Centrally-located, south of downtown Los Angeles, USC Marshall has continued to grow with 93,000 alumni, since its founding more than 100 years ago.
Throughout the past few months, several MBA students at USC Marshall have shared their insights with MBASchooled as to why they chose this program, and what sets it apart for them from other universities.
Community-Oriented Environment & Networking Opportunities:
Hector Morales, an MBA Student Ambassador for USC Marshall appreciates the lifelong relationships the program has helped foster.
“The small, tight-knit Marshall community has allowed me and the other students to feel at home and emphasize having a great experience outside the classroom just as much as inside of it.”
Dana Greene agrees with Morales, “the student body at Marshall is immensely supportive and collaborative. From school-work to interview prep and everything in between, the students at Marshall truly want to see their classmates succeed. It’s very special.”
When asked why Maxine Lau chose Marshall, she always mentions “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,” Lau said.
Similarly, MBA student Chris Ouayoro, “wanted a program where [he] could develop deep life-long connections with [his] classmates”.
“The Trojan Network is real and I felt that from the first moment I stepped on campus and throughout my time at Marshall,” Ouayoro said.
Academic Support
“I’ve received significant support from our USC Career Services Center, alumni, and peers,” said Maxine Lau. “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.”
Even before enrolling in the school, when exploring different MBA programs, Sunil Homes, found that “Marshall’s alumni were the only ones that seemed invested in my success and put me in touch with others who they thought would be helpful resources for my growth.”
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
“Diversity of thought, backgrounds, and race are important to me,” said Hector Morales “Not only was Marshall the first major MBA program to reach gender parity, but it also continues to place a great deal of emphasis on growing the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds.”
“Marshall’s emphasis on diversity of thought and background is real and something I appreciate and recognize everyday,” Alexandra Peris said. “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.”
Sunil Homes agrees. “And as a non-traditional MBA candidate, I was pleasantly surprised to be surrounded by many likewise non-conventional students” said Homes. “Marshall has demonstrated that non-traditional candidates are not only welcomed, but are welcomed very warmly.”
Location & Career Opportunities
“Being in such a huge city as Los Angeles brings to Marshall students a myriad of opportunities that wouldn’t be available in a small town,” Camilla Matos. “Even outside of Marshall’s walls, regardless of the industry, there are always training and networking events. In addition, it is easy for all the big companies to be on campus.”
Chris Ouayoro agreed with Matos appreciating “the large metropolitan area with a lot of great companies and industries nearby.”
Advice to Prospective Students:
- Visit the campus if possible or take a virtual tour to better understand the campus culture and environment.
- Coffee chats with current students and alumni can provide helpful insight about collaboration within the student body, leadership and career opportunities, and the city itself.
- Utilize your resources. The people you are talking to during the application process want to help you find your best fit.
- Everything happens for a reason.
- Ask questions that go beyond what can be researched. Find out more about students’ personal growth and leadership opportunities.
- Be true to yourself and keep your eye on the prize.
For more information visit https://www.marshall.usc.edu/, or read more from these interviews using the links provided or at https://mbaschooled.com/category/mba-programs/usc-marshall/.
This article was written by Julia Kryzan