Daniel Seo

University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business

“Previously defended the country by spending tax dollars as a military finance officer, now focused on maximizing tax dollars for shareholder value.”

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy collecting rare currencies from around the world, including notes from Somalia, North Korea, Cuba, and the Deutsche Mark.

Undergraduate School and Major: Computer Information Systems, Cal Poly Pomona. Aerospace Studies, University of Southern California

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Director of Operations (Major), United States Air Force

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? I’ve had the opportunity to see the world, yet LA continues to be unmatched. With year-round sunshine, mountains and beaches just a drive away, countless amusement parks, and—perhaps most importantly—a juicy double-double, Southern California combines lifestyle, energy, and opportunity in a way no other city does. It’s the ideal place to grow both personally and professionally while pursuing my MBA.

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? One key aspect of USC Marshall’s MBA that drew me to the program is its unique experiential learning opportunities. Students have the chance to invest and manage a portion of USC’s endowment through the Graduate Student Investment Fund, as well as pitch real-world case studies to Fortune 500 companies and work directly with them to solve pressing business challenges.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at USC Marshall? Being involved with Marshall Military Veterans Association excites me the most. Building a community of Trojans who share the unique experience, challenge, and leadership skills gained through military service provides not only a strong network filled with camaraderie. Even more, it is also a platform to give back to other prospective veterans looking to transition from the military.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized that USC Marshall was the right program for you? Why? I realized USC Marshall was the right program for me during my undergraduate studies. Already being part of the Trojan family, I understood the value of the community and knew it was where I wanted to return after transitioning from the military. Many of my closest friends are from my undergrad years, and I still maintain those connections today. At USC Marshall, I’m confident I will build lifelong friendships with classmates who will challenge, support, and grow alongside me—becoming future business colleagues, being my strongest supporters, and shaping every important decision in my life.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As a military finance officer, I had the opportunity to lead diverse multinational teams across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific—often in high-pressure, mission-critical environments—while managing payments on behalf of the Department of Defense. Along the way, I explored 30+ countries, deepening my understanding of diverse cultures, perspectives, and global financial markets while gaining a broader, more expansive view of the world.

What is your long-term career goal? I’m particularly drawn to M&A in telecom, media, and tech because it’s where innovation cycles are rapid, valuations hinge on both tangible and intangible assets, and post-deal integration can define long-term success. My background of blending operational leadership, deep financial acumen, and technology strategy positions me to navigate those dynamics and deliver results.

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

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