For many graduate business students, the forum was a chance to move beyond resumes and job applications. While digital platforms and online submissions can showcase credentials, nothing quite replaces the impact of meeting employers face-to-face. In these personal interactions, students were able to demonstrate their confidence, communication skills, and ability to think on their feet. They shared personal stories, expressed their passions, and highlighted the unique experiences that have shaped their academic and professional journeys. This direct engagement helped create a memorable impression that went far beyond what could be captured on a one-page resume or an online profile.

Employers and recruiters who attended were not only impressed with the talent pool but also benefited from a rare opportunity to see how UCR graduate students present themselves in real-world professional conversations. These students represent one of the school’s five STEM-designated graduate degree programs—including accounting, finance, business analytics, and management. Within these programs, students can further specialize in areas such as accounting, business analytics, finance, human resources, strategy, marketing, and operations & supply chain management. The STEM designation highlights the technical and analytical rigor of these degrees, a distinction that continues to attract both domestic and international students who want to prepare for leadership in today’s data-driven business environment.

The AGSM Graduate Talent Forum took place at UCR's Alumni & Visitors Center on April 2, 2025. The energy in the room reflected the excitement of both students and employers who came together with a shared goal: to explore career opportunities and make meaningful professional connections. For many participants, the event was more than a networking session—it was a stepping stone toward internships, job placements, and long-term career growth. Faculty and staff in attendance also highlighted how events like this strengthen the bridge between academic learning and practical application.

One of the participants, Svara Narain, a first-year Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) student, reflected on the significance of the forum: “I am excited to be here because of the opportunities that potential employers bring to us since it is a tough employment market out there. This is a great opportunity for us to show what we can bring to the table and for them to get to know us more.”

Svara’s words capture the sentiment of many of her peers. In an increasingly competitive employment market, opportunities for face-to-face conversations with hiring professionals are invaluable. Students came prepared with resumes and elevator pitches, but more importantly, they came ready to represent themselves as well-rounded, motivated individuals ready to take on professional challenges.

The Talent Forum brought together representatives from more than a dozen companies and public sector organizations. Their presence demonstrated the confidence that regional and national employers have in the quality of UCR’s graduate students. Among those in attendance were:

• Altura Credit Union
• China Feiyue USA inc.
• City of Riverside
• Eadie and Payne, LLP
• EGA Homes
• Equitable Advisors
• HC Pacific
• Housing Authority for the City of Los Angeles
• Kinger Industry Inc
• Maxzone Auto Parts Corp
• Modern Woodmen of America
• New York Life Insurance Company
• Nutrizzy Nutrition and Wellness
• Petfu, Inc
• RP&B CPAs
• Solar Max Renewable Energy Provider Inc.
• Stored Power Technology Inc.
• University of California, Riverside - VCSA
• Wonderful Citrus

Each organization came with its own hiring priorities and perspectives, but all shared a common interest in discovering new talent. By connecting directly with students, employers were able to gain insight into not only academic preparation but also the creativity, drive, and resilience that UCR graduate students bring to the table.

Events like the AGSM Graduate Talent Forum continue to underscore the value of professional development opportunities that take place outside the classroom. They remind students that career readiness is not only about what they learn in textbooks but also about how they present themselves, build relationships, and communicate their strengths in live settings. The 2025 forum stood as a clear success, providing value to students, employers, and the university community alike.