Getting Down to Business: Pursuing My Biotech Passion with an MBA

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UC Davis Graduate School of Management (GSM) isn't just about textbooks, lectures and case study analysis—it's a vibrant community where students get down to business.

From organizing workshops that highlight our industry of interests to spearheading community outreach events that make a tangible impact, our student-led initiatives are shaping the future. I am truly inspired by my fellow classmates. Being a student-leader and staying involved helps contribute to my Aggie experience and education.

Science + Business= Biotechnology Industry Immersion

In my academic and professional journey, the laboratory was my sanctuary. By nature, I am a curious, analytical and inquisitive person. However, I often contemplated returning to academia. Why this change? Like many others who considered an MBA, it was just time for something different.

A pleasant “donut” chat at work with a UC Davis alumnus motivated me to make the change. Sharing her personal MBA experience sparked a flame of inspiration. UC Davis' MBA offered the Biotechnology Industry Immersion, which has given me a bridge between science and business.

Overcoming Challenges through Altruism

After my acceptance into the Bay Area Part-Time MBA program, I knew a path to an MBA would be paved with challenges.

I quickly found the collaborative leadership experience and the GSM network are filled with warm welcomes, survival tips, mental health insights and strategies to conquer imposter syndrome.

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This collaborative space is where experiences are shared, and encouragement freely flows—because no grad student should navigate this alone.

The Bay Area MBA Ambassador program helped me get connected with a student-mentor. A special thanks to associate admissions directors Brian Risi and Lizzie Mayo for coordinating the program in efforts to transition prospective students to admitted students.

I had a pleasure of meeting so many great students and faculty in the Bay Area MBA program and other programs within the Graduate School of Management. Some I can confidently say are life-long friends.

As a representative of the GSM Student Association's Bay Area program, our focus is on promoting altruism.

Joining the Associate Students of Management (ASM) embodies this value, emphasizing care for others and making a positive impact—a principle I've embraced since becoming a grad student and aim to share with others

Since joining the GSM, I’ve met other students pushing the boundaries of innovation within their fields. From groundbreaking research projects to entrepreneurial ventures, my classmates are not just studying their subjects—they're reshaping them.

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Student Tips and Hacks

From time-management hacks to budget-friendly survival tips, students in the Bay Area MBA program are always happy to share how they juggle their school, work and personal lives. How to thrive in grad school? Ask anyone of us!

Whether you're a prospective student or a seasoned academic adventurer, it’s the people around you who make the journey smoother, especially when the people around you are more than willing to share their wisdom. UC Davis is a very collaborative learning environment.

Diving in, one thing becomes abundantly clear: grad school is not just a destination; it's a collective journey. A journey that is filled with joy, anxiety, laughter and stress. There’s a community of people with the same goal that also contribute their services, skill, knowledge with a sense of altruism to make a positive impact and contribute to the well-being of others.