Daniel Student MBA 20

Senior Consultant, Potrero Group

Why did you choose UC Davis?

I chose UC Davis because one of the student hosts said "nobody is from Davis" (which is, of course, a small exaggeration). It felt like a full-time MBA program where people would come from around the world and want to join together and form a community. And that was absolutely my experience. I was in a moment in life where I wanted to explore and find a new career, so having that supportive environment was crucial.

Previous Work Experience

  • Co-authored Don’t Lead Alone: Think Like a System Act Like a Network, and Lead Like a Movement, published by Fast Company Press
  • Co-created a series of courses on Multinational Crosscultural Teams for UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education on Coursera
  • Ran a historic non-profit theater company in Philadelphia for seven years and directed over thirty plays
  • Served as the administrative director of an international arts service organization for global artists who perform for children and families

Previous Education

  • B.A., Film; Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY


Three Fun Facts

  • I was twice legitimately mistaken for Mark Ruffalo in film events in Los Angeles.
  • On that note, you may have legitimately seen me in a national commercial or a crime reenactment show from my two-year stint in Hollywood
  • I’m a third-generation vegetarian!

Published on Feb. 21, 2023.