make an impact in their industries.

I always think about the big picture because I’ve worked in different areas and levels of higher education.

• How can we make the application process less intimidating?
• How can we ensure admitted students feel supported before they even step on campus?
• How can we provide them with the tools they need to succeed academically and professionally?

These questions shape my approach every day. I love helping prospective students see what’s possible for them and guiding them toward a program that aligns with their career goals.

UC Davis offers STEM-designated MBA and Master of Management programs—both in person and online. How does this designation benefit students in today’s job market?

This designation is a major advantage for students, and it’s one of the reasons I was so excited to join UC Davis. In today’s job market, data-driven decision-making, analytical skills and technological fluency are in high demand across all industries. Employers want professionals who can interpret complex data, leverage technology and apply strategic thinking to solve business challenges.

For international students, our STEM-designated programs also offer the opportunity to work in the U.S. through Optional Practical Training (OPT). This means they are eligible for up to three years of valuable work experience here after graduation, which is a huge advantage when launching their careers.

Whether a student is interested in tech, consulting, finance or entrepreneurship, when they graduate, our STEM distinction signals to employers that our alumni are ready to tackle the evolving demands of today’s workforce.

What qualities do you look for in a strong MBA or Master of Management applicant?

There’s no single formula for a perfect applicant, and that’s what makes admissions so exciting! We look for individuals who are intellectually curious, adaptable and eager to make an impact. Strong applicants typically demonstrate a combination of leadership potential, problem-solving skills and a willingness to collaborate with others.

Beyond academic achievements and professional experience, we want to see authenticity.

• What drives you?
• What challenges have shaped you?
• How do you approach obstacles?

We’re not just admitting students, we’re building a community, so we look for individuals who bring diverse perspectives, a collaborative spirit and a passion for learning and growth.

Can you share any insights on how UC Davis supports students from inquiry to enrollment?

One of the things I love most about UC Davis is how personalized the admissions experience is. From the very first moment someone inquires about our programs, we want them to feel supported and empowered to make the right decision for their future.

We offer a variety of touchpoints to help applicants get to know us better and vice versa.

Information sessions, one-on-one advising, application workshops, class visits, and connections with current students, ambassadors and alumni are ways we support our students at the beginning of their graduate management educational journey.

We want prospective students to have all the tools and insights they need to put together a strong application and feel confident about their choice.

Once admitted, our support continues. We guide students through the transition into the program, ensuring they have access to resources and networking opportunities, all available on our eos platform. There, alumni and students can share thought leadership, contribute to discussions and gain insights from other GSM community members. The goal is to make sure that every student who joins UC Davis GSM is set up for success from day one.

What advice would you like to offer applicants to the UC Davis MBA and Master of Management programs?

First and foremost is to be yourself! A lot of applicants get caught up in what they think the admissions team wants to hear, but the strongest applications come from those who share their true story, motivations, and aspirations. We want to understand what drives you, what challenges you’ve overcome and how you see yourself contributing to our community.

Second, take the time to research the program and engage with our community.

My advice to prospective students is to talk to current students and alumni, attend events and get a feel for the culture. The more you immerse yourself in the UC Davis experience before applying, the more confident you’ll be that this is the right place for you.

And finally, please reach out! The admissions process can feel overwhelming, and the hardest part is the beginning—starting and submitting the application. We’re here to help. Whether you have questions about your application or career outcomes or just want to chat about whether our programs are the right fit, we’re happy to connect because that is what we all love to do! 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time outside the Graduate School of Management?

When I’m not working with prospective students, I usually indulge in my love for competitive sports such as motorsports, soccer and water polo. There’s something about the strategy, skill and excitement of competitive sports that I find fascinating, whether it’s watching a high-stakes race or a thrilling soccer match.

I also love playing online video games, which might surprise some people! It’s a fun way to stay connected with friends, challenge myself, and unwind. Traveling is another passion of mine—Japan holds a special place in my heart. I had an incredible experience traveling at neck-breaking speeds on the Shinkansen, stopping at every major city between Tokyo and Hiroshima and taking overnight trips to places like Nara, Koya and Miyajima. Whether it’s discovering new places or revisiting old favorites, I’m always up for an adventure. 

But at the end of the day, what I enjoy most is connecting with people; whether it’s colleagues, students or friends. That’s why I love my job so much. Every day, I get to meet incredible individuals who are pursuing their dreams, and being part of that journey is something I never take for granted.

If you have any questions or would like personalized guidance, schedule a consultation with an admissions representative to help you navigate the application process and explore how our programs align with your goals.