After working in program and product management, Maxine Lau (USC Marshall, ‘21) decided to get an MBA to round out her professional experience, and selected USC Marshall for its practicality of it’s curriculum and cultural fit. During this interview, Lau spoke about why she chose USC Marshall, the entrepreneurial and collaborative culture of the school, and her advice to admitted students about how to select the right MBA program.
MBASchooled: What did you do prior to business school, and why did you choose to apply to business school?
Prior to business school, I worked in Program Management and Product Management for numerous technology startups. While I had gained a variety of skill sets from wearing different hats, I wanted to hone in on enhancing my business skills in a professional setting. Thus, I pursued my MBA in order to close those gaps and further develop myself as a business professional.
MBASchooled: What were your big questions coming into making your decision on which school to attend?
The questions I asked myself were:
- Considering my personal career goals, what are the program’s biggest advantages?
- What would make pursuing my MBA most valuable to me at this time? Getting a job? Building my network? Developing a specialization?
- What professional growth and training opportunities are available and what level of support can I expect to receive from our career services offices, clubs, etc. on campus?
- Will it offer any global experiences?
MBASchooled: What characteristics were important to you in selecting the right MBA school?
In selecting the right MBA school, I cared about culture-fit, the level of rigor and practicality of the curriculum to real business settings, and location.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose to attend USC Marshall?
I chose to attend USC Marshall for my MBA as I previously did my Masters of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MSEI) and USC – and loved it. Through this accelerated and highly experiential program, I gained critical business acumen that would aid in launching new business ventures, further enhanced my public speaking skills, and made life-long friends. In that one year pursuing the MSEI, I felt that I had gained much value that I knew a two-year MBA could do even more in terms of building that professional foundation and opening doors in my long-term career.
MBASchooled: What about the culture and classmates stood out to you about USC Marshall?
As a USC Marshall MBA Ambassador, I have the opportunity to meet those currently contemplating pursuing an MBA and with recent admits contemplating which school to choose. Time and time again, when asked why I chose Marshall, I mention USC’s entrepreneurial and collaborative culture. My peers are always willing to go the extra mile to help me succeed in courses, club activities, and recruitment. On multiple occasions, I’ve had firsthand experience in which Marshall alumni have significantly aided in my job search process and helped me land roles in their companies. The Marshall community is truly one of a kind.
MBASchooled: How has USC Marshall helped you work toward your own career goals and aspirations?
I’ve received significant support from our USC Career Services Center, alumni, and peers. Early on, our career advisors offer resume reviews, behavioral interviewing skills workshops, and 1-1 sessions to understand our goals. Our alumni have been instrumental with 1-1 coaching.
My peers have been the greatest support system throughout the entire process and have encouraged me to excel in all activities ranging from case competitions, group projects, and case interview preparation.
MBASchooled: What parts or aspects of the academic experience attracted you to USC Marshall?
The location, the people, and the networking opportunities.
MBASchooled: What’s something you wish you knew more about before starting your MBA at USC Marshall?
I wish I knew how challenging the first term would be and to mentally prepare myself for how much business school will stretch me, both personally and professionally. It’s certainly challenged me to go outside of my comfort zone (for the better!). I would have also loved to brush up on my quantitative skills months in advance.
MBASchooled: What has been your favorite moment or experience during your first year of business school?
My favorite experiences during my first year of business school was travelling with my peers for case competitions. During my first semester, I participated in four case competitions (three in the East Coast, and one local). My most memorable case competition was when my team and I had the opportunity to fly to our client’s site in Maryland and present our novel idea (our team placed 3rd nationwide!) – we walked away with a memory of a lifetime.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have for those who are evaluating where they want to attend business school?
Definitely visit the campuses ahead of time to gain a better sense of the culture. Also, try to schedule 15-minute informational chats with alumni throughout your application process!
For More Details on How to Prepare for Business School, Check out our Preparing For Business School Guide