Meet USC Marshall’s MBA Class Of 2024

A Q&A WITH MARSHALL LEADERSHIP

This fall, P&Q reached out to USC Marshall administration to learn more about new developments at the MBA program. In addition, we inquired about topics like favorite faculty, signature experiences, and underrated aspects of the program. Here is an inside look at the program – from the people who personify the culture and lead the efforts.

P&Q: What are the two most exciting developments at your program in the past year and how will they enrich the MBA experience for current and future MBAs?

Marshall: “Marshall’s Full-Time MBA program is welcoming its most global class yet. Students from 30 countries of origin are a part of this entering class and bring diversity of perspectives and experiences, as well as a global outlook that enhances the learning experience for all students in the program. Students from India, Nigeria, Japan, and Ukraine learn alongside those from China, Brazil, South Korea, and Turkey (among others), making the classroom discussions much more lively and richer than would be true otherwise.

Ultimately, faculty are key to Marshall’s vibrance. This year, Marshall has made special efforts to connect faculty to all of the career, leadership, affinity and special interest student clubs. Now, every student club has at least one faculty advisor to provide guidance, to collaborate on programming and to serve students as they explore interests and careers. Marshall knows that faculty involvement in all aspects of the students’ educational journey can enhance the student experience.”
Professor Suh-Pyng Ku, Vice Dean for Graduate Programs, USC Marshall School of Business

P&Q: If you were giving a campus tour, what is the first place you’d take an MBA applicant? Why is that so important to the MBA experience?

Marshall: “Popovich Hall Courtyard, also known as JKP Courtyard, would be the first stop for any perspective Marshall MBA. The courtyard is a beautiful outdoor space next to Popovich Hall where most of the MBA courses are taught. This courtyard is the MBA program town square, always teeming with MBA students working on projects, having group meetings, taking a breather and chatting with friends over coffee, connecting with faculty, or maybe just being alone with their thoughts. This is where second-years take first-years under their wing and share insights on their internships or pass along a contact name. This is where mentors and students meet and where many events take place, including Coffee with the Deans, which is a way for program administrators to regularly connect with students and to keep the lines of communication open. The energy in the courtyard is palpable and contagious and it reflects both the collaborative nature of our students as well as their ambition to be the best and to help each other be the best.”
Leticia Porter, Assistant Dean and Director, Full-Time MBA Program, USC Marshall School of Business

P&Q: What is the most innovative thing you have introduced into the MBA program in recent years? How has it been a game changer for your program?

Marshall: “Marshall’s MBA program is proud of its focus on creating leadership development opportunities for students around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. We recognized the urgent need to find meaningful ways to connect with each other, learn from each other, and to leverage each other’s unique strengths. Marshall worked with its faculty team to create the new four-part Leadership Development Core workshop that looks at the nuances and contexts of diversity, equity, and inclusion and how they are all intertwined. This workshop was required for all incoming Class of 2024 MBAs. The topics include The Science Behind Bias and How to Confront It; Moving Past the Business Case for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and Leading People, Teams, and Organizations. The workshop utilizes personal experiences, mini-cases, group discussions and interactive activities. Faculty engage students in developing skills for enhanced self-awareness, bias-mitigation strategies, and how to provide psychological safety. This workshop sets the foundation for all students to build their leadership skills throughout the MBA program and future professional life.”
Professor Scott Abrams, Academic Director, Full-Time MBA Program, USC Marshall School of Business

P&Q: What have MBAs told you is the most memorable, signature experience they’ve had in your program? Why did it resonate so much with them?

Marshall: “Marshall’s signature The Global Context of Business (PRIME) program is one of the most memorable experiences about which students rave. PRIME is a course that culminates in a ten-day overseas trip to explore emerging global and business trends in the context of the economic, political and cultural forces in a specific country. Students travel overseas as a group to meet company leaders, present their research, and to receive feedback from experts who are engaged in business. The opportunity to work with companies in a global setting, to exchange ideas and to build networks all over the world is a unique opportunity that our students treasure. The strong bonds and memories made among students during this trip is lifelong and resonates with them long after the completion of the course or even the MBA program. Alumni often remember this trip as a true highlight of their Marshall MBA experience.”
Professor Scott Abrams, Academic Director, Full-Time MBA Program, USC Marshall School of Business

P&Q: What is the most underrated part of your program that you wish students knew more about? How does that make your graduates more valuable to prospective employers?

Marshall: “The collaborative nature of the Marshall MBA is a unique and valuable characteristic and pervades every part of the program.  One of the learning goals of the Marshall MBA program is to motivate and build high-performing teams by fostering collaboration and communication. Students, faculty and administrators all work together to enhance the MBA experience inside and outside the classroom. Unlike what may be traditionally said about MBA programs being cut-throat and a zero-sum game, Marshall is proudly different. Marshall students go to great lengths to help their classmates and teammates learn course material, prep for interviews, or connect with professional contacts. Student club leaders often work together to create valuable programming and collaborate with administration on program innovations. Employers often remark that Marshall graduates are effective team players and leaders in industry.”
Professor Suh-Pyng Ku, Vice Dean for Graduate Programs, USC Marshall School of Business

P&Q: USC has increasingly become known for its data-driven approach. How is that infused across various disciplines?

Marshall: “The Marshall MBA Program has been STEM certified in recognition of data-driven analytics incorporated in all areas of the MBA curriculum. Marshall MBAs are not only adept at quantitative data but are required to leverage the data to inform their insights as they solve business challenges. Marshall offers over 70 electives options with an analytics focus. Some examples include Quantitative Investing and Business Models for Digital Platforms; Customer Insights and Analysis; Advertising and Social Media: Strategy and Analytics; Technology Strategy in the Age of AI; Strategic Choice and Valuation Analysis (among many others).”
Professor Suh-Pyng Ku, Vice Dean for Graduate Programs, USC Marshall School of Business

P&Q: Who is a standout in your faculty or administration – the kind of person who graduates talk about a decade after they leave? How does he or she personify your school culture and the best of your MBA program?

Marshall: “Professor Peer Fiss is one of the standouts among USC Marshall faculty and administrators. Recently appointed Associate Vice Dean for Research at Marshall, he is recognized among Marshall’s students as a dynamic “master teacher” who makes cases come alive in the classroom, and has received exceptional course evaluations and multiple teaching awards. He is also a highly successful mentor, colleague and administrator, having served as the Chair of the Management & Organization Department. An expert in the field of organization theory and strategic management with a strong reputation and visibility in the field, Professor Fiss brings his impactful research into the classroom and enhances the MBA curriculum with new and innovative thought leadership.”
Professor Suh-Pyng Ku, Vice Dean for Graduate Programs, USC Marshall School of Business

5 REASONS TO PURSUE A USC MARSHALL MBA

1) Trojan Network: “My dream is to build my own biotechnology start-up, which requires a good education coupled with a strong network. Aside from being one of the top entrepreneurial programs, there is nothing stronger than USC’s Trojan Network. The Trojan network is worldwide, extending beyond just the Marshall School of Business into many other fields and industries. I have the ability to network with students and alumni, for example, at the Viterbi School of Engineering or USC Cinematic Arts.”
Cody Wei (’24)

2) Los Angeles: “Los Angeles is the best city on Earth. It has something to offer everyone (unless you like bad weather then you definitely shouldn’t live here). Not only are you immersed in a city that is bursting with diversity and culture, you are also at the heart of almost every major industry. Plus, there are so many great restaurants – I can have any dish I want at any time of day. Lastly, growing up in Florida, I need to be close to the ocean and there are so many great beaches in LA. If beaches aren’t your jam, you can also hike in the mountains. Everything is at the reach of your fingertips”
Cody Wei (’24)

“I love Los Angeles! I have visited the city several times, and I knew that I wanted to experience living in LA one day. It is always sunny, the vibe is amazing, and people have great energy. You can simply choose to go the beach in the morning, run along the sand, and at night enjoy a cosmopolitan lifestyle.”
Jessica Presença Soares (’24)

3) PRIME: “The PRIME Program! The program consists of an immersive experience abroad that allows students to learn more about local economic and political situations, develop business knowledge, and leverage this knowledge to gain a wider global perspective. In the past students had the opportunity to visit countries like Thailand, Spain, Japan, China, among others”
Jessica Presença Soares (’24)

4) Intimate Class Size: “Marshall has smaller class sizes, which I think ensures we can all get to know each other, interact more with our professors, and engage more. I also think the fact that the class sizes are small contribute to the bond within the Trojan Network.”
Ifechukwu “Eephie” Achife (’24)

5) Media and Technology: “My goal is to achieve a Product Marketing Management position in the technology industry. Marshall is the right place to support me to realize that goal. The numbers from the past years do not lie! In 2021, 29% of the class went to the technology industry, even more than Financial Services and Consulting, with 20% and 18%, respectively. The school is one of the best providers of high-quality students for technology industry, and, with that in mind, I had no doubt, I knew my place was at Marshall.”
Jessica Presença Soares (’24)

“I have a strong interest in the media and entertainment industry and my post-MBA goal is to work in strategy consulting, focusing on the TMT industry. Marshall offers the Business of Entertainment graduate program together with USC School of Cinematic Arts (arguably the best in the world), and many classes are taught by industry professionals in Hollywood studios. For folks interested in media and entertainment, Marshall offers one of the best opportunities among all business schools.”
Jay Min (’24)

ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

“I had already thought about the courses at USC I would want to take, the concentration and certificate I was interested in, international studying opportunities, and clubs I wanted leadership roles in. USC was my top choice school and I made sure to mention all the ways I planned to get involved if I were to be accepted. I provided this level of detail in my application, and I believe it showed my commitment to not just business school, but Marshall specifically.”
Alganesh Tamyalew (’22)

“First, never self-select out of a school. Connect with current students or alumni. Take the time to read and re-read your essays. When you think you are finished, have at least two more people read them. Find a good mentor to help you through the process and practice for the admission interviews. USC is unique in that they do not have an option for letters of recommendation, so make sure you tell your story and know your why. Never forget that you are unique Your background has formed you into who you are, and share how you want to continue to grow with Marshall.”
Jena E. Brown (’24)

“The Trojan network is very real, and it is very strong – Even before you become a Trojan! I would reach out to current students and Marshall alumni on LinkedIn, to get an understanding of the program and the general set of expectations. Make sure your questions are direct, concise, and articulate.”
Anuj Deepak (’24)

MBA Students	Hometown	Undergraduate Alma Mater	Last Employer
Ifechukwu “Eephie” Achife	Lagos, Nigeria	University of Ibadan	Accelerex Holdings
Jena E. Brown	Houston, TX	United States Military Academy	U.S. Army
Anuj Deepak	Bangalore, India	Jain University, Bangalore	Goldman Sachs
Karnessia Georgetown	Jackson, MS	Yale University	The Delores Taylor Arthur School for Young Men
Vishi Gupta	Agra, Uttar Pradesh	Symbiosis School of Economics, Pune	Bain & Company
Christina Ingraldi	Westchester, NY	University of Pennsylvania	Blue Nile
Miles Jackson	Washington, D.C.	University of Michigan	Cuba Skate, Inc.
Jared Knight	Battle Creek, MI	University of North Carolina	Infront X
Jay Min	Miami, FL	Wofford College	Pridelines
Craig Pilla	Chester, NJ	Northwestern University	Societe Generale
Jessica Presença Soares	São Paulo, Brazil	Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie	NA
Cody Wei	Tampa, FL	UCLA	Pfizer