Maggie Jeniawati, UCI Merage’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 23
Hometown: Jakarta, Indonesia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Food Science and Technology.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 2, beverage manufacturing.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
While most people were learning how to bake sourdough bread last year, I was learning how to invest in the stock market. That got me thinking on how I want to best invest in my future career. At the same time, my role at Health-ade, my previous company, took a re-routing. I took on a leadership role on a major company-wide project and I found myself really enjoying the work I do outside of the lab and being able to work closely with senior management, providing them with my data-drive insights. I have always wanted to go back to graduate school, but never had a definitive reason why. After my time at my last company, I realized that I wanted to grow my career beyond a technical field and I spoke to several individuals who had completed their MBA program who also convinced me that the MBA was the right path for me.
Why did you choose UCI Merage? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Location was also important for me since I wanted to stay in (sunny) Southern California. I spoke to several Merage Alums who were nothing but helpful and kind in answering all my questions. One thing that really resonated throughout all of the conversations I had was the emphasis on the smaller program size and how they got to know their cohorts very well and were able to make meaningful connections.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
Not many of my classmates come from a science background, more so a food science background. I think my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2023 is bringing a technical insight into new product developments and launches, especially for some of my classmates that may want to explore entrepreneurship in the CPG space.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I was named after a food brand (search: maggi). My mom really enjoyed eating their instant noodles when she was pregnant with me.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting, corporate strategy.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Putting your best foot forward in terms of every aspect of the application. Network with people who went through or is currently enrolled in the program. Prepare for the GMAT. Strong story behind why MBA and why Merage and being able to communicate your story in a way that will portray your enthusiasm for the program.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Network more with people who are currently in the program. I spoke to alums, but kind of stopped there and didn’t go the extra mile to talk to people who are closest to the program.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
None that I could think of.
What is your initial impression of the UCI Merage students/culture/community?
Close-knit, supportive/collaborative, diverse.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
The pandemic drove my decision to actually apply for MBA programs because I was spending a lot of time at home, so I had a lot of time to prepare for my application. I also felt that it was quite easy to connect with individuals throughout my application process, everyone was so used to Zoom calls because of the pandemic and the virtual aspect made it possible for me to connect with more individuals vs. in-person meeting.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing between academic, career and social. I have spent the last year preparing for starting this MBA program and now that I am finally enrolled and the balls are rolling, I just feel very overwhelmed! I’ve only spent 3 weeks in the program, but I already have a sense how busy this quarter (and year is going to be). Time management and prioritization will be my 2 best friends. I came to the program with a specific goal in mind and I will have to find the best way to stay in my lane while also making the best experience out of my 2 year time here at Merage!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
As nerdy as it sounds, I am most excited about developing my skills and knowledge that I can harness to land my dream summer internship.
