Meet UCLA Anderson’s MBA Class of 2019

Katie Farias

UCLA, Anderson School of Management

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Aspiring entrepreneur who loves podcasts, politics, miniature schnauzers, and my hometown, Scranton, PA.

Hometown: Scranton, PA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was the co-captain of my college rugby team. 

Undergraduate School and Major: Georgetown University, Anthropology

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: 

• Analyst, MUFG Securities Americas, June 2016 – June 2017
• Director of Marketing Strategy, Capstone LLC, January 2016 – June 2016
• Vice President of Marketing Strategy, Capstone LLC, January 2015 – December 2015
• Manager of Marketing Strategy and Operations, Capstone LLC, September 2013 – December 2014

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: During my three years at Capstone, I grew and tailored the firm’s marketing product, which increased the number of new paying clients by one third. 

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants?  One of the toughest parts for me in the application process was getting through the GMAT. It helped to remember that you want to feel like you are doing terribly while you are taking the test. Since the test is adaptive, getting questions that are too hard for you means you are doing very well, so there’s no need to panic!

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you  I picked Anderson because I felt most at home in the community. I wanted a school where my peers were smart and well-rounded, but also down-to-earth and happy to help, if you needed it. Anderson’s students best fit that requirement. Anderson also has wonderful resources for its women MBA students. I attended the Forte conference this summer, and not only was Anderson the school with the largest number of attendees, but the admissions and career offices spent a lot of time preparing us for the recruiting aspects of the conference. To get the most out of the MBA program, I knew I needed a school where I was not afraid to take risks and I have found the staff and students at Anderson to be extremely supportive.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school?  I will have created a business plan for my venture and be involved in the leadership of Out@Anderson.