Meet UCLA Anderson’s MBA Class Of 2021

Caroline Ward 

University of California Los Angeles’ Anderson School of Management

“Self-proclaimed work in progress.”

Hometown: Edina, Minnesota

Fun Fact About Yourself: I keep a pint of mint chip ice cream in my fridge at all times.

Undergraduate School and Major: Claremont McKenna College, B.A. in Economics/Accounting and Literature 

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Travelers Companies, Fixed Income Investment Associate

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: At Travelers, I performed due diligence on over 150 corporate and municipal debt issuers, gaining buy-in from portfolio managers which led to the addition of $2.5 billion in new assets for our investment portfolio. It was very rewarding and exciting to see senior leaders in my organization trust my research and analysis and act on my recommendations.

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Collegial. My classmates are genuinely friendly and kind, and you can tell they enjoy connecting with people. Everyone is excited to be here and they bring a warm, positive energy to campus.

UCLA Anderson is founded on three pillars: Share Success, Think Fearlessly, and Drive Change. Which pillar resonates most with you and why? Share Success—winning is more fun when you have people to celebrate with! I love collaborating with others and am a strong believer that the collective effort and wisdom of a group is more powerful than any one individual.   

Aside from your classmates, 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? Career Opportunities. The Parker Career Management Center was far-and-away the most impressive career services operation I encountered during my admissions process. The amazing Parker staff are incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to helping you personalize your career path—you are not just some cookie-cutter outcome. With Parker and the Anderson network, I am confident that I will have the support to get where I want to go.       

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school? Japan Spring Break Trek! 

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process? Talk about a time when you influenced someone to take a course of action.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? Pursuing my MBA had been in the back of my mind for some time, and I had reached a natural inflection point at my previous employer. I saw b-school as an important stepping stone in order to solidify my business and financial acumen, gain leadership competencies, and continue challenging myself personally and professionally.

What other MBA programs did you apply to? Berkeley Haas, Stanford, Harvard, MIT Sloan

How did you determine your fit at various schools? I prioritized culture, location, and career opportunities. I talked with current and former students at all of the schools to which I applied—there is no substitute for getting to know some of your potential classmates and network. On-campus interviews were a great opportunity to gauge my fit and ask myself, “Is this the community I want to immerse myself in for the next two years and beyond?” I also compiled an extensive pros and cons list for each school, which led me to the answer that my “gut feeling” was already telling me!

What was your defining moment and how did it shape who you are? Division III college tennis has been an especially memorable experience for me. Tennis has always served as a great way to channel my fiery, competitive spirit. It was unforgettable to be part of a group of extremely motivated, driven, and FUN women and work toward a collective goal. We spent almost every day together on and off the court and shared in the experiences of success and defeat. I formed lifelong relationships and learned a lot about what it means to support teammates. Tennis has also shaped my firm belief in the power of positivity and mental fortitude.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? Leading a team of investment professionals and creating value at a firm that thrives on complexity. I am excited by the way in which investments serve as a tool to help build wealth for individuals and institutions and encourage the growth of innovative businesses that seek to make the world better. I also hope to be a mentor and champion for other young women in the workplace.   

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