student success

Top Students Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma

cfabi002 — Wed, 28 May 2025 18:37:26 +0000

Top Students Inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma cfabi002 Wed, 05/28/2025 - 11:37 More Blog Posts May 28, 2025

The Pipe Major of the UCR Pipe Band led the processional into the May 13 induction ceremony for new student members of the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) honor society, the highest recognition a business student can receive in a business program accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International.

“Being inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, or BGS, is truly a high honor, one that very few receive,” said Assistant Professor of Teaching Jonathan Lim, who led the induction ceremony at the new School of Business Building.

“We have nearly two thousand students in the School of Business, and only the top 10% of undergraduate students and the top 20% of graduate students are eligible to be recognized as members. So, know that your inclusion here is very, very special.”

Seventy-three graduate students and 181 undergraduates were “tapped” for induction into BGS, and 38 were present to take the BGS pledge administered by Lim: “As scholars and future professionals, you are called to embody all three qualities that define Beta Gamma Sigma—honor, wisdom, and earnestness.”

With hands raised the inductees were asked if they hold these principles as their own, and the group pledged, “I do.” Each was also bestowed with the BGS medallion on a blue ribbon from Associate Dean of Undergraduate Business Programs Thomas Kramer.

UCR School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang addressed the inductees in his remarks: “Beta Gamma Sigma has been cultivating a community of the best in business for over a hundred years. Students who are inducted today will be joining a long line of leaders, including CEOs, Nobel Prize winners, and Olympians. We are excited to see our students add even more value to this organization as they live out their own success stories.

“This year’s inductees truly represent what the School of Business, and UCR overall, is all about — hard work, steadfast perseverance, a commitment to excellence, and a desire to make the most of this educational opportunity you have been given. We are thus honored to recognize you for representing the ideals that we carry for all our business students.

“Stay true to the qualities that brought you here today, and they will continue to help you achieve success in the years to come.”

As the ceremony closed, those assembled, including new and past BGS members, faculty, and guests, were led by a UCR Pipe Band bagpiper from the ceremony into the patio reception area, where BGS members took photos with Dean Wang along with group photos and celebrated with refreshments.

During the ceremony, Lim underscored the importance of BGS membership: “If you are here today, you should be very proud. It is one of the top recognitions you can earn as a business student. Beyond that, it is recognition of all the hard work, sacrifice, and effort you’ve invested into your education and future career.”

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Beta Gamma Sigma

student success

Alumna is Anti-Abuse Analyst at Snap Inc.

cfabi002 — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 16:10:27 +0000

Alumna is Anti-Abuse Analyst at Snap Inc. cfabi002 Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:10 More Blog Posts Kiana Sardari and Laurie McLaughlin July 12, 2024

Jinnatul Raihan '24 MBA

Based in the Seattle office of Snap Inc., MBA graduate Jinnatul Raihan Mumu ’24 is an anti-abuse analyst. “I am responsible for analyzing large data sets to identify bad actors, such as hackers, spammers, and others, and improve security defenses of the platform,” she says of her role at the company that boasts Snapchat as one of its products.

“My MBA degree, particularly the focus on information systems, has helped me sharpen my coding and problem-solving skills, which is coming in really handy with my job.”

After multiple rounds of interviews, including coding and behavioral discussions, “landing at Snap was a long journey, but I was hopeful from the beginning because the position really aligned with my skills and interests,” she adds.

With the position secured before her graduation from UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Business (AGSM), Mumu’s academic experience was packed with intensive activism and eye-opening opportunities en route to her current position. In preparation for her career, she expanded her capabilities as a growth products analytics intern at Peacock, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, and data analyst for the UCR Middle Eastern Student Center, combining her interests as an international business student.

“UCR is an amazing institution that is open to inclusivity and diversity, which was really important to me as an international student,” says Mumu, whose home country is Bangladesh. AGSM was the perfect fit for her, she adds.

Mumu’s graduate emphasis was in information systems, and she is devoted to empowering women in tech: “Coming from a country that is still so underdeveloped, even in the corporate world, there are not many opportunities for women to become CEOs,” she says, and she mentors high school girls in one-on-one in Bangladesh to help them navigate their career paths into tech. “I want to make changes. … I can motivate and inspire those working in professional settings to stand up for themselves and be prepared for their careers.”

This desire to champion women in the technology industry led Mumu to the Grace Hopper Scholarship. She received the scholarship in summer 2023, which provided funding to participate in the conference. The Grace Hopper Conference is the world’s largest gathering of women and nonbinary people in technology and computing, and it provides opportunities to network and learn from others in the industry.

“Grace Hopper is a perfect platform for something I truly believe in,” she says, referring to the conference’s mission to promote women and diversity in tech, and she’s still involved with the organization. “I love connecting with new people, understanding their experiences, and exploring their stories.”

Jinnatul Raihan and her Women in Data Science Poster Presentation

Women in Data Science
In March 2024, Mumu was also selected and received funding to present a poster at the Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide conference at Stanford University.

“This prestigious opportunity holds special significance for me because only 23 candidates were chosen to showcase their posters, and three received funding to attend the conference,” says Mumu.

“My poster delved into the concerning incident that unfolded in January 2024, where sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake images of Taylor Swift surfaced on X. This event underscores the escalating threat posed by AI-generated deepfakes, which infiltrate our digital realms perpetuating harm and spreading disinformation,” says Mumu about her WiDS presentation, entitled “Detecting AI-generated Deepfake: Advancements and Limitations.”

“Researchers are diligently working on advancing deepfake detection techniques, and through a comprehensive review methodology, I’ve identified recent promising strides in combating the peril,” she adds, and she is also still an active member of WiDS. “However, it’s crucial to assess the efficacy of these techniques based on technical accuracy and acknowledge their inherent limitations.”

At the WiDS conference, Mumu says one of her favorite moments was meeting Radhika Shah, shown above with Mumu: “She is a trailblazer in advocating for sustainability and women’s empowerment. We had a wonderful time talking about how we can consider future collaborations on improvement in the lives of Rohingya women in Bangladesh through BRAC [international development organization in Bangladesh] and the Stanford Refugee Research Project.”

Journey to a Career
“Back in 2020 during the pandemic, I was exploring programs and where I wanted to complete my undergraduate degree,” says Mumu. I came in contact with Tamra [Johnson, the associate director of graduate admissions for AGSM] and she helped me with the application process.”

Mumu also attended UCR ABLE, where she “met so many amazing professors and learned from them,” she says. UCR ABLE—or Accelerated Business Leaders Education—is a two-week comprehensive global leadership program designed to accelerate leadership, teamwork, innovation, and strategic planning skills, preparing students for the world of business.

Recently awarded the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award from UCR and inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, Mumu also took part in the graduate student ambassadors mentorship program, providing guidance to her peers, a responsibility she is deeply passionate about. “I understand the hurdle of being an international student,” she says. “So, I find it important to give back to my community and help other international students gain an education and experience.”

The activities as a student ambassador continue to serve Mumu as well: “It helped me present myself and communicate professionally, which has helped me build strong ties in my new role at Snap.”

All these roles have informed a principle that guides Mumu: “I always try to learn something from a person and collect skills I can add myself.”

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National Leadership Competition: UCR Places High

ilseu — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 23:50:20 +0000

National Leadership Competition: UCR Places High ilseu Mon, 04/29/2024 - 16:50 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin April 29, 2024

Building a domino chain using 400 dominos within 35 minutes

When Victoria Alvarado ’24 was contemplating participation in the Collegiate Leadership Competition, she knew it would add to her commitments and take up much of her time while finishing the final 21 units of bachelor’s degree, but she decided to go for it.

“As I read the details of the competition, I knew this would be an incredible opportunity to refine and develop my leadership skills,” says Alvarado, who is concentrating in management with a minor in psychology. She got that experience and more.

“I aspire to help, lead, and support individuals, and this competition taught me crucial skills toward reaching my goals and fueling my purpose, my ‘why,’” adds Alvarado.

The Collegiate Leadership Competition “allows top business students from around the globe to practice leadership through challenging and often, seemingly, impossible tasks,” according to the competition’s organizers. For example, one of the many tasks, called “Chain Reaction,” requires team members to choose a leader to guide the participants to build a 400-piece domino chain, within 35 minutes, that falls with one domino tip. Each team’s chain must also connect with fellow teams’ chains. Judges evaluate both the leader’s performance and teamwork for each task and assign points.

A multitude of university teams from the United States and Canada competed in two contests: the March U.S. Invitational at John Caroll University in Ohio—where the UCR team placed fourth overall—and a Global Challenge competition held online in April with UCR placing fifth overall, an impressive showing for UCR’s inaugural team to the competition, as they rose above other schools, including the U.S. Air Force Academy, Brock University, John Carroll University, Old Dominion University, St. Francis Xavier University, University of Delaware, and University of North Texas.

Replicating the picture of a bird using sticky notes

Along with Alvarado, the UCR School of Business undergraduate team members were German Partida ’24, Pooja Patel ’24, Ana Perez ’24, Shamika Singh ’24, Student Coach Rich Solano ’24, and Ethan Vuong ’24.

“I’m immensely proud of these seven remarkable individuals who stepped forward to represent UCR,” says Kyle Ingram, assistant professor of teaching in management and the team’s coach.

“Their willingness to invest their time and talents in the competition process showcased the best of our business school.”

During the 10 weeks of preparation, including weekly coaching sessions, “I watched a transformation that went beyond skill enhancement. It was a profound evolution of perspective and unity,” adds Ingram.

“As our team prepared for the competition, they learned to see their vulnerabilities not as weaknesses but as invaluable strengths. This shift turned each session into a steppingstone, building trust and resilience.”

Alvarado’s experience reflects Ingram’s observations: “Vulnerability helped us grow closer as a team and allowed us to understand one another and find comfort in our team when stressors arose. We achieved this by regularly participating in exercises like grounding, one-on-ones, and sharing personal experiences, weaknesses, and strengths.

“The exercises were challenging because the conversations were not light, and opening up to a group of strangers initially was not easy. But, without this component, our team would not have been the same.”

From a practical standpoint, Alvarado encourages other students to seize the opportunity to compete in the many competitions the School of Business and the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management take part in. Not only are the immediate benefits and lessons valuable, she adds, but “it is a great experience to add to resumes and attract attention, allowing for networking and further personal development.”

Ingram’s pride in the team’s performance is palpable, and he says, “They embraced each challenge with open arms, proving that true leadership flourishes when we harness our vulnerabilities to forge unbreakable bonds.” He is recruiting a team for the 2025 Collegiate Leadership Competition this fall, and coaching will begin in the winter quarter.

Spending quality time together as a team during lunch at the competition

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Header image: (right to left) back row: Prof. Kyle Ingram, Rich Solano, Ana Perez, German Partida, and Ethan Vuong. Front row: Shamika Singh, Victoria Alvarado

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student success

student experience

Four Reasons To Study Supply Chain In California

ilseu — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 23:33:05 +0000

Four Reasons To Study Supply Chain In California ilseu Mon, 04/15/2024 - 16:33 More Blog Posts Almha Murphy, BusinessBecause April 10, 2024

This story was originally published on BusinessBecause.

There’s more to California than leafy palm trees, golden-sand beaches, and the Kardashians. It’s also a major supply chain hub. California is home to two of the US’s largest ports in LA and Long Beach and a key operations base for delivery companies such as UPS and Amazon.

Aniedi Effiong ’21 MBA

It was a location that appealed to Nigerian-born Aniedi Effiong (pictured right), who had spent five years working in various telecommunication roles across Africa before feeling the need for a career change.

In order to switch paths, Aniedi began to search for the right business program that could provide him with the necessary tools to upskill.

So, when his brother suggested the STEM-designated MBA program at the University of California, Riverside—which offers a specialization in Operations and Supply Chain Management—he leapt at the opportunity.

“[Riverside] is one hour away from Los Angeles, which coming from Nigeria, it's like the City of Angels,” he jokes. “So, it was just a dream location.”

Now an operations manager for the multi-billion-dollar tech conglomerate Amazon, his supply chain-focused MBA at Riverside has indeed proved to be a career blessing.

But what are the four ways that studying in California helped him get there?

1. Experience a campus catered for international students

Moving halfway around the world is no easy feat. Finding accommodation, organizing travel, and preparing to leave your home are all stressful endeavors. But when Aniedi stepped off his 11-hour flight from Nigeria to LAX, he was met with a more-than pleasant surprise.

“An associate director of admissions actually came to the airport to pick me up,” he says.

Having driven over an hour and a half to collect him and taxi him to his new room on-campus, the UCR faculty and staff immediately made clear their dedication to making each student feel at home.

It’s an ethos that is maintained within the MBA program, where about half of the cohort are international. While at UCR, students can receive counseling from student advisors on everything from adjusting to US culture to improving their English.

“[UCR] was a family for me,” Aniedi says.

Plus, the university also provides over 450 clubs for students to get involved with, from hiking, to art, to organizations for underrepresented groups. These provide a great way to build friendships.

2. Learn from state-of-the-art experiential teaching

During the program, one aspect that really impressed Aniedi was the high quality of the UCR teaching staff, which consists of renowned business professors from fields such as finance and management.

Since students don’t specialize until their second year, attending a diverse range of classes helps broaden their career outlook.

“Just hearing my professors talk exposed me to different areas of business,” Aniedi says.

High quality teaching is compounded upon by practical core courses, such as a professional development workshop requiring students to learn key skills that include networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation.

They are then able to put this into practice by participating in a summer internship of their choosing, helping to prepare them for a chosen career path.

Aniedi was offered the opportunity to work with one of his professors in program management for the World Food Organization. Unfortunately, the opportunity fell through due to Covid travel restrictions, however, with travel now open again, students can intern with top companies such as IBM and Deloitte.

3. Explore different areas of supply chain

While to some, supply chain may seem like a niche area, the field encompasses a wide range of skillsets.

Once studying the supply chain specialization, students have the opportunity to pick from a wide selection of courses, which include Business Analytics for Management and Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

One optional course that Aniedi found particularly useful was Spreadsheet Modelling for Decision Making.

“Even today, I think of a problem and the first thing that comes to my head is how can I model this in Excel,” he says.

Equally, there are also plenty of opportunities to incorporate more innovative sustainability practices, such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles, into supply chain.

According to the supply chain technology company Sedex, ESG practices are becoming increasingly popular in the industry in 2024—however, there is room for further innovation with regards to using data and analytics to improve companies’ environmental impact.

“It’s a field where there's a demand for talent,” Aniedi adds.

4. Access top job opportunities

Undoubtedly, one of the top benefits of studying supply chain in California is the wealth of industries that use it as a major distribution hub.

UCR endeavors to expose students to these nearby companies by hosting key industry speakers and organizing networking events, as well as offering students one-on-one career coaching through the Student Success Center.

Aniedi attributes the interview practice he was able to undergo while in the program to landing his Amazon Pathways role straight after graduation.

“The skills I gained my first year were sufficient that I was able to get a job just as I was finishing my internship,” he says.

After moving to Dallas, Texas, for his role, he was quickly promoted to a senior manager position, where he now uses several key skills that he learned during his MBA in his day-to-day—including supply management, capacity planning, and people management.

“It's multifaceted,” he says. “You use people skills, organizational behavior, your understanding of yourself, and emotional intelligence.”

Other popular companies that supply chain specialization graduates go on to work with include Walt Disney, KPMG, and eBay.

Reflecting on his decision to apply to UCR, Aniedi feels that for anyone considering a role in supply chain, California is a great place to launch their career.

“UCR, especially, is the in the heart of the Inland Empire, so you're in a prime location for keeping your options open.”

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Supply Chain and Operations Management

A Firm of His Own

ilseu — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 00:22:19 +0000

A Firm of His Own ilseu Thu, 03/14/2024 - 17:22 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin March 14, 2024

Zaid Assi had already set the foundation for his own accounting firm when he finished his Master of Professional Accountancy degree at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management in December 2023.

“I officially launched Artistic Ledger on Jan. 1, 2024, because I recognized a significant opportunity for accounting services in the entertainment industry,” says Assi. The firm specializes in serving the financial needs particular to musicians, filmmakers, actors, models, and other creatives.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Saint Levant, who is set to perform this year at Coachella,” says Assi of the U.S.-based Palestinian artist, activist, and singer. “I also had the honor of working with Oscar-nominated Ossama Bawardi, producer and CEO of Philistine Films.”

Assi initially launched the company solo, but he has “friends in finance and accounting who assist when needed,” he says. He now also has one full-time employee based in East Jerusalem, Palestine; two part-time colleagues in Los Angeles, where the company is based; and Zaid and another part-time colleague work in New York City. The firm has eight contracts with the hope of generating more than $100,000 in its first year.

“I enjoy the flexibility of remote work, but the inconsistency of project-based work and the long writer’s strike posed challenges,” says Assi, of the startup journey.

Those challenges have not kept him from growing a firm serving an industry he knows personally: “I started in the entertainment industry as a production coordinator and production accountant for the short film “Headcount” directed by Akram Al-Waara in 2019,” says Assi, whose home city is Nablus in the West Bank. “I then worked as senior financial analyst for Palestine Productions, and I was a production accountant for a Hollywood feature film, ‘The Teacher,’ filmed in Nablus by BAFTA award-winner and Oscar-nominated director Farah Nabulsi.”

A Master’s Education on the Way to a Startup

“I came to the United States as an immigrant and asylum seeker,” says Assi. “I chose to get my master’s at UCR specifically because it is a top public university in the nation for social mobility.

Zaid Assi ’23 MPA speaking at an AGSM student event

“I chose a career in accounting because I believe it is the language of business and offers space for creativity, especially in the entertainment industry.”

At UCR, Assi immersed himself in the social, service, and support programs that fuel an active and engaged community at the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM). “Most useful were the events held by the Career Development Center, which helped me land and create opportunities,” he says. “And the fun activities were the those organized by the School of Business Graduate Student Association. In the classroom, Lecturer Daniel Almendarez was particularly influential because of his teaching style and real-world experience in accounting and taxes.”

Assi also served as a teaching assistant and was a member of the AGSM Student Ambassadors Program, a select group of graduate students who serve as representatives of the school as they host official events, participate in public service, network with business leaders, help with recruitment of prospective students, and aid new students with a smooth transition into grad school.

“During my time as an ambassador, I was able to organize and moderate a speaking engagement with Richard Tatunay, the accounting manager at Warner Bros. Discovery,” says Assi; Tatunay is also a UCR alumnus and earned a bachelor’s degree with an accounting emphasis in 2011. “All of these experiences were immensely instructive and shaped my leadership and public speaking skills.”

The Next Act

Currently, Assi is also a producing a short drama set for production in late 2024, and he is writing, directing, and producing another short film that is in the development phase. “I am passionate about storytelling, which drives my involvement in filmmaking and writing projects outside of my accounting business,” he says.

Within the accounting business, he is confidently shooting for the stars: “I foresee continued growth in the entertainment industry, with opportunities for accountants to play a crucial role,” says Assi. “Artistic Ledger will become a leader in providing accounting and finance consultation for creative professionals in the entertainment industry.”

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Undergraduates Discover a Path to a Ph.D.

clin246 — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:44:23 +0000

Undergraduates Discover a Path to a Ph.D. clin246 Thu, 02/29/2024 - 09:44 More News Laurie McLaughlin February 29, 2024

Sonia Peña ’23

Sonia Peña ’23 hadn’t considered studying beyond her School of Business undergraduate degree. “I was unsure about degrees or higher education beyond a bachelor’s degree because of a lack of knowledge and resources,” she says. “A Ph.D. seemed unrealistic.”

However, when she received an email to apply for the Mentoring Summer Research Internship Program (MSRIP) at UCR, she was curious about the possibilities. The program, part of the Undergraduate Summer Research Program, pairs students from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds with a faculty mentor and provides the student with a $4,500 stipend.

The faculty member guides the mentee through a research project, and the program provides workshops and guidance in the pursuit of a doctoral degree at UCR or other University of California campus. At the end of the program, students present their research to staff, faculty, and peers at a symposium.

Associate Professor of Management Boris Maciejovsky

“After learning about the program, I realized it was the perfect opportunity to dabble in research, network with others, grasp the value of higher education, and to learn directly from a research professor,” says Peña, whose mentor was Associate Professor of Management Boris Maciejovsky.

“I knew Sonia as a student from my previous classes, and I knew she would be very organized and methodological, which greatly helps in making the most of the limited period of eight weeks,” says Maciejovsky, who was a mentor in the MSRIP program for the first time last summer. “It’s satisfying to see how productive a relative short period of time can be if students engage with a topic.”

Navigating the Path to a Ph.D.
“I strongly believe in the mission of the MSRIP,” says fellow first-time faculty mentor Thomas Kramer, professor of marketing. “It is important to encourage undergraduates from diverse backgrounds to consider getting a Ph.D.

“Undergraduates often hear about ‘research’ and how important it is, but the term is very vague, so working on a research project with a mentor gives them a much clearer idea of what is involved.”

Professor of Marketing Thomas Kramer

Psychology major Jamison Cortez ’24 was Kramer’s mentee. “Prior to participating in the MSRIP, I was hesitant about pursuing a Ph.D. because it would take longer than a master’s and cost more,” says Cortez. “But I learned that a Ph.D. is typically cheaper than earning your master’s because universities are far more likely to award scholarships and grants to doctoral students. My perspective completely changed, and during my gap year, I will look at different research programs.”

Cortez was motivated, says Kramer. “He worked hard and was always receptive to my feedback. He has a very inquisitive mind, and I could tell how much he grew over the course of the summer.”

Part of the MSRIP is simply understanding how to navigate the process of finding and enrolling in a doctoral degree program. “We had assignments designed to help us through our grad school applications, including personal history statements, and we worked on our abstract for our research. In workshops, we focused on writing,” says Peña.

Visiting guest speakers also shared their own academic experiences and samples of their research during the program. “A few of my favorite seminars were how to create a research poster, how to network with other researchers, and how to battle imposter syndrome,” adds Peña.

Weekly meetings between mentor and mentee profoundly shaped the experience. “Our meetings offered valuable insight and perspective into the field of academia,” says Cortez of his one-on-one time with Kramer. “Those moments give you the chance to ask questions about anything and everything related to academia, and Dr. Kramer was happy to answer.”

Jamison Cortez ’24

Making Research Real for Undergraduates
“I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology and to work as a psychologist to help people through therapy,” says Cortez, and the topic of his MSRIP symposium presentation was “Shared Fate Perception’s Effect on Risk Tolerance.”

“Personally, I struggle with public speaking, but with everyone’s support, I found presenting to be extremely fulfilling,” says Cortez. “It also helps that you are presenting your own work, which makes it that much more rewarding.”

Peña is interested in the psychology of business: “Especially regarding gender. As a woman who has worked in competitive environments, it is intriguing to translate those real-life experiences and observations into research,” says Peña, who presented her research project, “Perceived Contributions by Women in Science,” at the symposium. “Research on these topics can help motivate companies and individuals to change their perspectives and initiatives regarding gender equality.”

Maciejovsky is familiar with Peña’s path: “I volunteered as a mentor because in my own journey to becoming a researcher, I realized how important role models were and how chance encounters shape one’s future,” says Maciejovsky. “I wanted to make sure to be available for students who might be interested in pursuing a career in research but may not have had close interactions with researchers and limited knowledge of what research entails.”

Jamison Cortez '24 giving a presentation

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student success

‘I engage with industry leaders’

clin246 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:17:29 +0000

‘I engage with industry leaders’ clin246 Mon, 01/22/2024 - 11:17 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 30, 2024

Creating strong relationships through myriad experiences is central to the academic journey for MBA student Riya Yadav ’24. While she has previous work experience, she is especially pleased with the professional preparation, leadership, and networking opportunities she has immersed herself in while studying at UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM).

“The emphasis on networking at AGSM is significant, and we make connections in numerous clubs and in our day-to-day activities,” says Yadav, who is currently co-chief ambassador of the AGSM Student Ambassadors program. “As an ambassador, I engage with industry leaders and work with the top students. We have fantastic events, like speaker series, and we enjoy traditional holidays together, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, with staff who have opened their homes to us.”

Riya Yadav ’24 MBA with UCR's mascot Scotty

“Of course, it’s also an excellent opportunity to network with our cohort and industry experts—to learn how things are done in the American corporate world,” adds Yadav, whose MBA concentration is in data analytics and management; she plans to work with United Nations Women focused on gender equality and empowerment and in financial technology in a client- facing role.

Last year, Yadav administered the AGSM Women in Business (WIB) UC Collaboration event for International Women’s Week. “Taking up the responsibly of managing the entire event from outreach to logistics to post-marketing was extremely rewarding for me,” she says. “It was a great opportunity to prove and fine-tune my leadership style. The event was a huge success, and we are coordinating another in 2024 at UC San Diego.”

Yadav earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies with a concentration in finance and marketing from Jai Hind College in Mumbai, and since enrolling at UCR, internships and volunteer opportunities have compounded her networking and leadership prospects: She interned in summer 2023 with Northwestern Mutual as a financial planner in their San Diego office working cross-functionally with different teams; she is active in MBAchic, an online network for professionals dedicated to making education and jobs more accessible to women; and for the last four years, she’s been a member of Women in Technology International (WITI) and was recently appointed a WITI global ambassador networking with women and students interested in a career in technology.

Yadav is especially proud of her leadership within her Organizational Behavior course, which included Indian, Taiwanese, and Chinese students. “There was a communication gap between us, and as a group leader, I implemented writing points to bridge that gap, even for informal messages,” she says. “At Thursday meetings, the speaker from our student group reviewed the PowerPoint so that everyone was on the same page with the agenda and the topic we were discussing. This simple approach enhanced member involvement and helped us outperform with the grades we received for our case studies.”

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This is the third installment of a three-part series exploring the many ways Riya Yadav ’24 MBA exemplifies the deep involvement of our AGSM master’s students in the many professional enrichment opportunities on and off campus.

read part 1 read part 2

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AGSM Student Ambassadors

student success

student spotlight

student experience

‘A Great First Step Toward My Personal Goal’

clin246 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:09:31 +0000

‘A Great First Step Toward My Personal Goal’ clin246 Mon, 01/22/2024 - 11:09 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 26, 2024

Over summer 2023, Riya Yadav ’24 MBA interned with Northwestern Mutual as a financial planner in their San Diego office.

“UCR alumni connected me to the hiring team. I worked cross-functionally with different teams and to find a solution that works for each client,” Yadav says. “It was also incredible to learn about the financial services industry within the United States and definitely a great first step toward my personal goal to help fintech companies expand.”

Before enrolling at UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM), Yadav worked at Quantum Data Engines, a company specializing in fraud management and anti- money laundering software for financial institutions. She also previously worked with the National Science Foundation as a consultant on a solar panel battery project. “That was also a fantastic learning experience for me,” says Yadav, and the position aligned with her values. “The United States, in particular California, places a strong emphasis on sustainable measures and numerous methods for making business more sustainable, as well as having firms that are focused on sustainability.”

Graduate Student Ambassador Co-Chiefs Riya Yadav and Shane Marquez

She knew an MBA was the next step in her career: “I was aware of what an MBA would add to my professional profile and experience, and being here at UCR has given me a deeper understanding of that.

“The curriculum is particularly industry-oriented and provides real-world experience; for example, the projects and the presentations we make are done in the same manner as I would present as a working consultant. Case studies are an excellent approach to grasp a topic, comprehend people, and see things from a broader perspective,” she says.

“Our projects provide a realistic insight into how IT business works, and the assignments are weekly, which aids in meeting deadlines. I also appreciate that the technical laboratory activities are provided for nontechnical individuals, which helps with comprehending the subject.”

As a grad student, Yadav also serves as a co-chief of the AGSM Student Ambassador program, a group of select students who support prospective and new students and participate in special events with industry professionals to enhance each ambassadors’ network. Off-campus, she works with MBAchic providing social media coverage about her MBA experience. In both roles, she says, “I share information and answer questions for students interested in pursuing an MBA.” This year, Yadav was appointed a global ambassador for Women in Technology International, where she’s been a member for four years, and she networks with women and students interested in a career in technology.

In Mumbai, Yadav earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies with a concentration in finance and marketing from Jai Hind College. She also previously participated in the Study Abroad Program in Business Strategy with Carleton University in Canada. In 2022, she represented India at the United Nations Young Leaders program in Switzerland.

She continues to forge new opportunities to expand her professional experience: “I also go to the walk-ins at the AGSM Career Development Center every two weeks, and the staff always helps me with a new area of my profile,” says Yadav. “That is useful for internships and job searches and for understanding the resources available.”

After earning her MBA with a concentration in data analytics and management with a focus on strategy, Yadav plans to work in financial technology in a client-facing role, she says: “Combining my analytical skills with my global and diverse experience, I want to formulate data-driven strategies.”

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This is the second installment of a three-part series exploring the many ways Riya Yadav ’24 MBA exemplifies the deep involvement of our AGSM master’s students in the many professional enrichment opportunities on and off campus.

read part 1 read part 3

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‘Deep pride in my work’

clin246 — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 19:01:36 +0000

‘Deep pride in my work’ clin246 Mon, 01/22/2024 - 11:01 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 22, 2024

MBA student Riya Yadav ’24 has an intense interest in women’s equality and diversity within the business world. Before enrolling at UCR’s A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM), Yadav worked at Quantum Data Engines, a company specializing in fraud management and anti-money laundering software for financial institutions.

“We worked with the purpose of preventing heinous crimes, such as human trafficking and modern slavery,” she says. “I went to work every day taking deep pride in my work.”

Equality, diversity, and inclusivity are central were ideas both elusive and illuminated for her while growing up in India.

“India is a massive country and the contrast between people from different regions is extremely prominent. Growing up in an army household meant that we relocated to a new city every two years, and our entire neighborhood changed.” Every new station had people from all over the country, and the diversity was staggering, she adds. “And I quickly discovered that diversity and inclusion do not always go hand in hand."

“Many times, I felt out of place, as if I didn’t belong there, and now I’m on a mission to make sure that no one else feels the same way I did. While at work and at school, I make every effort to connect with everyone and engage them in discussion and activities.”

With all that she has done and plans to do, Yadav’s mother has provided inspiration. “I will be eternally thankful to my mother for being a role model. She worked for the rehabilitation of war widows, which included assisting them in acquiring industry skills; finding them opportunities or assisting them in starting their businesses; providing them with resources; and locating suitable partners to collaborate with,” Yadav says.

“My mother always went above and beyond to ensure they were treated as ‘warriors rather than victims,’ and that is a lesson I take with me wherever I go.”

Yadav adds that it’s critical to be a part of an organization or community committed to establishing equal opportunities for women while also ensuring that they are not treated differently, and in 2022, Yadav participated in the month-long United Nation’s Young Leaders summer program in Switzerland, an opportunity that was also homegrown.

“As a kid, seeing my father contribute to the military and United Nations inspired me to work with the UN. Participating in the program is one of my most significant accomplishments and my first opportunity to make the world a better place,” she says.

“Being in the UN headquarters along with participants from 23 nations has altered the way I look at things and how I act. Watching decisions being made, I realized the contributions we each can make to the world and how they affect others. Attending live sessions as countries debated their positions on specific issues was intriguing, and sitting in the cafeteria with officials and talking about their climate-change skepticism was remarkable.”

Riya Yadav representing India at a United Nations Young Leaders program in Switzerland

At UCR, Yadav is currently co-chief ambassador of the AGSM Student Ambassador program, and this is her second year serving within this program representing the school, networking with professionals, and helping current and prospective students. “As a student ambassador leader, I champion diversity within our organization. My personal mission is to actively integrate a wide range of perspectives into our projects and overall initiatives.”

Last year, former AGSM Women in Business (WIB) President Renuka Kulkarni ’23 and former Chief Ambassador Franchesca Jefferson ’23 tapped Yadav to helm the execution of the successful 2022 WIB UC Collaboration event for International Women’s Week. “My involvement in WIB has also been an incredible experience to discuss and address related issues in the business sector,” says Yadav.

This year, she was appointed a global ambassador with Women in Technology International, where she’s been a member for four years. “I network with women and students interested in a career in technology, like me, and educate them on the Women in Technology resources.”

Yadav could see the potential for herself and others with her involvement in MBAchic, an online network and platform for professionals dedicated to making education and jobs more accessible to women. “While researching and applying to business schools, I used MBAchic as my bible,” she says. “After receiving my offer letter [from UCR], I contacted the MBAchic founder to express my gratitude, and she asked me to provide social media coverage about my MBA experience. I share information and answer questions for students interested in pursuing an MBA.”

Yadav earned a bachelor’s degree in management studies with a concentration in finance and marketing at Jai Hind College in Mumbai. After earning her UCR MBA with a concentration in data analytics and management with a focus on strategy, she plans to work in financial technology in a client-facing role and for United Nations Women, which is focused on gender equality and empowerment. “Even though I want to work in the corporate world, I will always promote diversity and different perspectives within the financial landscape.”

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This is the first installment of a three-part series exploring the many ways Riya Yadav ’24 MBA exemplifies the deep involvement of our AGSM master’s students in the many professional enrichment opportunities on and off campus.

read part 2 read part 3

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UCR Wins Organizational Behavior Case Competition

ilseu — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 20:09:47 +0000

UCR Wins Organizational Behavior Case Competition ilseu Wed, 12/20/2023 - 12:09 More Blog Posts Laurie McLaughlin January 02, 2024

Over the course of two weeks in November and December, 60 teams across the upper-division Organizational Behavior course sections competed in a case competition. The competition required students to take concepts they had learned during the quarter and apply them in a practical and professional setting. Each team spent the weeks leading up to the final round working together to analyze real organizational challenges and propose thoughtful solutions. The final presentations were delivered on December 7 before a distinguished panel of guest judges, who carefully evaluated the teams’ work and ultimately selected the winning team.

Kyle Ingram, assistant professor of teaching in management

According to Kyle Ingram, assistant professor of teaching in management and the instructor for the course, the competition was designed to reinforce the learning outcomes of the class. “Each team was responsible for diagnosing issues and providing solutions for a real organization using course-related concepts covered throughout the quarter,” says Ingram. This experiential learning component gave students an opportunity to see how the theoretical frameworks studied in class could be implemented to address problems faced by businesses in the real world. By approaching their projects from both an analytical and creative perspective, students gained valuable practice in communication, problem solving, and teamwork.

Teaching assistants played a central role in guiding students through the competition process. Each discussion section had its own round of presentations, and teaching assistants were tasked with selecting the top team from their sections to advance to the final. This structure ensured that the finalists represented the strongest performances across all 60 teams, giving the final round a highly competitive and exciting atmosphere. The winning team came from Section 24 and included students Stephanie Chen ’25, Delores Lopez Hernandez ’25, Grant Moreno ’25, Bennett Watson ’24, Emiliano Villegas ’25, and Theodore Yun ’24. Their teaching assistant, Samantha Ruiz ’24 MBA, provided guidance throughout the quarter and supported them as they refined their ideas for the competition.

The panel of guest judges was composed of individuals with direct ties to the School of Business and the competition itself. Among them was 2023-2024 School of Business Executive Fellow Tim Wiseman ’83, who had also contributed earlier in the quarter with a guest lecture. “Tim started the quarter with a fantastic guest lecture and kindly agreed to serve as a judge for the course finale,” says Ingram. Wiseman’s participation was especially meaningful because he was able to share both constructive criticism and words of encouragement with the student finalists. Before announcing the winning team, he provided feedback that helped all participants better understand the strengths of their presentations as well as areas where they could improve for future professional endeavors.

Other guest judges included previous case competition winners Carlos Diaz ’23 and Cade Rubalcaba ’24, whose own experiences in earlier years made them uniquely qualified to assess the current competition. Their presence demonstrated the continuity of the event and highlighted how former participants continue to give back to the program. Additional judges were Snigdha Ojha ’24 MBA, who brought a graduate-level perspective to the evaluation, and School of Business Associate Director of Development Gwen Thibeaux, who offered insights from her professional experience in development and alumni engagement. Together, this diverse panel provided a well-rounded evaluation of the student teams and ensured that the judging process reflected both academic and professional standards.

The Organizational Behavior case competition not only challenged students to synthesize what they had learned in class but also gave them an authentic opportunity to present to professionals and alumni who understood the value of the exercise. By combining academic rigor with real-world application, the event reinforced the importance of collaboration, critical thinking, and communication — skills that are vital to success in both business education and professional careers. Executive Fellow Tim Wiseman’s role as both coach and judge further emphasized the strong connections between the School of Business and its network of alumni and supporters. For the students who participated, the competition was a highlight of the quarter and a reminder of how classroom learning can directly prepare them for leadership opportunities beyond the university.

Executive Fellow Tim Wiseman (center-right) served as coach and judge during the Organizational Behavior case competition

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Header image: Tim Wiseman (left) and Professor Ingram (second from the right) with the winning team in the Organizational Behavior case competition

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