Baobao (Bonnie) Ji

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

“Extrovertedly introverted. Boldly calm. Pursuing dreams, firmly grounded in who I am.”

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I’m allergic to alcohol, but that didn’t stop me from mastering wine tasting and learning how to make cocktails.

Undergraduate School and Major:

School: Communication University of China, Nanjing

Major: English broadcasting and Journalism

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Digital Product Manager, Cathay Pacific Airways

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Two years ago, I took a solo trip across the USA, and Los Angeles left a lasting impression on me. What truly stood out was its incredible inclusivity, with people from countless nations and diverse backgrounds, and the warm, genuine California hospitality. Beyond its vibrant culture, the city’s world-leading entertainment industry, booming Silicon Beach, and countless startups make it an inspiring place to learn and grow. In LA, I’m not just earning an MBA, I’m immersing myself in a dynamic lifestyle that blends innovation, creativity, and diversity.

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? The strength of the Trojan Network and Marshall’s focus on the PRIME program were decisive factors for me. During my MBA application process, I saw Trojans truly help Trojans, with alumni generously sharing their experiences and offered invaluable career advice. This sense of community gives me a feeling of belonging.

Additionally, the PRIME program’s emphasis on real-world learning stood out. It offers hands-on opportunities to engage with international business scenarios, which is essential for my career goals. I knew that Marshall would give me the practical experience and global exposure I was seeking.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at USC Marshall? I’m particularly excited by Marshall’s Career Launchpad. It provides tailored support for different career tracks, helping students understand industry trends and strategically build their personal brand. I’ve also had the opportunity to hear leading industry professionals share their stories and insights, which offered invaluable guidance and inspiration for my career journey.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that USC Marshall was the right program for you? Why? During my MBA application process, I reached out to alumni through cold networking on LinkedIn, fully prepared for rejections. To my surprise, many were incredibly willing to share their experiences and even introduce me to their networks. Beyond their generosity, I realized that Marshall values who you are, your character, curiosity, and potential – more than just your credentials. That combination of supportive community and genuine recognition made me confident that USC Marshall was the right program for me.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far? I would say my career trajectory, as a whole, is my biggest accomplishment, constantly exploring and discovering my true passion. I began in advertising, working with global brands like Unilever, Colgate, and LVMH. After that, I joined Dyson and Cathay Pacific, gaining hands-on experience in China’s fast-growing e-commerce and digital landscape.

Being part of these brands’ growth has been incredibly rewarding, challenging me to adapt, innovate, and contribute meaningfully in dynamic markets.

What is your long-term career goal? My long-term career goal is to establish my own consulting agency that leverages cutting-edge tools, including AI, to help businesses overcome cultural and market barriers. I aim to empower brands to navigate global markets seamlessly, eliminating the obstacles of boundaries and enabling meaningful international growth.

DON’T MISS: MEET USC MARSHALL’S MBA CLASS OF 2027

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