Keerthana Hegde MBA 25
Keerthana Hegde
Profile

Keerthana Hegde MBA 25

The main reason I chose UC Davis was for the "close-knit cohort". I aim to forge genuine connections with every classmate, prioritizing depth over superficiality. This would not have been possible in a class of 200+ people.

Current Position

  • Finance Manager, Nusano Inc.

Previous Education

  • Master of Business Administration, UC Davis Graduate School of Management
  • Chartered Accountant, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
  • Bachelor of Commerce, Bangalore University

Fun Facts

  • I enjoy traveling.
  • I mix perfumes to create my own perfume.
  • I can speak four languages.
The Sound of Data: My MSBA Symphony
Via Lin sitting at a piano
Blog

The Sound of Data: My MSBA Symphony

Composing a career in business analytics

From violin to variables, Via Lin MSBA 25 shares how UC Davis helped her rewrite her life’s score—transforming passion, data, and grit into a career in business analytics.

Shannon McPartland MBA 25
Shannon McPartland
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Shannon McPartland MBA 25

I chose UC Davis because I had already earned both my undergraduate and a master’s degree here, and I’ve always felt a strong connection to the university. My husband is also a Graduate School of Management alum, so choosing Davis felt like the perfect fit for both of us.

Current Position

  • Senior Coroner Technician, Sacramento County Coroner's Office

Previous Work Experience

  • Coroner Technician, Sacramento County Coroner's Office

Previous Education

  • Masters of Forensic Science, UC Davis

Fun Facts

  • I hold three degrees, all from UC Davis.
  • I love to travel and have set a goal
From Neuroscience to Wall Street Finance: My MSBA Journey
Kyle Ayisi
Blog

From Neuroscience to Wall Street Finance: My MSBA Journey

Becoming a quant analytics associate at JPMorgan Chase

From neuroscience to JPMorgan Chase, recent alum Kyle Ayisi shares how the UC Davis MSBA program helped him land a plumb analytics role, build a network and develop a personal brand for long-term success.

Yufan (Via) Lin MSBA 25
Via Lin
Profile

Yufan (Via) Lin MSBA 25

After eight years in the workforce, starting over was terrifying. UC Davis' MSBA program helped me embrace data's power and showed me that growth begins when we rewrite our own life scores.

Previous Work Experience

  • Hotel Partnerships Manager / Data Analyst, Trip.com

Previous Education

Bachelor of Laws in sociology, Shanghai University

Fun Facts

  • I was named a top 10 singer at Shanghai Disney Resort, and I believe presenting insights is its own kind of performance.
  • I love badminton, where timing and strategy feel just like business negotiation.
  • My cats, Alpha and Beta, always
Kyle Ayisi MSBA 25
Kyle Ayisi
Profile

Kyle Ayisi MSBA 25

I chose the UC Davis MSBA program for its people and location. Being at the center of AI innovation—surrounded by a program that wants to see you succeed—is a recipe for success.

Current Position

  • Quant Analytics Associate, JPMorgan Chase

Previous Work Experience

  • Research Assistant, Princeton Computational Memory Lab

Previous Education

Bachelor of Arts, Neuroscience, Princeton University

Fun Facts

  • I play the piano and drums.
  • I once competed in the national spelling bee.
  • I average 150,000 minutes a year of listening on Spotify.
Alumni Video Spotlight: Howard Lo MBA 00
Howard Lo
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Alumni Video Spotlight: Howard Lo MBA 00

Vice President of Sales and Marketing at DataON

At the GSM Alumni Reunion, Howard Lo MBA 00, vice president of sales and marketing at DataON, shares how 25 years of networking, leadership and community building have shaped his professional journey.

How My UC Davis MBA Prepared Me to Compete on "Survivor"
Kevin Leung in front of a banner that reads Survivor
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How My UC Davis MBA Prepared Me to Compete on "Survivor"

Business school strategy and leadership skills helped me survive reality TV

What’s it like competing on reality TV? Bay Area Part-Time MBA alum Kevin Leung put his UC Davis experience into play by creating strategic alliances, building trust and staying focused as a contestant on "Survivor" Season 48 in Fiji.

5 Ways UC Davis Set Me Up for Success at Big Four Firm PwC
Diana Tran wearing a graduation stole
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5 Ways UC Davis Set Me Up for Success at Big Four Firm PwC

MPAc alumna shares advice for prospective students

MPAc alumna Diana Tran shares five ways the UC Davis MPAc program prepared her for success as an audit associate at PwC, from communication and teamwork to finding real balance.

How My MBA Helped Me Tackle the High Drug Cost Problem
Tim O'Brien at Big Bang! Business Competition Pitch Day
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How My MBA Helped Me Tackle the High Drug Cost Problem

Disrupting big pharma with biotech startup at the Big Bang! Business Competition

Learn how a pandemic-influenced insight, a network of biotech mentors and the Big Bang! Business Competition helped Bay Area Part-Time MBA grad Timothy O’Brien turn a bold idea into a startup tackling drug making inefficiencies.

Class of 2025: What's Next For You?
student wearing graduation cap and robe
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Class of 2025: What's Next For You?

At Commencement, our latest grads share where they're heading

Video of Class of 2025 grads who landed key roles and promotions at companies like Adobe, Cisco, Big Four accounting firms and innovative startups. We asked two dozen of our newest alumni to share where they’re headed next in their careers and future pursuits. 

Stephanie Zarate Named Alumni Association's 2025 Rising Star
Stephanie Zarate, UC Davis MBA alumna
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Stephanie Zarate Named Alumni Association's 2025 Rising Star

Sacramento-based media finance executive rises through the ranks

MBA alumna Stephanie Zarate, chief accounting officer and treasurer for McClatchy Media, is the recipient of the Graduate School of Management's Alumni Association 2025 Rising Star Award, recognizing her rapid rise as a financial executive at the 168-year-old media conglomerate. 

My MBA Journey Empowering Rural Healthcare Access
Kristy Bird MaKieve MBA 15
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My MBA Journey Empowering Rural Healthcare Access

Recognized with GSM Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Award

The GSM Alumni Association's Outstanding Service Awardee Kristy Bird MaKieve blogs about putting her MBA skills to work revolutionizing rural healthcare access and education in Northern California.

From Mongolia to Wall Street: My First-Gen MBA Journey
Sodo Nerguidavaa MBA 22 at BNY on Wall Street
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From Mongolia to Wall Street: My First-Gen MBA Journey

Full-Time MBA alum Sodontuya Nerguidavaa’s journey as an international student from Mongolia to Wall Street seemed improbable—until the UC Davis community of fellow students, faculty, mentors and alumni helped her achieve her goals and land as a vice president at BNY in New York.

What Does an AI Engineer Do?
Kshitiz Parashar
Blog

What Does an AI Engineer Do?

MSBA alumnus Kshitiz Parashar shares insights on compelling, impactful AI career path

MSBA student Katrin Maliatski shares insights from alum and AI engineer Kshitiz Parashar in this must-read for aspiring AI engineers! Learn how the UC Davis equips you with skills like Python, machine learning, and RAG expertise for today's high-demand AI roles.

Changemaker Shaping Pathways for Asian American and Pacific Islanders
Maikhou Thao
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Changemaker Shaping Pathways for Asian American and Pacific Islanders

MBA empowers me to honor my Hmong heritage and create social impact

As the daughter of Hmong refugees who fled the Vietnam War to the U.S., Maikhou Thao embraces the opportunity to strengthen her cultural leadership and representation. At UC Davis, she is building the skills and network to drive meaningful change and empower future leaders.

From Samsung to Bloomberg: The Power of an MSBA Degree
Ji Hyun Kim holding up award on stage
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From Samsung to Bloomberg: The Power of an MSBA Degree

How a YouTube video changed my career

One unexpected YouTube video, six years at Samsung, and a leap of faith, Ji Hyun Kim shares how, as an international student, the MSBA program propelled her into a dream data career at Bloomberg in New York City.

The Power of Paying It Forward with Mentorship
Shaneil McKenzie-Guyher at a podium, reading off a laptop
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The Power of Paying It Forward with Mentorship

Plus, my three tips to help you succeed in corporate accounting

First-gen college student and MPAc alumna Shaneil McKenzie-Guyher shares how UC Davis' culture and curriculum helped her transition to the corporate world, empowering her to give back by mentoring young professionals.

Building an Operating System for Democracy: My Journey as an Entrepreneur for Social Good
Mac Clemmens speaking on stage, behind a podium
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Building an Operating System for Democracy: My Journey as an Entrepreneur for Social Good

MBA alumnus Mac Clemmens’ Streamline web platform reaches millions

“The Graduate School of Management helped me recognize that if I truly wanted to create lasting change, I needed a different approach—one that could grow, adapt, and serve thousands of organizations at scale,” says MBA alumnus Mac Clemmens.