Finding My Why in San Diego: Leading with Purpose through the UC Davis MBA Experience

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When I applied to the MBA program at UC Davis, I was looking to grow with intention. By that point in my career, I had already built and led teams, launched creative campaigns and ran my own business. 

But I knew I couldn’t rely on experience alone, especially in marketing, a field that evolves constantly. I felt a deep need to keep learning, expand my knowledge and stay ahead in a fast-changing environment.

The MBA That Helped Me Lead With Intention

The UC Davis Graduate School of Management stood out for several reasons. 

First, it didn’t feel transactional. It offered a rigorous education grounded in values, a community that’s collaborative over competitive and the online format offered the flexibility I needed to continue to excel in my career in Los Angeles while pursuing my Online MBA. 

With my background in marketing and strategy, the STEM-designated MBA also caught my attention. It signaled not just a strong analytical foundation, but a commitment to preparing leaders who can thrive at the intersection of data, strategy and innovation. 

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Balancing work, school and life hasn’t been easy. There were weeks when everything felt like it was moving too fast: deadlines, meetings, deliverables and group projects. But over time, I stopped trying to “do it all” and started managing my energy more intentionally. 

I’ve learned to be more discerning with my time, more thoughtful with my “yes,” and more compassionate with myself.

If you’re thinking about the UC Davis MBA program, here’s my advice: Be extremely disciplined, stay rooted in your “why,” and prioritize grounding yourself along the way. This program will stretch you in the best ways. The key is learning how to stay focused without burning out and how to grow without losing sight of who you are and why you are doing this.

Intensive, Deep-Dive Weekend Residentials

One of the most meaningful parts of the Online MBA program has been the residential weekends. They’re not just about learning in a different setting, they’re about deepening relationships with peers who are also juggling careers, families and ambitious goals. As a student board member, I’ve had the opportunity to be part of shaping this student experience, listening to what students need and helping make space for all of us to feel seen, heard and supported.

The weekend residential in San Diego had a substantial impact on me. Professor Stephen Garcia’s Decision-Making course went beyond strategy. We explored bias, emotion and the human side of leadership. One insight that stuck with me: emotions are information, not facts. That perspective is powerful in any field, but especially in marketing, where we’re constantly shaping narratives and influencing behavior. The weekend residential course helped me improve how I approach decisions, be more aware, be more grounded and be more aligned with purpose.

Outside the classroom, San Diego offered opportunities to build connections that simply aren’t possible online. We explored the city together, including an evening at a speakeasy, and shared meaningful conversations over coffee that deepened my understanding of my classmates’ industries and challenges. Over dinners and walks around the city, we exchanged career insights and built relationships that have since become some of the most valuable in my MBA journey. These moments reinforced that an MBA is not only about the knowledge you gain, but also about the network and community that shape your perspective.

Where Leadership Growth Meets Real Community

This MBA has shifted more than just how I think; it’s transformed how I show up. I ask better questions. I reframe challenges. I’m more attuned to the power of perspective and the responsibility that comes with influence. It’s made me a stronger leader and, honestly, a more present human.

But above all, what’s made this experience exceptional is the people. 

The faculty and staff care deeply, not just about what we learn, but about who we become. My classmates are extremely talented, smart and committed. We show up for each other. That kind of community doesn’t just happen—it’s cultivated.

If you’re considering an MBA, know this: you’ll be challenged and you will grow. You won’t just leave with frameworks and a diploma, you’ll walk away with a deeper sense of purpose, a sharper lens on leadership, and an amazing community.