Gabrielle Kiger

“Driven in my faith, family, and athletics”

Hometown: Hermosa Beach, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am on the golf team at UC Riverside, and I travel all over the country to play.

Undergraduate School and Major: UC Riverside, business economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Global Risk LLC, financial analyst intern

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

The motivating factors behind pursuing my MBA are to learn more about my passion for finance and investment. Obtaining an MBA will allow me to be more competitive in the job market for internships and jobs after graduation. This seemed like the right time for me because I still have one more year of eligibility to play golf: I can continue to both grow my academic knowledge and play the sport that I love.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

An abundance of career fairs that provide me with access to representatives from a wide variety of highly selective corporations. This is important to me because I am able to speak with them personally and learn more about their jobs and how their companies function. The alumni are very well connected with each other, and it is important to me to be able to interact with alumni who have experience in multiple fields and advice for current MBA students.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

I have enjoyed learning about all the different clubs and organizations that the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management has to offer. The Investment Club piqued my interest the most because of the opportunity to use the program’s real funds to grow the portfolio beyond the returns of the previous year. It allows students to practice investing and learn from fellow students while not holding the risk ourselves.

What is your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

The biggest accomplishment in my career is graduating magna cum laude while playing Division 1 golf in the NCAA.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

I recently read How to Make Money In Stocks by William J. O’Neal. I would recommend this to other prospective MBA students because it provides a good foundation for making informed decisions about investing.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

One academic thing that I learned at my school that surprised me was that there are so many different emphases, which allows you to really find something that you’re passionate about. One non-academic thing that surprised me so far was how many countries are represented amongst fellow MBA students.

What has been the biggest epiphany you’ve gained about yourself or the world since you started your MBA program?

The biggest epiphany I have gained about myself is that internally I tend to gravitate toward leading groups and driving the project, but at the same time, I need to be better at communicating that I have an idea and a plan.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBAs as they look to gain admission into an MBA program?

During the admissions interview, make sure that you truly show your personality and allow the committee to get a better idea of who you are. If you record it in online, it may be hard to convey yourself when you are just talking to your computer, but try to make your answers personal, which will help you stand out.