Dru Chavez

UCLA, Anderson School of Management

“Husband. Son. Brother. Friend. Los Angeleno. Mixed. Pisces. Compassionate. Empathetic. Sensitive. Foodie. Bad golfer.”

Hometown: San Pedro, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I love ice cream and have a bad habit of Door-Dashing Cold Stone.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Southern California, Public Relations

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Google, Technical Recruiter

UCLA Anderson is founded on the Three Pillars: Share Success, Think Fearlessly, and Drive Change. Which pillar resonates most with you and why? Currently, the Think Fearlessly pillar resonates most with me. As I embark on this MBA journey, there are still many unanswered questions. There are days I still fumble over my “why an MBA?” response. This is hard for me, as I prefer to have a plan and have the right answer. I’m learning that there is no perfect time for anything and that not everything can be planned out. With the right support system in place, with a clear set of goals, and a ruthless prioritization, any doubt in direction can be worked through.

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Besides the weather, I believe you can find anything you’re looking for in greater L.A. You name it, we have it: thriving industry, food, nature, the arts, beaches… And, if you’re lucky, you can find your niche and community too.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of UCLA Anderson’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I really appreciate how the student community was a part of the admission process and recruitment programming. This has continued into orientation, as there is a culture of student-led initiatives. I appreciate this “for us, by us” (in partnership with Anderson faculty and staff) mentality that drives culture on campus.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at UCLA Anderson? I’m interested in the financial accounting course in the core curriculum. I’ve never taken a financial course, but I enjoy personal finance and checking my bank account a few times a week thinking it will help its balance grow. I promise you, it doesn’t. Also, I am very anxious about the USC vs. UCLA football game. I am going to have an identity crisis.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I love a comeback story. My first performance review at Google was a “needs improvement.” This really impacted my confidence at work and humbled me. I didn’t share with many others at the time and didn’t seek help. Instead, I told myself I’d have 1 week to feel bad for myself but then I would take responsibility into my own hands. I did just that, turning my performance around and prioritizing metrics and work the team valued. Ultimately, I jumped three buckets higher in my next performance review and a step closer to what would eventually be two promotions. I learned how to be my own advocate and cheerleader. I also learned that a rating, grade, job, achievement, accolade or degree doesn’t define you. It’s what you do with it that matters.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? I am less focused on the specific post-graduation job than on finding my place in Los Angeles for the next chapter of my life. If I stay in recruiting, that’s cool. If I assume a completely different function, that’s cool too. I am more interested in the general trajectory of working on more strategic, long-term impact and a position that will allow me to help develop others.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into UCLA Anderson’s MBA program? There is no one-size-fits-all approach to MBA admissions. Visit campus yourself and don’t look to others, nor to me, for your blueprint. Be the role model you want to see, and lean on your support system to help you navigate. For me, that support system included family, friends, co-workers, mentors, Management Leadership for Tomorrow (shout out, Coach K!) and ultimately some introspection and meditation to create a path forward and act on it.

DON’T MISS: MEET UCLA ANDERSON’S MBA CLASS OF 2025