What I Learned Shadowing GSM Dean H. Rao Unnava

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As an undergraduate majoring in managerial economics, getting an inside look at a graduate business school isn't something that happens every day.

Through the UC Davis Leadership Job Shadow Program, I had the opportunity to shadow H. Rao Unnava, the Michael and Joelle Hurlston Dean of the Graduate School of Management (GSM). 

Over the course of the day at Gallagher Hall, I met with the GSM's senior leadership team and had the opportunity to view the School's internal operations firsthand. 

I was curious about what sets the UC Davis GSM apart and whether it was the right next step for me as a potential future graduate student. I've already benefited from being part of the GSM community as a technology management minor.

I had the opportunity to sit in on high-level meetings with school executives across finance, marketing and student affairs. I was also invited to attend part of UC Davis Finance Day, which brings together faculty researchers in financial economics across GSM, economics and agricultural economics for interdisciplinary collaboration. The day-long experience helped me understand GSM’s values and helped clarify what I'm looking for in a graduate program.

The Role of Innovation 

What stood out immediately was how intentional the GSM is about innovation. 

After many years and several proposals, the GSM formed a unique partnership with the College of Letters and Science and College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to launch this year the first undergraduate business major in campus history. 

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The GSM was also the first in the UC system to launch an Online MBA, a Masters of Management, and a unique deferred tuition plan. Each of these initiatives reflects a deliberate effort to expand access to a wider range of students.

 A Student-First Approach 

I was also interested to learn how the GSM innovation is driven by the needs of students. Dean Unnava, who is a professor of marketing, shared a specific example in which a prospective student was interested in an MBA, but was not quite ready with enough work experience. Dean Unnava recommended a Masters of Management instead even though it meant less revenue for the School.

Dean Unnava explained that the GSM focuses on connecting prospective students with the program best suited for their background and experience. 

The GSM also offers its alumni and students free access to a lifelong learning platform with course lectures, curated news and an engaging peer networking community to stay connected. The GSM’s commitment to helping students after graduation stood out to me as a strong incentive to apply. 

Maintaining Transparency

I also admired the GSM’s commitment to transparency at every level. Dean Unnava emphasizes the importance of integrity throughout all internal operations. Transparency also extends to how the GSM presents itself to prospective students. 

Prospective students are encouraged to sit in on classes and visit campus before making any commitment. While meeting with Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Tim Akin, I learned how the GSM’s student recruitment marketing is focused on empowering community voices through blogs, video and other first-person storytelling that resonate with prospective students.

A New Perspective 

If you're considering applying to any of the GSM programs, I'd encourage you to explore the program first-hand. This could mean visiting a class, taking a campus tour, or if you are a UC Davis undergrad, even applying for the UC Davis Leadership Job Shadow Program. 

Spending a day alongside Dean Unnava and GSM's senior leadership gave me a clear idea of the school’s core values, key initiatives and why the GSM stands out from other management schools. I walked away with a clearer sense of what I'm looking for in a graduate program and how GSM aligns with my future goals. 

Let’s Connect! 

I'm still early in my journey but a lot more certain about where I'm headed. If you're exploring graduate school options or curious about what the UC Davis Leadership Job Shadow Program is like, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.