Alexey Lyutik

USC Marshall School of Business, OMBA

“Creative and strategic leader, passionate about turning ideas into impactful, purpose-driven results.”

Age: 40

Hometown: Irvine, CA

Fun fact about yourself: When I was little, I ate and wrote with my left hand—until my grandma declared that only right-handed writing was acceptable. I switched… and now I’ve got messy handwriting with both hands.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Moscow Aviation Institute – Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering, USC Bovard College – Master of Science in Project Management

Where are you currently working? Abbvie – Lead Program Manager, Allergan Aesthetics Technology

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I’m very proud of is leading a point-of-sale project for healthcare providers. Within just six months, we successfully collaborated across multiple departments – including technology, finance, legal, and procurement –

to develop new software and deploy third-party POS devices seamlessly integrated with our system. Just before the 2023 holiday season, we launched the solution, which significantly improved the customer experience and enabled providers to support consumers faster and more efficiently.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose USC Marshall’s Online MBA program for its world-class reputation and innovative, results-driven curriculum designed for working professionals. As a proud USC alum, I was excited to return for a program offering courses such as Fundamentals of Business, Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Law, which perfectly aligned with my goal of advancing marketing and sales strategy within the pharmaceutical industry. The program’s strong focus on strategic thinking, leadership, and real-world application has enhanced my ability to influence high-impact decisions and confidently lead cross-functional initiatives.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part of the online MBA program was its thoughtful hybrid flexibility approach, designed by the faculty. We began our journey with a highly engaged in-person residential week that created strong connections and alignment within our cohort. That robust foundation continued with the online study experience and in-person live networking events, which have been impactful and drive professional relationships across this program.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? While in-person learning can be vital early in your academic or professional journey, I’ve found that the flexibility of the online experience is a better fit for my current stage of life and career. Being able to review materials and complete assignments late at night has been crucial for balancing work and school. Also, with live lectures, office hours, and collaborative group projects, the program offers many opportunities to engage with professors and peers, making the experience feel as connected and interactive as in a physical classroom.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? My advice is to stay consistent and engage daily with course materials, professors, and peers. A quote that has stayed with me since my first master’s program at USC Bovard College comes from Professor Stanley Lewis, who said, “What you put into the program is what you’ll get out of it.” That mindset has guided me throughout my studies. Online MBA programs demand strong self-motivation and discipline, so being proactive and fully involved is essential not only for academic success but also for building lasting professional relationships with your cohort.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The OMBA program has significantly enhanced my knowledge and skills, especially in areas such as corporate finance and marketing strategy. Previously, my focus was primarily on engineering and project management. Now, I can see the bigger picture, understand how different functions align, and make more informed decisions that impact not only my team and department but the organization as a whole.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes, I did! At the end of my first year in the program, I was promoted to Lead Program Manager. This new role came with added responsibilities, particularly focusing on executive-level program management and strategic initiatives within marketing and sales.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I chose an online MBA program because it allows me to continue working full-time while advancing my education. The flexibility of learning without a daily commute has been a game changer. What I appreciate most is the ability to immediately apply what I learn in real time at work and then bring those experiences back to the classroom for deeper discussion with my professors and peers.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? In our Digital Marketing class, we use AI to help analyze the best approaches for reaching target audiences, such as regression models and predicting outcomes. We first learn to perform these steps manually to understand the underlying process and then explore how AI can automate and enhance those tasks. One key insight I’ve gained is the importance of evaluating AI-generated results; it’s vital not to take everything at face value when using LLM tools in academic or professional settings.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 25-30

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to serve in an executive leadership position within my organization. This role would allow me to make a significant impact in advancing treatments for chronic conditions like migraine, cervical dystonia, and spasticity. I want to contribute to breakthroughs that genuinely change human lives so I can one day look back, share these achievements with my family, and feel proud of the difference I’ve made.

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