Karnessia Georgetown

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

“Karnessia is a passionate problem solver and creative interested in empowering communities and telling stories.”

Hometown: Jackson, Mississippi

Fun Fact About Yourself:  My name is a combination of my mom (Karen) and dad’s (Arness) name!

Undergraduate School and Major: Yale University, Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: The Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men, Academic Interventionist and Algebra I Coach

What has been your first impression of the Marshall MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Marshall story so far. My first impression of the Marshall MBA students and alumni is that everyone is incredibly generous – whether it be with their time, talents, or insights! When considering applying to Marshall, I randomly messaged an alum on LinkedIn inquiring about her experience with the program, and she immediately responded. I was visiting my best friend in the Bay Area, where this alum also happened to be based, and she offered to meet up! She gave the program a hands-down endorsement, ultimately leading me to apply. Her story and readiness to help gave me much confidence in Marshall’s MBA program and the alumni network. I knew this was a community I wanted to join.

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? A wide range and diversity of industries. As someone interested in pivoting into the entertainment and media space, I could not think of a better place to be!

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of USC Marshall’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school, and why was it so important to you? I was particularly interested in the Business of Creative program focus and Business of Entertainment certificates in partnership with the School of Cinematic Arts. The fact that Marshall offers the Graduate Certificate in Business of Entertainment was precisely what I was looking for in a program. Additionally, the interdisciplinary approach is a huge asset to the program.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at USC Marshall? I am incredibly excited about the Business of Entertainment Association. Connecting with a wide range of people interested in many aspects of the entertainment and media industry will be fantastic.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic and having to relocate amidst a hurricane last year! No, but really I greatly respect educators and believe they are some of the world’s most accomplished, engaging, and multitalented people. I feel accomplished to have been a teacher and had the opportunity to learn/work alongside many outstanding educators in traditional and nontraditional educational settings.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I am a massive fan of the daily podcast, The Best One Yet (formerly known as Snacks Daily by Robinhood). It offers “short” business insights that are both entertaining and relevant. It’s a fun and quick way to keep a pulse on a wide range of public companies.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into USC Marshall’s MBA program?  I would advise you to know your “Why” and to make that clear to the admissions committee. Additionally, research the program offerings and get specific about how Marshall’s offerings align with your goals and how you would be an asset to the community. At the same time, get intentional and explicit about the motivations and interests that drive you to pursue your MBA. This understanding of your intrinsic motivation will not only help for admissions, but I believe it will also help you as you maneuver through the program.