Meet USC Marshall’s MBA Class Of 2025

USC, Marshall School

P&Q: Two years ago, P&Q asked you to share how you’ve integrated AI, STEM, analytics, and digital disruption into your programming. Since then, what types of enhancements have you made in these areas?

Randhawa: “The USC Marshall MBA programs are at the forefront of innovation and industry relevance and are a part of USC’s Frontiers of Computing initiative which launched in Spring 2023, in which USC has dedicated $1 billion in funding to expand and infuse advanced computing throughout the university’s programming.

Consistent with this larger initiative, our Full-Time MBA program has made robust advancements in integrating Generative AI (GenAI), STEM, analytics, and digital disruption into our curriculum. While we were early adopters in acknowledging the pivotal role of digital platforms and have been offering related courses for many years, we’ve further deepened our commitment in the recent period. Our elective course on disruptive digital business models has surged in popularity, and we are offering five sections this year alone. We also offer a course on digital innovations, which explores disruptive technologies, and a course on digital transformation, which addresses the real-world aspects of implementing these innovations. By taking a series of courses in this area, students are able to earn a Graduate Certificate in Technology Commercialization, which trains them to understand the full process of the commercialization of technology, from product development and feasibility analyses to business design and venture funding.

Raman Randhawa

As the boundaries of GenAI continue to expand, our dedicated faculty at Marshall have convened monthly meetings to exchange best practices and share new developments. Our goal is to seamlessly weave GenAI throughout our courses, ensuring that our students know how to use GenAI tools for business and social impact. For example, our Data Science professors have embraced the power of GenAI by integrating the use of Github Co-pilot into their full time MBA core course; this is a tool which empowers our students to conduct their statistical analyses using a broader range of coding languages, without prior coding experience.

Moreover, we pride ourselves on a vast array of STEM programs. Our Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, and one-year international (IBEAR) MBA programs have all embraced the STEM designation, underscoring our commitment to fostering technical and analytical prowess among our students.

In addition, the funding of two Marshall initiatives further expands the resources available to our students to develop their technological skills. The VanEck Digital Assets Initiative focuses on the ecosystem of digital assets, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, non-fungible tokens, and the metaverse, acting as a hub for education, research, industry partnerships, and events. The Neely Center for Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making trains students to act as responsible leaders in the development, implementation, and management of emerging technologies.

Our continuous efforts to enhance and expand our curriculum in these domains underscore our commitment to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape.”

Leticia Porter

P&Q: How many courses outside the business school can MBAs take during your program? To what extent has your business school embraced coursework from other schools and departments at your university? Are students from other schools and departments at the university allowed to take MBA electives?

Porter: “We encourage students to take advantage of the breadth of opportunity provided by the broader USC community by taking courses from other USC schools. Students often take courses in the USC School of Cinematic Arts, the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy, or the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Marshall students also have the opportunity to earn one of a number of interdisciplinary graduate certificates, such as the Real Estate Development Certificate offered by the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. Another popular certificate among MBA students is the Graduate Certificate in the Business of Entertainment, offered by the USC School of Cinematic Arts.”

P&Q: What is your biggest student-run event of the year and what does it reflect about your school?

Porter: “Student life is vibrant at USC’s Full-Time MBA program, with more than 35 career, affinity, social, and leadership clubs that engage and support the aspirations of our student body. One of the largest student-run events is our Marshall Gives Back Tailgates. Marshall Gives Back is an organization focused on outreach and community service, and it organizes Marshall’s famous football tailgates as both a service to the Marshall community and as a fundraising endeavor for the Graduate Student Emergency Fund (a resource provided to USC Marshall graduate students to help students navigate unanticipated personal hardships).

Marshall Gives Back tailgates bring together the entire Trojan Family, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and recruiters, not only to cheer on the famous Trojan Football team, but also to build community and connections across members of the Trojan Family in an informal setting on the USC campus.”

USC Marshall. USC photo

ADVICE TO PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

“For the potential applicants, my advice to them is to be authentic, focus on their intentions, and understand the value you will bring to USC Marshall based on your professional, personal, and educational experience. Being authentic is the most important part of the process and it intersects with intentions and value. Authenticity is your “why”, Intentions are your “what”, and Value is your “how”. Remember: Be proud of how far you’ve come. The fact that you are here applying for USC Marshall MBA and want to be here, is the start of it all. The best of luck to all our future USC Marshall MBA candidates.”
Ashley Mascarenhas (’25)

“Start keeping a professional journal now. Many people do great things or learn impactful lessons in their day-to-day activities. Keeping a professional journal helps you capture those lessons, and helps to identify themes across your work experience that can be very informative and useful in writing essays and conducting interviews.”
Jess Randol (’25)

“Along with my professional background, I believe that my involvement in various community services has given me a competitive edge. In my leisure time, I have devoted myself to various causes such as DEI, shelters, and career services. These activities align with the values and attributes that our school holds dear, and I believe they have played a crucial role in shaping my character and my ability to work effectively with diverse groups. Through these experiences, I have developed strong interpersonal and leadership skills that will serve me well both in my future career and in my personal life.”
Jason Yang (’23)