Blog Author | UC Davis Graduate School of Management

Profile

Grant Williams MBA 09

Sacramento Part-Time MBA

I wanted to attend a top-tier MBA program, but wanted to continue my career. I felt like UCD GSM was the best program in Northern California, where I was working at the time.

Previous Work Experience

Engineering Manager, Smoky Canyon Mine, The J.R. Simplot Company, Afton, Wyoming
Material Resource Manager, Granite Construction Company, Sacramento, CA

Previous Education

BS Mining & Environmental Engineering, Montana School of Mines, Montana Technological University, Butte MT

Fun Facts

Riding horses and camping with my wife in the backcountry of Wyoming is my favorite pastime.

Shiwei Zhang MPAc 23

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Shiwei Zhang MPAc 23

UC Davis provides the perfect combination of academic excellence, a welcoming community, and a strong reputation that makes it an ideal choice for me to pursue my future career goals.

Student Leadership and Experience

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – Tax Preparer Volunteer of 2021 UC Davis Cohort.

Previous Education

Bachelors of Science, Managerial Economics, UC Davis

Previous Work Experience

Teaching Assistant, GSM
Summer Intern – Brilliant People, LLC

Fun Facts

I'm a technophile and enjoy learning and playing with new technology.
I like trying to cook

Amna Abunijem MBA 22

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Amna Abunijem MBA 22

Why did you choose UC Davis?

UC Davis is super inclusive and friendly. The campus is beautiful and surrounded by nature. The faculty and students were (and still are) super welcoming. I also really love the city of Davis itself.

Current Position (Title and Company)

Co-Owner of The Yummy Cookie

Previous Work Experience

Teaching Assistant at UC Davis

Previous Education

Bachelors of Science in Communication from Colorado State University

Fun Facts

My favorite cookie changes every day.
I’ve lived in over 10 cities.
I enjoy reading a good book of pretty much any genre. I’m

Yekhiel Orokunle MBA 23

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Yekhiel Orokunle MBA 23

Why did you choose UC Davis?

While attending the UC Davis Graduate School of Management Showcase Day at the Sacramento campus, I felt great about its learning experience, collaborative spirit, and diversity of viewpoints and backgrounds. Also, I wanted to merge an engineering background with a flexible MBA curriculum in concentrations such as entrepreneurship, business analytics, marketing and strategy, and technology management. This synthesis would enable me to create competitive business solutions in technology. To bring everything to fruition, UC Davis support for students, faculty, and

Ayush Srivastava MBA 24

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Ayush Srivastava MBA 24

I chose UC Davis because of the access to world-class premium faculty, a small cohort, a great location, and a strong alum network.

Student Leadership and Experience

Product Management & Marketing Club
Data Analytics Club

Previous Education

B.Tech. in Information Technology (Honors), Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University

Previous Work Experience

Software Design Engineer 3, Paypal
Product & Strategy Consultant, Impact Consulting
Technical Consultant (5G and Telecom), Reliance Jio

Fun Facts

I love binge-watching gritty thriller TV shows!
I read all 7 of the Harry

Justine Okello MBA 23

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Justine Okello MBA 23

Why did you choose UC Davis?

The unique STEM designated MBA program was one factor for choosing the UC Davis MBA program, combined with the curriculum and range of courses offered which I thought aligned well with my career goals.
The collaborative and experiential learning experience offered such as the Integrated Management Project (IMP) and Industry Immersions like the Food and Ag Industry Immersion also attracted me.
The small size of the cohort allows students to have a close interaction with peers, senior faculty professors and the staff which is more engaging.
Being part of the

Nathan James MBA 24

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Nathan James MBA 24

The flexibility or schedule to help work with a usual work schedule. The ability to have a school near where I live. The community. The list of reasons goes on and on. I am grateful that UC Davis gave me the opportunity to be apart of something bigger then myself and helped me grow in so many ways.

Student Leadership and Experience

Wine and Food Club
Ag Club
Product Management Club

Previous Education

Ag Business Minor Ag Econ From Texas A&M

Previous Work Experience

U.S. Coast Guard

Fun Facts

I was the sixth generation to go to my boarding school in high school on my

Kevin Lai MPAc 23

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Kevin Lai MPAc 23

I previously visited UC Davis on 3 separate occasions and really enjoyed the city and campus, so the university was already on my radar when choosing a graduate accounting program in California. I ultimately chose the MPAc program at UC Davis because of the accelerated curriculum, distinguished faculty and resources that would help me become an exceptional professional in the accounting field.

Student Leadership and Experience

Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, University of California, Merced

Previous Education

B.A. in Psychology, Minor in Economics, University of

Kate Capurso MBA 21

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Kate Capurso MBA 21

Sustainability Manager, Blue Diamond Growers

Why did you choose UC Davis?

I knew that I wanted to work in the intersection of business and agriculture. Given Davis' roots in food and ag, and the GSM's strength in business education, I knew it was the right place for me.

Current Position

Sustainability Manager, Blue Diamond Growers

Previous Work Experience

Program Director, UC Berkeley

Previous Education

B.S. Park, Recreation, and Tourism Management with focus on Park and Conservation Area Management from Clemson University

Zachary Wardle MBA 24

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Zachary Wardle MBA 24

I chose UC Davis to be near the phenomenal Food/Agriculture/Environmental science programs that exist here.

Student Leadership and Experience

Food and Wine Leadership Club

Previous Education

Bachelor's in Environmental Studies, Oberlin College

Previous Work Experience

Chef, Butcher, General Manager

Fun Facts

I enjoy traveling and I've been to 11 countries so far.
I love making sausages and cured/smoked meats.
I have hitchhiked across the U.S.

Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau MBA 24

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Léa Bouhelier-Gautreau MBA 24

UC Davis offers a flexible and collaborative program for working professionals that gives me the opportunity to explore both business and sustainability topics.

Student Leadership and Experience

Vice President, Women in Leadership Bay Area
Director of External Affairs, GSM Finance Association
President, Net Impact
Co-President, GSM Finance Association
Vice President, Women in Leadership Bay Area

Previous Education

Masters in Humanities and Management, Université Paris Nanterre
Bachelors in Anthropology, Ethnology, Social Sciences, Université Lyon 2

Previous Work Experience

Daniel Student MBA 20

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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

Muhammad Adeel Arshad MBA 22

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Muhammad Adeel Arshad MBA 22

Learning and Development Consultant at Relatones

Why did you choose UC Davis?

Quality of education with the best online MBA Program
Convenience
Gunrock the Mustang

Current Position

Learning and Development Consultant at Relatones

Previous Work Experience

Service Consultant at BigO Tires
UX Specialist - Learning Design

Previous Education

MBA, UC Davis
MS in Management Science (HRD)
BBA (HONS) Marketing

Three Fun Facts

I can guess five personality traits of a person just by looking at their signature.
I am passionate about learning and spent over 30 years of my life getting formal education (degree or certificate

Galih Setiawan MBA 24

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Galih Setiawan MBA 24

As an aspiring entrepreneur, I knew an MBA was essential for my goals. UC Davis stood out to me because of its comprehensive program and the invaluable opportunity to network with a diverse group of people. These connections are crucial for building a solid foundation for my future career, making UC Davis the perfect fit.

One of the things that immediately drew me to UC Davis was the opportunity to network with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. This was especially appealing to me as I believed these connections would be vital in building a solid foundation for my future

Diane Lim MBA 23

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Diane Lim MBA 23

I choose to attend UC Davis as an undergraduate because I was following the steps of my older brother. Once I began my own journey, I fell more in love with the Davis campus and people with each passing minute. I have acquired so many fond memories from my time at UC Davis so it was an easy choice when deciding where I wanted to complete my MBA at.

Student Leadership and Experience

Director of Student Engagement, GSM Student Association
Collaborative Leadership Program

Previous Education

Bachelors, International Relations, UC Davis

Previous Work Experience

Sr. Trade

Tess Sussman MBA 24

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Tess Sussman MBA 24

UC Davis offers an amazing opportunity to pursue an MBA degree that incorporates the scientific focus that I was looking for in a program. The location of Davis in an agricultural hub for the United States is a unique experience that students get, combined with an amazing atmosphere brought by the people who choose to come here. The culture of the GSM is unbeatable and I am so lucky to be able to experience California for the first time by coming to Davis.

Student Leadership and Experience

Women's Division 1 Basketball Team Member
Incoming Summer Senior Associate Consultant at Clarion

Brian Favetti MPAc 23

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Brian Favetti MPAc 23

I have lived in Davis since I was young, and went to UC Davis for my undergraduate. I knew that I wanted to stay in the Sacramento area after graduate school to stay close to my family. The UC Davis MPAc program has many connections in the accounting industry throughout Sacramento and the Bay Area, and it gave me the perfect opportunity to further my career as a professional accountant at a renowned university while staying close to home.

Previous Education

Bachelors, Music and Managerial Economics, UC Davis

Previous Work Experience

Admissions Coordinator, Graduate School of

Thomas Henneman MBA 23

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Thomas Henneman MBA 23

I chose UC Davis for graduate school for it's close proximity to tech and Bay Area influence. The proximity to Napa Valley with wine and agriculture was also something I was interested in. It's in the middle of everything and I like that I can be in San Francisco for dinner one night, then in Tahoe the next day.

Student Leadership and Experience

Club Membership: Food and Wine Club

Previous Education

San Diego State University B.A. Journalism and Media, Minor in International Security

Previous Work Experience

Freelance International Security Consultant
Operations Officer, The

Cleona Tsang MBA 23

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Cleona Tsang MBA 23

I chose to attend UC Davis' MBA program because I was attracted by the small cohort size, high-quality faculty, and reputable UC name!

Student Leadership and Experience

ASM Director of Health and Wellness
Co-President: Marketing and Product Management Club
IMP Capstone Project Team Lead

Previous Education

Bachelors, Psychology, McGill University

Previous Work Experience

Product Management Intern, ROS, Varian Medical Systems
Project & Content Manager, In Social Inc.
Public Relations Account Executive, 1Milk2Sugars Inc.

Fun Facts

I enjoy traveling and have been to 21

Jeffery Criddell MBA 23

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Jeffery Criddell MBA 23

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management develops its students' leadership based on "collaborative leadership." This motivated me to attend UC Davis, as this is how the Navy finds its success. The leadership skills I possess parallel that of this program and allow me to combine the two worlds, contributing to a program that mirrors a leadership style I believe in and practice. The pillars of my success and goals include refining and advancing my leadership techniques. The GSM encourages and inspires inclusive and positive leadership that promotes impactful change and personal growth.