Zheng (Janell) Wang

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

Adventurous traveler, foodie, and animal lover who never backs down from a challenge, or spicy hotpot!

Hometown: Chongqing, China

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I took the plunge into the ice-cold waters of the Antarctic, cried from the cold as soon as I hit the shore, and then—because once wasn’t enough—did it all over again.

Undergraduate School and Major: Sichuan International Studies University (English – International Business and Trade)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Bytedance, Sales Manager

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Beyond the ideal weather (329 days of sunshine) and thriving business scene, LA provides unmatched access to top companies, an incredible alumni network, and cultural diversity. This environment offers endless opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration, and career growth. The city’s diversity and innovation make it a hub for networking, where face-to-face interactions naturally strengthen bonds without the need for flights or Zoom calls.

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? I was attracted to USC Marshall’s collaborative and inclusive culture. During my campus visit, even without an official event, everyone I encountered was welcoming and eager to help. A second-year student even took time to show me around. I’ve always dreamed of studying at a world-renowned university, and USC Marshall’s emphasis on teamwork and a close-knit community aligns perfectly with my values, making it the right fit for me.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at USC Marshall? I’m particularly excited to join the Graduate Asian Business Society (GABS), especially for their legendary Korean BBQ outings—$20 for all-you-can-eat! Beyond the food, GABS offers a great opportunity to make friends and build a network. I’m also eager to join the High-Tech Association (HTA) to explore my passion for emerging technologies and digital marketing.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that USC Marshall was the right program for you? Why? Although I haven’t started recruitment yet, I already feel how closely the career center works with students. In my first week, we’ve had resume reviews and daily career fairs across various industries. This level of support reassures me that USC Marshall is the right fit for me, as it demonstrates their dedication to helping us succeed from day one.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my biggest achievements was successfully launching the first online campaign for a medical institution despite navigating government regulation challenges. Through extensive interviews and careful planning, I helped the client overcome restrictions and achieve their marketing goals. We faced a major setback when the project was rejected by the risk control team one day before launch, but I led my team to revise the materials and communicate with the risk control department to ensure approval. The campaign ultimately generated over 70 million video views and became a reference point for future projects.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Success for me will be about more than just academics—it will be defined by the wealth of knowledge I’ve gained, the lifelong friendships I’ve forged, and the incredible resources I’ve tapped into. I want these two years to be transformative, making them one of the most valuable experiences of my life.

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