Erica Kolsrud

USC Marshall School of Business, OMBA

“From film sets to boardrooms, I lead with confidence, empathy, and a well-organized Google Calendar.”

Age: 39

Hometown: Glendale, CA

Fun fact about yourself: I have completed over 16 marathons and am looking forward to having some more training time for my next half and full marathons!

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Iowa, BA Communication Studies, Minor in Business Administration

Where are you currently working? Emily Rice & Co – Senior Production Accountant

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I feel incredibly fortunate to have had three distinct careers—radio broadcasting, sports marketing, and now production finance in entertainment. Each has challenged and shaped me in different ways. But the moment I am most proud of came in November 2015, when I sat in a movie theater and saw my name scroll across the screen in the credits of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2. It was my first on-screen credit, and it meant everything. My family and friends across the country went to see it too, proudly snapping photos when my name appeared. That moment of recognition—just a few seconds—remains one of the most meaningful highlights of my career.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? This was the only online MBA program I applied to and it’s for an easy reason – USC’s program offered rigor, structure, and the Trojan network, while giving me the flexibility to continue working full-time in entertainment.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? Our Cohort, Cohort 17, became a tight-knit group. At the end of residential week, we all made a promise that we would do whatever we could to help everyone graduate together. We identified students who were lawyers, CPAs, CFOs, etc. and leveraged their professional knowledge to help us succeed in our classes together. Those students then led homework reviews, examine reviews, or offered additional help. That way, everyone, regardless of our previous education background, felt we understood the material. And professors who knew about these additional resources, were supportive and did what they could to also offer office hours and help. It truly felt like we were connected at all times, without needing to be in person.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I felt I thrived better in the online environment. Not that I didn’t enjoy my undergraduate in-the-classroom experience, but I sometimes felt lost in our larger lecture classes. I also learned in the 20ish years since undergrad to advocate for myself more and what tools I needed as a neurodivergent to succeed this time around. Being able to hit pause on our weekly modules or recorded lectures allowed me time to get detailed notes or playback something I may not have grasped the first time listening.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The USC OMBA program has changed the way I think and work— not just in production finance, but in every area of my life. At work, I’m more confident when interacting with executive producers and studio executives, because I can speak their language and back up my perspective with a broader understanding of business strategy. I’ve learned to think beyond just the numbers—looking at how each decision fits into the bigger picture. It’s also helped me show up more confidently in the other roles I care about—whether it’s serving on the Delta Sigma Pi Board, leading volunteer initiatives, or supporting the nonprofits I’m involved with. I’m asking better questions, making more informed decisions, and communicating more effectively across the board. It’s been a game-changer in how I contribute and lead.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? At this time, I am in the highest position I can be in at my current company.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I researched several programs, but my top priorities were finding an environment I could thrive in and one that allowed me to continue working full-time. With that mindset, and taking into account my neurodivergent needs, an online program offered the flexibility and structure I needed to succeed. It wasn’t just the most practical option; it was the right fit for how I learn and operate best.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? During our residential week, professors encouraged us to watch how AI would evolve over our 21-month program. At the time, I only associated AI with the entertainment industry—especially its role in union negotiations and studio workflows. As the program progressed, professors began integrating AI more directly, noting when it was allowed in assignments and emphasizing the importance of transparency and citation. In March 2023, USC President Carol Folt announced a new university-wide AI research center and encouraged all 22 schools to explore the intersection of ethics and generative AI. It has been fascinating to watch this shift in real time, and I’m excited to see how Marshall continues expanding its offerings around AI, especially through new degrees and certifications. It’s a reminder that learning how to use AI thoughtfully and ethically is now a core part of being a responsible business leader.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 15-25

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To pivot into a development or acquisitions role at a mid-size production company or film studio – eventually growing into an executive role.

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