Meet the MBA Class of 2024: Grant Rueca, UC Riverside School of Business

Grant Rueca

University of California, Riverside, School of Business | A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM)

“I’m a storyteller at heart; if there’s a platform to tell stories, I am there.”

Hometown: Foster City, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have 10 siblings.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of California, Riverside, B.S., Business Administration with concentration in Marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: University of California, Riverside Career Development Center, Student Marketing Assistant

What word best describes the UC Riverside MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? In one word, I would describe UCR MBA students as inspirational. Many students I’ve met within the UCR MBA program are pursuing their dreams with baggage: They have families, outside commitments, full-time jobs, and much more that add to the load as they earn an MBA degree. Yet, even if these things get in the way, they continue to pursue their dreams. UCR MBA students are strong-willed and take on this challenge to benefit their careers. As a student who came into the MBA program straight from my bachelor’s graduation, they are my role models.

Aside from classmates, what was the key part of UC Riverside’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I chose UCR because—in addition to having a great undergraduate experience at the university—I see the university as an incubator for developing great businesspeople. This is important to me as I develop my skills as an aspiring manager and leader. One of the programs that supports my growth is the AGSM Student Ambassadors, where I serve as a delegate. I also serve as a member of the Career Advisory Council. These opportunities help me develop business skills that I will use within my career, and my hope is that these will also allow me to leave UCR as an even stronger institution.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at UC Riverside? In addition to my involvement with the Career Advisory Council and the UCR Student Ambassadors, I have enjoyed the career fairs at AGSM. The opportunity to meet with employers is always exciting. Every interaction with an employer seeking prospects is a chance to hone my skills in presenting myself.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career as a marketer and as a marketing student is that I have optimized my time as an MBA student to increase my worth in the marketing field. For example, I am pursuing a concentration in marketing. I work as a marketing assistant for UCR; outside of school, I am pursuing certifications in marketing; and I am applying my marketing skills within the UCR student organizations I belong to. I understand the principle that I become what I think. If I am constantly thinking about and working toward my goal of becoming a great marketer, then I will become a great marketer.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far is my drive to take my MBA program into my own hands and to find as many opportunities as possible to improve myself. By doing so, I am a member of prestigious graduate student organizations—like the AGSM Student Ambassadors and the Career Advisory Council—and the student marketing assistant at the Career Development Center.

What is your class’s favorite hangout away from school? Why do you gather there? My favorite hangout with college friends is downtown Riverside. There is great food and entertainment, and it is very close to school.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you hope to do after graduation? I decided to pursue an MBA to further my education in marketing and to give me a competitive edge when seeking employment after graduation. As the oldest son in my family, I have the role as leader for my 10 siblings. This means during difficult times it was often up to me to step up and lead my family to success. Therefore, when I think of being a leader and manager, I think of developing my team as a family and creating great results with that family. I’ve always aspired to be a leader and manager at work, and earning an MBA will get me much closer to that goal. After graduation, I hope to find a marketing position within a Fortune 500 company, where there are opportunities to grow within the organization.

DON’T MISS: MEET THE UC RIVERSIDE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA CLASS OF 2024

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