How My UC Davis MBA Prepared Me to Compete on "Survivor"

When I first watched "Survivor" at age 11, I never imagined I'd one day be competing for a million dollars on the beaches of Fiji. But after earning both my undergraduate degree in civil engineering and my Bay Area Part-Time MBA at UC Davis, that childhood dream became reality.

Surprisingly, my business education became one of my strongest tools to meet the challenges of "Survivor" that tested our survival skills, strategic thinking and social acumen.

I approached building alliances on the show much like forming a strong team in business school—looking for people I could trust, collaborate with and strategize alongside.

If you haven’t seen "Survivor" before, it is a reality TV show where contestants are stranded in a remote location and compete in challenges for rewards and immunity from elimination. The popular Emmy-award winning CBS series is known for its physical and social challenges, forcing contestants to forge alliances, navigate complex social dynamics and make strategic decisions. The last contestant standing wins $1 million.

When Negotiation Class Meets Million-Dollar Stakes

The parallels between MBA coursework and "Survivor" strategy run deeper than you might expect. Negotiation with Professor Stephen Garcia quickly became essential survival knowledge.

Understanding power dynamics, negotiating from positions of strength and weakness, and leveraging influence—all core concepts from class—helped me navigate tribal politics. At its core, "Survivor" is a game of social strategy, and having those concepts top of mind gave me an edge.

Storytelling techniques I learned from Lecturer Doy Charnsupharindr also played a key role. He taught us how to frame personal challenges in a way that’s empowering and relatable. That helped me find my voice and agency within the tribe.

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A Rough Start, a Resilient Finish

My "Survivor" journey started with a roller coaster on the first day. I was excited to meet my tribe, build shelter and start playing the game—but within the first 30 minutes of the opening challenge, I dislocated my shoulder.

After receiving medical attention, I was sent straight into another physical challenge, which I ended up winning. That whirlwind day began with excitement, turned into panic, and ended with relief that I was still in the game.

Rather than bowing out, I chose to keep going, using the moment as fuel to prove what I was capable of.

Later in the game, during a physically demanding challenge, I pushed past every doubt and limitation. Believing in myself—despite the pain—felt familiar. It echoed the toughest moments in my life—when grit and belief were the only things carrying me forward.

That ability to stay focused and adaptable under pressure turned out to be my greatest strength.

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What MBA Students Bring to Extreme Challenges

Before "Survivor," I had already experienced intense teamwork, high-pressure decisions and unpredictable challenges—just in a different setting.

At UC Davis, through both my undergraduate and MBA experience, I learned to stay collaborative, think strategically and adapt quickly.

Working with diverse teams and juggling complex group projects helped me trust my instincts, communicate clearly and stay steady under pressure—skills that became essential on the island.

From "Survivor’s" first challenge to Tribal Council, I leaned on what I had already practiced at UC Davis by building trust, working as a team and staying calm when the stakes were high.

Surviving and Thriving: My Biggest Takeaway

Looking back, the experience was less about the competition and more about connection, resilience and growth. I was surprised by just how much emotional intelligence I needed—not just to play the game, but to stay grounded through the highs and lows.

Even after the game ended, I walked away with lasting friendships that remind me of the deep bonds formed during my time at UC Davis. Shared challenges—whether on a remote island or in a packed MBA schedule—have a way of bringing people together.

"Survivor" tested my limits, but it also reminded me of what I’m capable of when I trust myself, lean into uncertainty and lead with heart.

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