Cecilia Sanchez, USC Marshall MBA Class of 2022
Age: 30
Hometown: Dalton, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Georgia; BA International Affairs, BA Romance Languages (French & Spanish)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years in Consulting at Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington D.C.
Why business school? Why now?
Getting an MBA has been my dream for a few years. After almost seven years in consulting, I knew it was time to pursue this goal.
The MBA was the perfect degree for me to build a solid foundation of business, expand my network of professionals across industries, and develop as a leader. I saw the MBA as a way to pivot into a career in Finance and a way for me to serve my community in new ways. I want to leverage my MBA to open doors for others in the Latinx community, especially through pro-bono business consulting or raising capital to help scale local businesses.
Why Marshall? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
At this pivotal moment in my life, I wanted to take the opportunity to challenge myself and grow as a person and as a professional interested in finance and social impact. Marshall offers all the opportunities I was looking for in a business program. It is also on the west coast, and as someone who has always wanted to live here, Marshall was perfect. I am most excited about the Marshall Leadership Fellowship Program (MLFP), which is a year-long program designed to help stretch yourself as a leader through classroom and experiential learning.
As I mapped out how I wanted to transition into finance, the Student Investment Fund (SIF) stood out to me. It is a one-year program in which students are equipped with the skills necessary to be successful investment managers. Students manage a portion of USC’s endowment funds.
I wanted to round out my MBA experience with an international focus and PRIME is a perfect way for me to do that. PRIME includes a course offered in the Spring that teaches students the applications of frameworks for international business to a specific country. This is followed by a 10-day trip to the specific country of study where students meet with executives at different companies to gain a better understanding of how business is conducted there.
Finally – The Trojan Family! The rumors are true, the Trojan family is incredible. Fellow Trojans go out of their way to help you succeed. Alumni that I connected with as a prospective student continue to reach out to me to ask how my first semester is going and to offer their support.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I have a non-traditional and interesting experience in consulting. Through my professional career, I developed subject expertise in money laundering and transnational organized crime analysis.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was switched at birth! No worries, I was brought back to my biological parents.
Post-MBA career interests?
In the immediate future, I want to transition into a role in finance. My dream is to work with the Latinx community and empower diverse business owners in my community by helping them gain access to capital through small business loans or venture capital.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
My favorite part was talking to students and alumni. I loved connecting with people and getting a sense of what made them most excited about Marshall. It helped me see myself in this community. I also enjoyed reflecting on life and work experience and how it shaped what I wanted to do in life. I recommend keeping a journal to keep track of all your work & personal successes – you will be surprised how much you have accomplished over time.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would try to pause more and take some time to relax and take care of myself. I often felt guilty if I was not writing an essay or studying, but it is okay to take a break from the process. You will come back to it with more energy and a fresh perspective.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Hands down, I would skip the GMAT! In addition to my regular study sessions, I also downloaded a couple of quant apps and Quizlet which I used to quiz myself on basic rules and practice problems. It helped me to focus on the little gains, getting in a few reps during my commute or other small moments during the day added up to help me move forward.
What is your initial impression of Marshall’s students/culture/community?
My first interaction was with the Marshall Ambassadors. The people I reached out to were invested in my journey and they were excited for me to apply. Many months later, when I attended GWIB Women’s Weekend, some of the students met up with me throughout the weekend. It made me feel welcome into the community and I appreciated how kind and thoughtful they were towards me as a prospective student. I am excited to pay it forward!
One thing you have learned about Marshall that has surprised you?
Students at Marshall are very caring, there is a nobody left behind mentality that feels familial. Students who have backgrounds in Finance, Accounting, or Data Science have stepped to ensure that other classmates have a good grasp of the material. As a class we are eager to help one another succeed – we take time to learn what people are passionate to share connections and opportunities in each other’s area of interest. Everyone comes from such different walks of life – I am often in awe of what my classmates have achieved. It is so exciting to learn from them.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There are so many interesting events I wish I could attend, but I am anxious about balancing the classwork, recruiting, and getting to know my classmates well. Luckily, many events are recorded (thank you Zoom)! The time is going by quickly, so I also want to enjoy my time here!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am so excited about exploring LA & traveling to different countries with classmates (once it is safe to do)!
