Name: Alexandra (Allie) Peris
Year: 2022
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Career Interests: Strategic Human Resources; Tech & CPG.
Allie Peris (USC Marshall, ‘22) worked as a Program Manager in the e-commerce industry before enrolling at the USC Marshall School of Business. Alexandra chose to pursue an MBA to improve her business acumen and perspective of business. Now, as an MBA Student Ambassador at USC Marshall, Alexandra regularly connects with prospective MBA students. During this interview, Alexandra spoke about her journey to USC Marshall, and shares her advice to applicants on how they can find the right business school.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to apply?
Before business school, I worked as an HR Program Manager at an e-commerce company, both developing and managing Talent Programs, including the company’s first Internship Program, Diversity & Inclusion, and New Hire Onboarding. In my next position, I worked as a Full-Cycle, technical recruiter for a digital media and advertising agency.
One of the main reasons why I decided to apply to business school was because in studying psychology in undergrad, I often felt that I lacked the foundational business understanding, and sophistication that I viewed necessary to become more of a strategic, HR stakeholder. I felt that I needed the foundation of business knowledge and acumen, in order to truly bridge the gap between people, culture, and business strategy. I had every intention of staying in HR, however; I wanted to be able to approach it more from the perspective of the business’ bottom line.
MBASchooled: When did you find out when you got admitted? How did you navigate your decision process if you were evaluating multiple schools?
I found out that I got admitted to USC Marshall towards the end of May, which was a bit later than most of my peers, considering I applied to one of the final rounds. I feel that I was able to effectively navigate my decision process because I knew exactly what skills were important for me to develop, and ultimately what I wanted out of business school. Recognizing how I learn and how I can best leverage my resources further served as a means for approaching my evaluation process. USC Marshall is one of the few Full Time Business Schools that allows first year students to take electives in the Spring Semester of our first year.
This was something that especially stood out to me because in addition to having the first-year core classes that are predetermined and common across all business schools, I could take up to 3 electives my spring semester that would provide me with the specific training and knowledge that I am interested in developing as I go into my Summer MBA Internship. Furthermore, USC has a great alumni network, and it recognizes the unique value of the Trojan family in undergrad that proved to be incredibly beneficial to my career trajectory. I knew that I wanted the same means of connection and support, as I navigate this experience earning my MBA. Lastly, I believe that USC is incredibly intentional in the way that courses are developed, in terms of practical application, in addition to the support and countless resources offered through Marshall’s world-renown faculty and advisors. Although our classroom looks a little different on Zoom this year, my professors have continued to provide unyielding support, in addition to identifying new and novel ways to continuously keep us engaged.
MBASchooled: What sources of information (ex: people, resources, websites, students) did you evaluate when making your admissions decision?
In making my admission decision, I talked to several MBA Graduates, both from USC Marshall, and other business schools, within my network. Doing so after I was admitted, allowed me to focus more so on their individual experience during business school, rather than discussing the criteria for admission.
This was especially helpful for me because it allowed me to understand how these MBA graduates were able to leverage their time in business school to set them up for where they are today, both in the context of personal and professional development. Furthermore, I connected with Marshall’s MBA Ambassadors, who are now second years to better understand the day-to-day of the program, and course offerings.
MBASchooled: After spending a semester at Marshall, what’s something that you now know about Marshall that you wish you knew when you applied ?
After spending a semester at Marshall, I recognize how intentional each cohort is, both in terms of the individual experience that each member brings, in addition to the personal and professional backgrounds that make up the collective whole. When I applied to USC Marshall, I felt intimidated not coming from a traditional business background, but after being in the Program for over a semester now, I realize that instead of viewing this as a weakness, it is actually this component of my candidacy that made me different from the rest my cohort, allowing me to offer different strengths and insight.
Marshall’s emphasis on diversity of thought and background is real and something I appreciate and recognize everyday. Instead of viewing your unique experience as a weakness, I encourage candidates to speak specifically to their unique experience, and how that translates to adding value.
MBASchooled: What is something that admitted MBA students should know about Marshall?
Admitted students should know that USC Marshall has countless opportunities, resources, and means for networking. At first, this can feel overwhelming, especially since for the most part, most students at Marshall are extremely involved, whether it be leadership positions in industry-related clubs, case competitions, and other extracurriculars.
While this can feel like a lot at first, especially trying to adjust to new courses, and recruiting initiatives, I truly believe that everyone finds their place, and it is through USC Marshall’s personalized guidance and support that allows each student to identify their opportunity to excel, adding value to the larger cohort’s experience.
MBASchooled: Now that you’ve been at Marshall for a semester, is there a specific moment or highlight where you felt confident that you made the right decision?
The specific moment and highlight that made me feel confident that I made the right decision in pursuing my MBA at USC Marshall was near the end of my Fall Semester when I had spent long-hours working tirelessly with our Career Center Strategist. There are two Career Strategic at Marshall in particular, that have helped me grow more than I ever imagined.
It was through their unyielding support and encouragement that equipped me with the tools, confidence and courage to chase after my dream company. I was able to secure a position here for Summer 2021, but more importantly, I know that I have developed new, and life-long relationships that will last well beyond the point of graduating.
MBASchooled: As an MBA Ambassador, what are some of the most common questions that you get from prospective students? What are some questions you wish more prospective students would ask?
Some of the most common questions that I get from prospective students are related to core courses, electives, the remote learning environment, extra-curriculars, and opportunities unique to Marshall’s FT MBA Students. I wish more prospective students would ask about growth, and leadership opportunities, both in the context of the program and beyond. I also get a lot of questions about how to prepare for the interview/ application process, and while these questions are critical, a lot of what is being asked can be found through resources available online and through Marshall. Instead, I feel that it would be more beneficial to ask about personal experiences, interests, and other parts of the process that can’t necessarily be researched.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have for admitted students on how they can make the best decision?
The advice that I have for admitted students in terms of making the best decision is to follow your gut and intuition. More specifically, if you have had great conversations with current students, prospective students, professors and see yourself a part of the larger community, it is likely that this is your answer.
If you have hesitations or want to talk something through with a person who might be able to offer a different perspective, I encourage you to reach out and have those conversations. While two years goes by quickly, the MBA experience is incredibly influential for your professional and personal development, and it is important to consider what feels right for you, in terms of where you are now, and where you want to go.
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