UCR School of Business

The UCR School of Business will offer a new undergraduate degree in Business Analytics beginning in Fall 2025. The demand for business analysts is high, with the field expected to grow up to 25% by 2031. Students will gain proficiency in the areas of business, math, statistics, and computer science. https://ow.ly/bPPv50SksNj

Happy Commencement day! 🐻🎓🥹 We are so excited to celebrate all of you. For all friends and family, the School of Business Commencement livestream is available now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKNqwc464nI.

🎓 Hammad Majra '24 will be joining BlackRock in New York after graduation as an Analyst in their Client & Product Functions - Global Product Group! As a first-generation student, Hammad faced unique obstacles that came with limited exposure to higher education and leadership opportunities. However, he says "those challenges further motivated me to create spaces for professional development and community building." This led Hammad to start Highlander Consulting Group (HCG), UCR School of Business' first consulting group, providing hands-on consulting experience for students, advising clients such as Be Real, Uruit, and Bookit N Go.

Hammad chose to study business at UCR due to its focus on strategic management and its diverse curriculum. "UCR School of Business' support for student-led initiatives, like HCG, allowed me to apply what I learned in class to real-world projects, leading to my career successes."

Some advice Hammad offers to fellow students is to, "Embrace every opportunity that UCR offers and to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don't be discouraged by initial setbacks or failures; they are often the best learning experiences. Build a support network and surround yourself with mentors and friends who encourage and challenge you."

Wrapping up our , Commencement is right around the corner and we are so excited to celebrate our students and all they have accomplished. Congratulations again to the class of 2024! 🥹🐻

Our next senior, Tamanna Dilip '24, is studying finance, and will be moving to New York City to start her position as a Finance Associate with PwC after graduation.

In her time at UCR School of Business, she was on the board of Highlander Consulting Group (HCG), UCR's first consulting club, and an Undergraduate Ambassador for the School of Business. "Working with Lata Patel, I was able to coordinate events and spread information for other students about the School of Business." With HCG, "Getting hands-on experience working with real companies and speaking with senior directors, managers, and CEO’s was very exciting and definitely gave me an edge in interviews."

Navigating the business world has had its challenges, but for Tamanna, she says, "Perseverance, support, and having trusted people to get advice from has been key to my journey." 👏 Congratulations, Tamanna and good luck on your journey!

Keshav Sharma '24 will be continuing his career with Honda Powersports as a Product Planner after graduation. He credits his successes to UCR Business faculty, who gave him career-related advice, and information systems classes that were highly technical, both of which he uses today at Honda. Keshav sends a special shout-out and thanks to Professor Jonathan Lim for shaping the person he is today.

💼 Keshav’s involvements include being the VP of Professionalism for Phi Chi Theta and a member of Rides @ UCR. He was able to learn about and engage with professionals in the consulting, finance, and information systems industries through Phi Chi Theta and unite in a common love for cars with members of Rides @ UCR.

💡 If he had one piece of advice for his first-year self, it would be to get involved with all that UCR has to offer as soon as possible. "I gained a sense of belonging and pride in UCR. I will miss our beautiful campus and amazing faculty, and the feeling of being a student: the stress of finals, writing papers, and the joy of going out late with friends." Congratulations, Keshav and the Class of 2024! 🥳

Leading up to commencement, we would like to highlight some of our outstanding seniors! 🎓 Jocelyn Tan '24 is a Business Administration major, concentrating in marketing. During her time at UCR School of Business, she recalls, "I've been able to find my community, learn and grow my leadership, and make lifelong friends in AMA. I've also been able to connect with international students, prospective students working with Life at UCR."

When asked about School of Business faculty, she recalls, "Professor Jonathan Lim has been integral throughout my college career. He's been supportive, understanding, and is a great listener, especially guiding me through my leadership in AMA. His knowledge and wisdom in and outside of the classroom is something I will always look back on and appreciate." Her biggest advice to current students is: "Reaching out and taking initiative is the best thing you can do; putting effort into meeting people and networking in the industry is fulfilling."

Congratulations, Jocelyn! We can't wait to see all that you will do in the future. 🥳

Congratulations to Alondra Valencia for winning Best Research Symposium in the School of Business! 🥳 Her research focused on how business leaders balance personal and professional authenticity on social media and how their presence impacts followers' perception of leadership efficacy. Well done, Alondra! 👏

As we head towards commencement, let's hear from Victoria Nguyen, our 2024 tassel turner and ASUCR Executive Vice President. 🎓

Speaking to first-year students, Victoria shares this piece of advice: "[Don't] fear the unknown. Put yourself in new spaces. Forging meaningful connections in your years at UCR is one of the most valuable things you will take with you at the end of your college experience."

She credits Professor Raj Singh as one of the most influential professors in her time here. With encroaching nerves before graduation, he helped her to feel at ease, "knowing that I am leaving UCR and entering the business world well-equipped. He instills confidence in his students by reminding them of their accomplishments and empowering them to continue to thrive."

Victoria’s biggest inspiration is her mom, who taught her that "unconditional love has no ends and is what drives us forward, in the way we treat others, ourselves, and our dreams." 🌟

Get ready to celebrate your accomplishments soon at Commencement 2024 and hear from other graduating Highlanders! 🥳

Academic excellence deserves recognition. Last month, we celebrated our newest members of Beta Gamma Sigma, the highest recognition a business student can receive at an AACSB-accredited institution. These exceptional students are the top 10% of all undergraduate and 20% of graduate students. A huge congratulations to all! https://business.ucr.edu/programs/bgs

Business faculty were recently recognized with the student-voted awards for exceptional teaching in the classroom. The Golden Apple Awards, James Merino Innovation Award, and the Shulman Endowed Excellence in Teaching Award recognize excellence in teaching, innovation, and engagement. Congratulations to Kyle Ingram, Ye Li, Alexandru Roman, Elaine Wong, and Sean Jasso for their outstanding work!

This AAPI Heritage Month, we're spotlighting Timothy Chen, President of the Undergraduate Business Association and the School of Business Leadership Council. ✨

Timothy credits his Taiwanese heritage for his strong work ethic and drive to succeed, "It was always important for me to remember my roots and represent my heritage wherever I went." "I always strive to be better than the person I was yesterday," he says. His journey at the School of Business has connected him with other high-performing students and provided him with invaluable leadership opportunities. 🌟📚

On advice he has for first-year students: "It's okay to be scared and feel uncertain of what your future holds. You don't need to know every step along the way. As long as you keep moving forward, you will eventually see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Join us in celebrating Timothy and all our amazing AAPI students, faculty, and staff!

Proud to be a Highlander! UC Riverside continues its upward trajectory, ranking in the top 1.3% of universities globally according to the 2024 Center for World University Rankings 🥳

This achievement reflects our commitment to academic excellence, fostering career-ready graduates, attracting world-class faculty, and delivering impactful research.

We pause today to remember the courage and dedication of those who gave their all. May their legacy live on in our pursuit of knowledge and a brighter future.

UCR School of Business opens the new INSPIRE Lab, with cutting-edge technology for students to test artificial intelligence, machine learning, and persuasive technology for social good. Directed by Professor Rich Yueh and Sanjoy Moulik, "It is a playground for students to voluntarily work on ideas." The ultimate goal is to establish the UCR School of Business as an internationally renowned innovation and research center, with plans to establish a center to augment virtual reality.

Read more about INSPIRE Lab at https://business.ucr.edu/news/2024/05/01/school-business-opens-inspire-lab.

UCR Business teams earned multiple victories at recent business competitions! 🏆 2 MBA teams and 1 undergraduate team took home 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places (respectively) at the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition in April. UCR MBA students seized 2nd place at the UC Davis Case Competition, ahead of UC Berkeley.

The ICBSC 4-month process circles a case study and ends with a business plan and full financial portfolio, while the UC Davis Case Competition utilized analytical skills in branding and strategy. More at https://business.ucr.edu/blog/2024/05/01/multiple-competitive-victories.

New research by marketing professor Subramanian "Bala" Balachander found that group incentives for sales teams resulted in better sales performances with weaker brand names. His study is based on data from retail operations in the United States and China, like gold jewelry and electronic retailers, and provides a model of how brand strength predetermines how effective a salesperson would be. "With a weaker brand, group sales compensation gives you a better filter because we know that the salesperson is doing their work successfully."

Read more about his research at https://business.ucr.edu/news/2024/04/26/group-sales-incentives-boost-weak-brand-sales.

Class of 2024! The countdown to commencement is here. Senior Week is next week May 21-23 on campus, where we celebrate your accomplishments with food, pictures, and freebies! 🥳

Commencement FAQ: https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2024/05/06/countdown-commencement-2024
Senior Week: https://events.ucr.edu/event/senior-week-2024?_ga=2.132806414.1877435444.1715256954-1949937128.1715022167

May 21 - Lunch and exclusive swag at THE BARN (undergrad only)
May 22 - ASPB nooner dedicated to Class of 2024 Seniors
May 23 - Senior Sendoff @ Rivera Lawn 3pm – exclusive swag, sweet treats, and iPad mini giveaway
(group drone shot filming at 4pm); Class of 2024 Yearbook Signing – Select posts will be featured on ceremony jumbotrons if submitted before May 24!

"I find that the team is more focused and driven when I keep my doors open."

Arun Surendra '99, '01 MBA is managing director of the 113 year-old VST Group, and he believes in leading with a people-centered mindset. Coming to UCR from a different learning environment in India, UCR's culture of openness and student engagement in the classroom left a lasting impression on him as he brings this culture into his leadership today. "People are at the core of my business. I am available for a quick chat no matter how trivial it is." Heading a conglomerate with diverse verticals, including automotive franchises and agricultural equipment manufacturing, Surendra's leadership is marked by enthusiasm, a focus on customer experiences, and a commitment to fostering a supportive working environment.

Read more about his inspiring journey https://business.ucr.edu/news/2024/04/30/people-are-core-my-business.

UCR placed 4th overall among 100 teams at the Collegiate Leadership Competition held in March. 🥳 Led by student coach Rich Solano '24 and coach Professor Kyle Ingram, the UCR School of Business undergraduate team members Victoria Alvarado '24, German Partida '24, Pooja Patel '24, Ana Perez '24, Shamika Singh '24, and Ethan Vuong '24 placed 4th overall at the U.S. invitational and 5th overall at the online Global Challenge!

The competition "allows top business students to practice leadership through challenging tasks," while judges evaluate leaders' and team's performance. "Vulnerability helped us grow closer as a team and allowed us to understand one another when stressors arose, building trust and resilience." Read more about their experience at https://business.ucr.edu/blog/2024/04/29/ucr-places-high-leadership-competition. 🐻💙💛

The UCR School of Business recently welcomed new fellows at the Executive Fellows Installation Dinner: Hilda Kennedy, president of AmPac Business Capital; Rod McDermott, CEO of McDermott + Bull; and Jeff Paul, former vice president of sales for Red Hat. The night was a celebration of inspiration and mentorship, as students recalled the impact the 2023-24 fellows had on their academic and personal journeys. Dean Yunzeng Wang emphasized the importance of the fellows program and highlighted the caliber of the fellows' commitment to student success.

Our fellows come and speak to students on campus, hoping to inspire the new generation and begin fostering mentorships with students to guide them in their journeys. "The faculty and Executive Fellows exemplify UCR's mission of embracing academic rigor, collaborative work, and personal development," said Victoria Alvarado '24.

Read more about the Executive Fellows program and view installation dinner photos at https://business.ucr.edu/news/2024/05/02/ucr-executive-fellows-celebrate-year-mentorship!

Are you considering a graduate degree in business? Come to our immersive Graduate Preview Day this Saturday at the A. Gary Anderson School of Management! Engage and network with our graduate admissions team, current students, and experience a live interactive class from one of our professors. More details at https://events.ucr.edu/event/ucr_business_preview_day_may_2024.

MBA students! Join us at the first University of California Collaborative MBA Virtual Career Fair happening on Friday, May 17th. This Virtual Fair is a great way to meet employers looking for highly-skilled candidates. To join employer 1:1 meetups, you must RSVP on Handshake at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/47205/employer_preview.

When: Friday, May 17th, 10am - 1pm
Where: Online
Attire: Professional

MBA students! Join us at the UC Collaborative MBA Virtual Career Fair happening on Friday, May 17th. Virtual Fairs are a great way to meet employers looking for interns and entry-level candidates. To join employer 1:1 meetups, you must RSVP on Handshake at https://app.joinhandshake.com/career_fairs/47205/employer_preview.

When: Friday, May 17th 10am - 1pm
Where: Online
Attire: Professional

Aniedi Effiong '21 MBA landed a top supply chain management role with Amazon, and he credits the diverse range of classes and welcoming community at UCR School of Business. Our practical courses allow students to explore skillsets like Spreadsheet Modelling for Decision Making and explore how ESG principles can be incorporated into supply chains. Our graduates in supply chain and operations also work at companies like Walt Disney, KPMG, and eBay.

Read more about Effiong and his UCR supply chain education at https://business.ucr.edu/blog/2024/04/05/reasons-study-supply-chain-california.

UCR’s Highlander Day for prospective and admitted transfer students, admitted first-year students, and their families is on Sat., May 4! Tour campus, connect with inspiring faculty, and discover success resources! RSVP at https://admissions.ucr.edu/highlander-day. We can't wait to see you there!

"Students can cultivate a toolkit of strategies to create an environment that enables all voices to be heard," says Assistant Professor Mindy Truong.

The School of Business is offering new DEI courses by Professor Truong (BUS 157 & MGMT 223). In the courses, Truong focuses on preparing students to be leaders that can effectively navigate and manage interactions across differences. Students are empowered to better engage, interact, and understand people from different backgrounds, giving all employees an equal chance.

Read more about these courses and Truong's research at https://business.ucr.edu/news/2024/04/16/school-business-offers-new-dei-courses.

We can't believe midterms are already here. Stay hydrated, get lots of sleep, and good luck, Highlanders! 📚

The 2024 Women's Leadership Conference is happening this Saturday, April 27th. Marina Tadros from our AGSM Graduate Admissions team will talk about how graduate education can shape a career path at 10:30 am in Breakout Session 1. 👩‍💼 RSVP at https://events.ucr.edu/event/womens_leadership_conference_24.

Our School of Business MBA program climbed to No. 49 among public universities in the recent rankings from U.S. News & World Report! The Professional MBA (part-time) rose to No. 73 nationally and our Undergraduate Business Program is No. 70 in the nation!

In assessing post-graduate salaries and successful job placements, the 2024-25 rankings were gauged by graduate exam test scores, undergraduate GPA, and acceptance rates. The ascent in rankings is a testament to UC Riverside's dedication for higher-academic enhancement and facility expansions.