Blog Author | UC Davis Graduate School of Management

Profile

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.

Stud

Parisa Meschi MBA 23

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Parisa Meschi MBA 23

As a diverse candidate coming from the education industry, UC Davis has offered me a close-knit community that continuously inspires me to achieve my goals and challenges me to be a collaborative leader. These opportunities, combined with hands-on training and execution, make UC Davis the ideal program for me to bridge my passion for education and technology. While these opportunities form the basis of a superlative education, it is UC Davis' well-established support for students, alumni, researchers, and faculty that will allow my goals to become reality.

Student Leadership and Experience

Nathaniel Morrison MBA 23

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Nathaniel Morrison MBA 23

I was excited to join the Food & Agriculture network at UC Davis, the country's foremost research university in this field.

Student Leadership and Experience

Co-President, Food & Wine Leadership Club

Previous Education

B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Stanford University

Previous Work Experience

Business Development MBA Intern, advanced.farm
Founder, Premium Herbal Products, LLC
Product and Process Development Scientist, Kraft Heinz Company
Chemical Engineer, Volochem
Economic Consultant, Analysis Group

Three Fun Facts

I play the violin and compose original music.
One of

Mika Shang MBA 23

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Mika Shang MBA 23

UC Davis GSM has a great faculty-to-student ratio with flexible course selection and the freedom to shape my MBA experience. I also appreciate the fact that the GSM teaches the philosophy of "be kind" to its graduate students; in a world of cut-throat competition and ruthless hearts, being kind is incredibly important and not many business schools teach their students how to be empathetic and compassionate to peers and the environment.

Student Leadership and Experience

President, GSM Finance Association
Director of Finance, Associated Students of Management
Member, Women in

Ansel Lundberg MBA 24

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Ansel Lundberg MBA 24

UC Davis' world-class business faculty, strategic location in the heart of the California capital, and focus on the student experience were exactly what I was looking for in an MBA program.

Professional Experience

Policy Developer, California ISO
Originator, Energy Trading & Contracts, SMUD
Executive Fellow, California Capital Fellowship Program

Education

B.A., Geography and English, University of California, Santa Barbara

Student Leadership and Experience

UC Davis MBA Student Ambassador
Sustainable Energy Industry Immersion Scholar

Fun Facts

I ride my bike to class at

Gracia Liunita MBA 25

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Gracia Liunita MBA 25

At first, I was worried to join the MBA program at UC Davis, thinking I may not be good enough for the program. When I attended one of UC Davis' admission information sessions for prospective students, I met virtually with the ambassador who is very helpful and encourages me to apply and points out all the highlights at UC Davis. So I begin my application process, and everyone is really helpful and friendly; which really reflect the culture at UC Davis.

Since being a student at UC Davis, I started to be more confident in the program and I really enjoy the culture here. I learned a lot at

Sriranjani Ramachandran MBA 24

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Sriranjani Ramachandran MBA 24

When I decided to do my MBA, I wanted to choose a school with a good reputation, varied curriculum, and amazing faculty, preferably a small cohort size where I can collaborate, share and learn and have a strong alum network. UC Davis had all of it, and its closeness to Silicon Valley would allow me to explore my future professional goals.