Here’s a talk with Christina Marshall, a student at USC Marshall who is loving relaxed west coast living, but missing the vibe of the Big Apple. Thank you Christina for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!
This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.
Accepted: First, can you tell us a little about yourself – Where are you from? What and where did you study as an undergraduate and when did you graduate?
Christina: I’m originally from Waverly Hall, GA, a small, quiet country town. But I went to undergrad at New York University in the middle of New York City. I graduated in 2005 with a degree in Marketing, Advertising and Cultural Identity Politics from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
Accepted: Can you tell us about your major? It sounds like an interesting degree.
Christina: Attending NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study allowed me to create my own concentration based on what I was most passionate about. After some exploration I found that my passion was in brand building and cultural identity so I created a concentration that allowed me to explore how media, brands and popular culture influence expressions of personal identity and vice versa. Fortunately for me, my unique degree perfectly positioned me for an early career in multicultural advertising and my subsequent marketing roles at general market agencies.
Accepted: How many business schools did you apply to? Why did you decide to attend USC Marshall?
Christina: I applied to 4 business schools, but USC Marshall School of Business was the right choice for me. When I outlined all my needs and expectations for my individualized MBA journey, I saw that Marshall delivered:
- International exposure in a rich and interesting way.
- A world class entrepreneurship center that boasted many successful entrepreneurs.
- The opportunity to cover core course work in one semester so I could customize my experience over 3 semesters.
- A truly collaborative and spirited environment.
- The LA location that afforded me access to a diverse and relaxed coastal culture.
Accepted: What is your favorite class so far? Which class has been the most challenging?
Christina: My favorite course was my Global Strategy course. Through this course I was more than a student; I became an international consultant for a Thai textile company looking to enter the U.S. retail and/or hospitality markets. After a few months of research and preparation, Marshall took my team and I to Thailand (and Vietnam) where we presented our findings to our partner company.
Accepted: Which do you prefer – studying on the east coast or the west coast?
Christina: There are so many pros for both. I miss the energy of the east coast, especially NYC. The city became part of your education and gave you access to countless companies and other professionals. But the west coast is refreshingly relaxed and is ripe with creative thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs. It’s an inspiring place to be.
Accepted: Do you have a summer internship? If so, can you tell us about the role USC played in securing that position?
Christina: This summer, I’m an MBA level Buyer intern at Target Corporation in Minneapolis, MN. I secured this internship independent of USC’s recruitment process, but I can say that the school prepared me to nail the interview process. USC Marshall began prepping me for the recruitment process before orientation started. I arrived at the school ready to recruit.
Accepted: Do you have any advice for some of our applicants who will be applying to Marshall?
Christina: At Marshall, your unique perspective is valued. The program welcomes those who are authentic and those who can bring their whole selves to the table. Be genuine and let your passion/ambition shine through.
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