About Joe: Joe grew up in Central Texas before heading to Duke University to study Public Policy and History, focusing on foreign policy. There, he was a member of the Hart Leadership Program and Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society. After graduating, he built a career in client solutions and product operations, working at companies like GLG, Robinhood, and Highlight, where he led go-to-market strategies, managed multimillion-dollar portfolios, and developed business transformation initiatives. Now an MBA student at UCLA Anderson, Joe serves as the Director of Festivals & Events for the Entertainment Management Association, a mentor for the Riordan Scholars Program, and holds leadership roles in multiple student organizations. With a deep interest in solving difficult challenges, he intends to use his MBA to work in strategy consulting after graduation.

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Walking onto the UCLA Anderson campus as a first-year MBA student is both exciting and a little overwhelming. Almost immediately, you realize that your classmates aren’t just study partners—they’re future founders, consultants, product leaders, and change-makers, each with a unique background and story. More than just a business education, Anderson is a place where curiosity and connection drive growth. In this post, I want to share how the people you meet here shape your experience and why getting involved in student groups is a game-changer.

At Anderson, every conversation introduces a new perspective. Take the Career Switcher, someone who’s pivoting from one industry to another, bringing interesting insights from their previous field. I recently met a software engineer making the leap into investment banking, and their approach to problem-solving was completely different from someone with a finance background. Then there’s the Global Citizen, who has worked across multiple countries and industries. A classmate of mine spent years in Hong Kong’s fintech sector before coming to Anderson, while another managed supply chains in Chile. Their experiences make class discussions richer and remind you that business isn’t just local, it’s global.

You’ll also come across the Serial Entrepreneur, the person always thinking a few steps ahead with new ideas and ventures. Their passion for innovation pushes you to think creatively, even if you never considered starting a business before. Alongside them, the Industry Expert, someone with deep experience in healthcare, entertainment, or energy, often becomes a go-to resource in class or student clubs. They bring a level of expertise that helps everyone learn, whether that be leading discussions in the Healthcare Business Association or offering insights during case prep.

Then there’s the Club Enthusiast, always organizing events and making sure everyone gets involved. Their energy reminds you that these groups are the heart of the Anderson experience. Some of the best insights I’ve gained have come from casual conversations after a panel or over lunch with someone I met at a club event. You’ll also meet the Future Consultant, someone who seems to have a framework for everything, constantly practicing cases and preparing for interviews. And of course, there’s the Social Butterfly, who knows everyone and makes sure no one gets lost in the shuffle, because at the end of the day, networking isn’t about transactions, it’s about real relationships.

Every conversation at Anderson is an opportunity to learn, whether it’s about an industry you hadn’t considered, a culture you weren’t familiar with, or a career path that wasn’t on your radar. These interactions open doors, spark ideas, and sometimes even lead to job offers. We’ve all heard that networking is crucial for career success, and at Anderson, these bonds form naturally through shared classes, club activities, and social events.

Student organizations are at the core of life at Anderson. With more than 50 clubs, there’s something for everyone. Joining the Investment Finance Association might sharpen your technical skills, while affinity groups like Out@Anderson create spaces for underrepresented voices. Even social clubs like the Outdoor Adventure Club offer a chance to bond outside the classroom. These groups are so much more than just extracurriculars; they’re where friendships form, leadership skills develop, and career goals take shape.

Taking on a leadership role in a club can be especially rewarding. It’s a way to build credibility, take initiative, and create meaningful experiences for others. Employers value it, but more importantly, it’s a chance to leave your mark on the Anderson community. The best way to maximize your MBA experience is to show up by attending club meetings, networking mixers, and speaker events. Ask people about their backgrounds, learn from their experiences, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. If you see an opportunity, take the lead; organize a panel, start a new initiative, or bring people together for something new. And don’t forget the follow-up: a quick coffee chat or LinkedIn message can turn a casual encounter into a long-term connection.

At Anderson, networking isn’t a checkbox, it’s a way of life. The people you meet will challenge your thinking, push you toward new opportunities, and shape your future in ways you can’t predict. Looking back on my first year, I can say with confidence that success in business—and in life—is built on relationships. So take that first step, introduce yourself, and stay curious. You never know where a conversation might lead.

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• Student Blogger: Joe Dolan-Galaviz ’26
• Undergrad: Duke University ’18
• Pre-MBA: Customer Success Manager at Highlight (Series A startup)
• Leadership@Anderson: Director of Prospective Students, Admissions Ambassador Corps; Director of Festivals & Events, Entertainment Management Association; Director of Club Partnerships, Alliance for Latinx Management at Anderson; Riordan MBA Fellow Mentor; Management Consulting Association (member)
• Instagram: @joeygalaviz