This article was recently published on Poets & Quants, a premium online resource for prospective graduate business students worldwide. Also read the first part of the article: "Meet the UC Riverside School of Business MBA Class of 2026."
Meet the UC Riverside School of Business MBA Class of 2026
An Interview with the UCR Business Leadership Team
Poets&Quants: Give us your one-minute pitch for your business school. What makes your program unique?
The School of Business, home of the A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at University of California, Riverside, fosters a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives enhance teamwork and communication skills. Located in Southern California, a global economic and logistics hub, we offer students access to international scholars and researchers, study abroad programs, and proximity and connections with global companies, providing a universal business perspective — a hallmark of this region.
Time and again, our graduates declare that our practical and forward-looking blend of cutting-edge research, strong career focus and guidance, extensive emphasis offerings, personalized support for students, small class sizes, and individualized attention from faculty have ensured their upward mobility and leadership opportunities in a competitive job market.
We also support participation in national recruiting conferences, case competitions, and career-related associations, guaranteeing our students establish powerful networks and gain practical, firsthand experience. Our new, state-of-the-art facility provides a comfortable, inspiring, and flexible space for collaboration and innovation.
What are the two most exciting developments at your program in the past year and how will they enrich the MBA experience for current and future MBAs?
The graduate programs have developed a more career-focused student support model within the student affairs team. The Graduate Student Success team houses academic and career support within one unit. This allowed the program to bring in highly trained industry experts to guide our MBA students before starting their programs, keeping the career conversation front and center in every interaction throughout their academic and professional journey in the program. These experts help students land internships during their second year and offer invaluable guidance through every stage of the job recruitment cycle. This tailored career support enhances student success and strengthens their competitiveness in the job market. School of Business Dean Yunzeng Wang emphasizes the importance of early career guidance, stating, “Expanding the team and bringing in field experts will help students secure top-tier internships, providing invaluable career counseling and mentorship. This proactive approach will empower our students to excel in their job search and achieve their career aspirations.”
In addition to merging career and academic support, the School of Business has provided additional resources through the role of assistant dean of external relations to build stronger connections within the community and corporate partners. This strategic move facilitates the development of a more extensive alumni network and expands opportunities for experiential learning, including capstone projects, internships, case competitions, and job placements. By immersing students in real-world experiences and connecting them with industry professionals, we aim to elevate their MBA journey and future career outcomes.
Sustainability has emerged as a major attraction to prospective MBA students. How does your full-time MBA program integrate sustainability across its curriculum?
At the UC Riverside School of Business, sustainability is integral to our full-time MBA program, reflecting our commitment to creating a positive impact across academic, social and environmental dimensions.
Our programs seamlessly integrate sustainability principles and practices across its curriculum. Rami Zwick, associate dean of graduate programs, explains the importance of keeping up with the complex challenges that emerge in the business world. “The business landscape is constantly evolving, and sustainability has emerged as a key driver of innovation and growth. To meet the evolving needs and interests of our MBA students, we continually adapt our curriculum to incorporate the latest trends and best practices in sustainable business,” says Zwick.
Core curriculum courses, such as strategic management, operations management, finance, and marketing, incorporate sustainability considerations. For instance, strategic management courses explore sustainable business models and risk assessment, while operations management delves into supply chain sustainability and lean manufacturing. Finance courses discuss ESG factors and sustainable finance, and marketing courses cover sustainable marketing practices and green branding.
Students can further delve into sustainability through elective courses, such as those focused on renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or social entrepreneurship. Additionally, UCR’s interdisciplinary approach allows students to collaborate with faculty and students from other disciplines, gaining a broader perspective on sustainability issues.
Experiential learning opportunities, including internships and case studies, provide hands-on experience in addressing real-world sustainability challenges. Community engagement initiatives encourage students to participate in local environmental organizations or work on campus sustainability projects.
UCR’s faculty includes experts in sustainability, who bring their knowledge and research to the classroom. Furthermore, strong industry partnerships provide students with opportunities to learn from industry practitioners and explore career paths in sustainable organizations.
By integrating sustainability into its core curriculum, electives, experiential learning, and faculty expertise, UCR’s full-time MBA program prepares graduates to become responsible and innovative business leaders capable of driving positive environmental and social impact.
In terms of social sustainability, UC Riverside is ranked No. 1 in social mobility, and we proudly educate a diverse student body, including many from underrepresented and first-generation groups. By providing access to a graduate education for these students, we promote social equity and foster an inclusive learning environment, further evidenced by the supportive community structure within our program. Our MBA cohort also demonstrates gender parity, reinforcing our dedication to diversity and equal opportunity.
On the environmental front, our state-of-the-art, LEED Platinum-certified building exemplifies sustainable design. Constructed with white cement, which reduces heat absorption and contributes to energy efficiency, our building features solar panels and windows that provide natural light while minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, our no-waste initiative aims to reduce waste and lower our carbon footprint. We encourage sustainable transportation with additional bike racks and supporting the use of scooters and skateboards, further reducing our environmental impact.
How does your school incorporate technology into the curriculum and how has it engaged students and faculty on the use or incorporation of such new, emerging technologies?
At UCR AGSM, our curriculum is infused with cutting-edge technology to enhance both learning and teaching. Our approach ensures that students and faculty stay at the forefront of emerging technological trends that are shaping the business world.
For example, Rich Yueh, assistant professor of teaching in information systems, incorporates AI and machine learning into his courses, allowing students to explore how these technologies are transforming industries and decision-making processes. Yueh explains the resources available at the university for faculty to adopt AI more into their classrooms saying, “For faculty who wish to use AI in their classes, UCR’s XCITE Center for Teaching and Learning offers support with teaching talks and a Slack workspace about AI in higher education. XCITE also provides augmented and virtual reality hardware, training on using technology in classes, and instructional design support on which technologies and tools are best suited for various classes.
Our students engage with new technologies through student organizations such as Association for Information Systems, Women in Computing, and Design@UCR.”
Similarly, Professors Ashish Sood and Ye Li leverage data analytics and digital tools in their classrooms to help students analyze consumer behavior and market dynamics, so that they have real-world, tech-driven skills and knowledge.
Our state-of-the-art Finance Lab, equipped with real-time stock ticker and market data, immerses students in the world of finance, offering them hands-on experience with trading platforms and financial analysis software. This lab replicates the technology used in top financial institutions, preparing our students for careers in investment banking, asset management, and corporate finance.
The classroom technology in our recently opened School of Business building further enriches the student experience. Advanced audiovisual systems, interactive whiteboards, and digital collaboration tools create an engaging and dynamic learning environment, encouraging active participation and collaboration between students and faculty.
By embedding these technologies into our curriculum, our students understand current technological advancements and know how to apply them in business contexts. This emphasis on technology improves their problem-solving capabilities and makes them more competitive in the fast-evolving global marketplace.
What are some key elements in your teaching of leadership? What types of options does your school offer that deepens student experience with leadership and makes them more competitive in the marketplace?
Our approach to teaching leadership at UCR Business is both comprehensive and hands-on, preparing students to be dynamic, effective leaders in today’s complex business landscape. One of the foundational elements of our leadership training is the four-day orientation, where students begin forming critical leadership skills through immersive workshops and team-building activities. Additionally, we’ve reintroduced Communications, Leadership, Teams, and Ethics, a core course that deepens leadership knowledge and application.
Our curriculum covers essential topics including employee behavior and motivation, where students learn to understand and inspire their teams effectively, and bargaining and negotiation, equipping them with the skills to reach mutually beneficial agreements. Team development is another focus, teaching students how to build and manage high-performing teams, while leadership and innovation fosters creative thinking and forward-looking leadership practices.
We also emphasize managing diversity, preparing students to navigate and thrive in diverse work environments, and human resource management, where they learn strategies for optimizing organizational resources. The Strategic Change and Corporate Strategy and Strategic Alliances courses provide insights into implementing and managing change, as well as formulating and executing business strategies. The culmination is the Strategy Formulation and Implementation course, which gives students the tools to plan and deliver successful business outcomes.
These offerings, combined with real-world experiences like internships, case competitions, and experiential projects, provide our students with a deep, practical understanding of leadership, making them highly competitive in the marketplace. Through these elements, our graduates are not just skilled managers, but visionary leaders capable of driving organizational success.
What is your biggest student-run event of the year and what does it reflect about your school?
Our biggest student-run event of the year is the Women in Business Conference, held annually in March. This conference, with attendees from all University of California sister schools, promotes women in leadership and highlights our commitment to gender equity and empowerment. The event serves as a platform for current and future leaders to engage in meaningful discussions about advancing women’s roles in business, offers valuable networking opportunities, and fosters cross-campus collaboration.
As Dr. Sabine Freij, assistant dean of graduate programs, aptly states, “The Women in Business Conference is a testament to our school’s unwavering commitment to gender equity and empowering the next generation of female leaders. By bringing together students from across the UC system, we nurture a vibrant community that celebrates diversity, innovation, and collaboration.”
In addition, the School of Business Leadership Council (SBLC) unites business-related clubs and organizations under one governance. This centralization solidifies communication, collaboration, and the overall student experience, reflecting our school’s dedication to fostering leadership, inclusivity, and a strong sense of community within our diverse student population.
Freij continues, “The initiatives of SBLC and other student organizations reflect our school’s commitment to providing a holistic education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a rapidly changing world.” These initiatives embody our values of inclusivity, leadership, and support for all students in their professional and personal growth.
What are your two most popular traditions at the school? How do these reflect the spirit and mission of the institution?
“Two of our most popular traditions at the UC Riverside School of Business are the annual beach bonfire and the hike to the ‘C,’” says Sabine Freij. These events reflect the vibrant community spirit and collaborative culture that define our institution.
The bonfire is a longstanding AGSM custom bringing students, faculty, and alumni together in a relaxed setting, fostering camaraderie and school pride. This gathering exemplifies the close-knit community that UC Riverside values, where relationships are built both inside and outside the classroom, aligning with our mission to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
The “C” on the hillside is a visible symbol of our university, and the hike is another beloved tradition that embodies perseverance and teamwork. Students, faculty, and staff make the trek together, and this activity reflects the spirit of determination and collective achievement, values that are central to our mission of empowering students to overcome challenges and succeed both academically and professionally. These fun and informal rituals crystalize our commitment to building community, resilience, and pride among our students.
Click on the links below to access student profiles:
| Name | Hometown | Alma Mater | Last Job |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bart Archuleta | Corona, California | UC Riverside | VA School Certifying Assistant |
| Pin-Yu Huang | Taipei, Taiwan | National Taiwan Ocean University | Sales & Marketing Specialist |
| Alec Kazmier | Riverside, California | UC Riverside | Senior Account Manager |
| Gabrielle Kiger | Hermosa Beach, California | UC Riverside | Financial Analyst Intern |
| Surbhi Kwatra | Gurgaon, Haryana, India | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University | Business Analyst |
| Aliyah Nelson | Westfield, New Jersey | San Diego State University | Health & Science Professional |
| Richa Rishu | Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India | L. N. Mishra College of Business Administration | Operations Manager |
| Dyami Ruiz-Martinez | Ontario, California | UC Irvine | Real Estate Broker |
| Blake Sanchez | San Clemente, California | UC Riverside | Office Assistant |
| Kathiroli Vasu | Chennai, India | Vellore Institute of Technology | Assistant Manager |