An MBA journey from listening to leading and shaping strategy
From observing executives to leading a product launch at Costco, Full-Time MBA alumna Farah Shartaz reflects on the financial tradeoffs and leadership growth that shaped the real return on her MBA.
Choosing UC Davis was one of the best decisions of my life. As a marketer passionate about food and CPG, I gained real-world exposure, strategic thinking and the confidence to lead, growing both professionally and personally.
How the Master of Management built my global business perspective
From Germany to UC Davis, one student turned being the only international voice in the room into a leadership advantage, building global perspective, community and confidence in the inaugural Master of Management cohort.
I chose UC Davis for its vibrant student community and the opportunity to join an inaugural cohort on a world-class campus. Beyond academics, I explored diverse clubs, trained at the Equestrian Center, and leveraged its proximity to the Bay Area and Silicon Valley.
Practical product marketing workflows
Double Aggie alumna Elle Grossenbacher, a tech product marketing leader, returned to her alma mater to lead an exclusive AI webinar for fellow graduates and students, walking them through a mock product launch using AI tools.
Working full time during a career turning point, I needed a flexible, high-quality MBA. UC Davis offered a top-ranked part-time program with the same curriculum, courses and experiences, plus a capstone, Leadership Fellowship and the Big Bang! competition.
Sharing our stories builds trust, leading to game-changing conversations
Burnout isn’t a badge of honor. Discover how honest storytelling, identity and self-awareness can help purpose-driven professionals reclaim energy, redefine success and build sustainable, fulfilling careers without losing their voice.
Using technical accounting skills to move into investment banking and advisory
From Big Four accounting to wine industry dealmaking, UC Davis MPAc alumnus Griffin Mitchell followed his instinct over a rigid plan. His journey proves the right foundation doesn’t just prepare you—it expands what’s possible.
The UC Davis MPAc program was introduced to me by Bob Yetman and Will Snyder. My first impressions were impactful. The professionalism of the faculty extended throughout the program. The facilities were state-of-the-art, and the curriculum was taught by experienced professionals who were also excellent educators.
I chose the UC Davis MBA for its STEM designation, innovation-driven curriculum, IMPACT learning model and collaborative culture.
What working full-time while earning an MBA actually looks like
Online MBA alumna Katja Gagen had MBA envy for years. Now Head of Corporate Communications at Bloom Energy, she says the payoff wasn't the credential. It was the person she became.
From analytics homework to entrepreneurship, recent MSBA graduates Jeremy Twumasi Ampofo, Kyle Ayisi and Jovoney Morton transformed UC Davis group projects into Habituals, an AI-powered app making self-improvement human, data-driven and sustainable.
Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. on leadership and aviation
Maurice J. Gallagher Jr. returned to UC Davis to reflect on risk, resilience and reinvention, and how hard lessons and bold decisions shaped his path from student to airline maverick.
Master of Management helped build a career beyond the game
Master of Management alumnus Thomas Mirabella lacked corporate experience but had five years collegiate experience leading offensive lines. He shares how his leadership on the field and in the classroom scored a job offer in banking.
UC Davis offered the unique balance I was looking for: a respected graduate business program in California and the ability to finish my Division-1 football career at the same time.
How focus, upskilling and UC Davis alumni connections guided my AI career path
This wasn’t manifestation. It was intention. Bay Area Part-Time MBA alumna Prachi Mishra shares how clarity, consistency and preparation shaped an AI-focused job search and led to a new role.
I chose UC Davis for its blend of cutting-edge technology, collaborative leadership and business acumen that prepares me to excel.
I chose UC Davis to gain academic rigor, understand the full food supply chain and connect restaurant consulting experience to agriculture through the Industry Immersion.
System Analyst, Taylor Farms
Inside the transformational UC Davis Industry Immersion
From restaurant kitchens in India to optimizing operations at Taylor Farms, Roshan Paul MBA 25 shows how UC Davis’ Food and Ag Industry Immersion turns learning and access into career.
Not just a degree—a toolkit that opened doors
From nonprofit healthcare to executive leadership, alumna Sara Howard explains how UC Davis’s collaborative MBA delivered a real-world toolkit—fast-tracking her career with immediate ROI and lasting impact.