Veronica Seng, UCLA Anderson MBA Class of 2025
Age: 31
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Texas at Austin, Double major in International Business and Asian Studies – specializing in Chinese Language and Culture
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Community Organizer, Chinatown Community Development Center, 1 year
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve explored several different industries and roles in my career and made a lot of lateral moves. Now that I know the direction I want to go in, an MBA made the most sense in terms of 1) getting me there faster and 2) building the network and connections necessary for me to be successful in the field of impact + sustainability.
Why did you choose UCLA Anderson? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Anderson for a few reasons: 1) I’ve been in LA for almost 10 years and see myself staying long term 2) I’m hoping to apply my work to the media + entertainment industry (also where I started my career) and Anderson has an amazing network here in LA 3) most importantly, the culture and values at Anderson closely aligned with mine – so it was a no brainer for me!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I left my corporate job in 2020 to find a way to give back to my (AAPI) community and landed at a nonprofit that provided direct services to marginalized communities. My background is not only unique in that I’m biracial and a first-generation Latina, but I also have experience working in the private and public sector. This lens influences my advocacy and fuels my passion for impact + sustainability work. I plan to leverage all my experiences in my role as incoming President of Net Impact at Anderson.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I did a lot of painting in high school and recently started drawing again in my spare time.
Post-MBA career interests:
Management Consulting, Impact + Sustainability
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to alumni and current students for application advice and guidance!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had taken advantage of pre-MBA programs that helped with MBA prep, such as MLT. I also wish I had taken advantage of several Anderson clubs’ essay review offerings and 1:1 chats with current students.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT. I unfortunately did not take my GMAT earlier in my career and took it in the middle of the pandemic and more than 8 years after I left undergrad. It was difficult for me to sit back down and study for a standardized test. What helped me was taking GMAT courses online and hammering out a strict study schedule. I wish I had invested in a tutor though!
What is your initial impression of the UCLA Anderson students/culture/community?
First impression was that students really cared about community, and I didn’t sense that Anderson had a ‘cut-throat’ environment. Everyone seemed supportive and willing to pay it forward to the next class of students. I had multiple coffee chats with current students ahead of my B-school interview and received some excellent advice – this year I paid it forward myself and took coffee chats with prospective students!
What is one thing you have learned about UCLA Anderson that has surprised you?
I heard that Anderson had a student-led culture, but I didn’t understand to what extent. Second-year students go above and beyond shaping the social and professional experience on campus. Students organize so many events, conferences, and socials on top of helping first-years with recruiting and interviews. We have amazing student leaders in our community.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I was really anxious about recruiting. I had always heard that Consulting was a competitive field and that this year, given the economy, there would be fewer internships. Luckily, student leaders in Anderson’s Management Consulting Association (MCA) did an excellent job preparing first-years for recruiting season and interviews. Now that I have the internship secured, I’m less anxious about the summer.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building community! I was so excited to join student organizations like ALMA (Alliance for Latinx Management at Anderson) and BBSA (Black Business Students Association), and plan events with our Consortium class. It has been really rewarding forming friendships with my fellow classmates and I’m looking forward to meeting the new class of students.
