Shannon Jordan

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

“Driven leader, passionate about healthcare, combining medical knowledge with business skills to create meaningful impact.”

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois

Fun Fact About Yourself: In high school, I earned a medal in the 100-meter freestyle in swimming at the Junior Olympics.

Undergraduate School and Major: Harvard University, Biomedical Engineering

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Medical Student at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Los Angeles is an amazing city to earn an MBA due to its diverse business, cultural, and economic environment. MBA students are given countless opportunities to explore different professional sectors via industry leaders in entertainment, technology, finance, and healthcare residing within the city. The diversity also further enriches the educational experience by offering broader perspectives on global business practices, preparing students for success in a globalized economy.

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? One of the key parts of USC Marshall’s MBA programming that led me to choose this business school was its strong emphasis within the curriculum on self-awareness and understanding one’s best fit. Courses like Communication for Management, Foundations for Your Professional Value, and Structured Analysis for Unstructured Problems focus on leadership, communication, and value-creation, which are essential for identifying personal strengths and market value. This focus on self-awareness and personal development is crucial to me because it aligns with my goal of becoming a leader who not only excels in technical skills, but also understands how to leverage my, and others, unique strengths.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at USC Marshall? The international trip affiliated with our PRIME course excites me the most at USC Marshall because it offers a unique opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture while gaining firsthand insight into global business practices. Experiencing the dynamics of international markets and understanding the cultural nuances that influence business decisions will be invaluable for my career. This trip will also allow me to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, enhancing my ability to think critically and adapt to diverse environments. The combination of travel, cultural exchange, and practical learning makes PRIME an experience I am eager to be a part of.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that USC Marshall was the right program for you? Why? I realized that USC Marshall was the right program for me during my interview when my interviewer and I began discussing the impact I could make at the school. The conversation went beyond standard questions and focused on how I could contribute to the community and help shape its future. This emphasis on mutual growth and impact resonated deeply with my values and aspirations. It was in that moment I knew Marshall was a place where I could not only learn but also actively contribute to a larger purpose.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career so far has been becoming a dual degree MD/MBA student. Balancing the rigorous demands of medical school while simultaneously beginning my pursuit of an MBA has challenged me to develop strong time management and multitasking skills. This accomplishment has not only expanded my knowledge in both healthcare and business, but has also positioned me to be able to make a unique impact in the healthcare industry. I am extremely excited to combine these two passions and prepare for a career where I can lead in both clinical and administrative capacities.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Looking ahead two years, my MBA experience would be successful if I graduate with a community that is not just based on proximity, but on shared motivation and commitment to making an impact on the world. I aim to build lasting relationships with peers who share this vision, allowing us to inspire and support one another in our future endeavors. Ultimately, I want to leave the program as part of a network of like-minded individuals ready to lead and innovate.

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