Bennett Royce

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

“I used to defuse explosives; now I’m learning accounting. Bombs were much easier.”

Hometown: Solana Beach, CA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I sang opera in college.

Undergraduate School and Major: Chapman University, Communication Studies

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Navy, EOD Senior Technician

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Los Angeles is California’s hub of creativity and hard work. With sports, surfing, and perfect weather, the real question is, why go anywhere else?

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? The entrepreneurship courses at USC Marshall are crucial for anyone looking to enter the business ownership space. They cover topics like new venture creation, venture capital, and innovation—vital skills for my future goals.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at USC Marshall? The Marshall Military Veterans Association (MMVA) was instrumental in my journey to becoming a graduate student. I’m eager to give back and support the next veteran in need of a helping hand.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that USC Marshall was the right program for you? Why? Marshall was the only program genuinely excited to engage with me. The faculty retention rate is significantly higher than in other MBA programs, and it shows in their passionate teaching and willingness to connect with anyone interested. Any school that fosters such a positive and supportive environment is the right fit for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As a Navy Bomb Tech, I had the opportunity to take my “senior board,” a grueling three-hour verbal test with 1,500 questions. Although I never considered myself academically-inclined, I passed on my first attempt. This experience revealed my true capabilities and gave me the confidence to apply to Marshall.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? My goal is to absorb as much knowledge as possible to successfully run a small to medium-sized business. I’m confident that Marshall will provide the opportunities I need to achieve this.

DON’T MISS: MEET USC MARSHALL’S MBA CLASS OF 2026