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First Year Perspectives: Admitted Students Weekend – Making the Most of A-Days

About Trennedy: Trennedy is from Chicago, Illinois, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Process Management. She began her career in the financial services industry, where she spent five years gaining experience across marketing, project management, and operations. As a Marketing Campaign Lead on a strategic partnerships team, she led digital campaigns in collaboration with Amazon Ads and later worked as a program management consultant focused on compliance initiatives. At Anderson, Trennedy is excited about combining her background in marketing and operations with analytics and strategy. She is exploring opportunities in the tech and consumer packaged goods industries, with a particular interest in product marketing and helping small businesses thrive.


For many students, A-Days, Anderson’s admit weekend, is the moment Anderson starts to feel less like a decision and more like a place that could feel like home. Here’s a reflection on my experience and ways to make every moment count.

Looking Back on My A-Days

By the time A-Days arrived, Anderson was already at the top of my list. The admissions team and current students had been incredibly supportive throughout my application process, and I was excited to experience that same energy on campus. I walked into the weekend with a quiet confidence and anticipation, hoping my A-Days experience would confirm what I already felt in my heart, that Anderson was the right place for me.

A-Days delivered on that and then some. The student-led panels were especially helpful in painting a picture of what life at Anderson could actually look like. This included a session with current students who shared tips on moving to LA and budgeting as an MBA student, a mock lecture that gave me a real feel for the classroom experience, and insights from Parker Career Center advisors on recruiting resources available throughout the program. By the end of the weekend, I was incredibly informed and even more excited about what the next two years could hold.

Above all else, my favorite part of A-Days was meeting current students and my future classmates. From the identity club luncheon to the evening social events, every moment felt like an opportunity to connect and get to know people. I distinctly remember waking up each morning reflecting on the conversations from the night before and thinking how natural it felt to be part of this community. I could already envision myself making lifelong friendships at Anderson.

How to Make the Most of A-Days

    • Take a deep breath, everyone’s a little nervous.
      Everyone around you is most likely feeling the same way. They’re curious, a little nervous, and excited about what’s ahead. Once you start talking to people, you’ll quickly be able to connect on common personal and career interests. Lean into those conversations and meet as many people as you can. 
    • Come in with your real questions.
      If you’re deciding between Anderson and other programs, this is your chance to get honest, unfiltered perspectives. Ask about everything, from academic rigor to social life to career outcomes. The goal is to come away from A-Days with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
    • Attend as many sessions as you can.
      The programming is one of the most valuable parts of the weekend. Current students share their MBA journeys and candid advice, the Parker Career Center breaks down recruiting timelines and workshops in a way that makes the process feel much more tangible, and mock classes offer a real preview of the academic experience. Together, these sessions can help you get a true sense of the student experience at Anderson.
    • And don’t skip the social events.
      The social events are where Anderson’s culture truly comes alive. These moments help you picture what life would be like living in Los Angeles and, even more meaningfully, the friendships, the energy, and the sense of community that extends well beyond the classroom.

    My last piece of advice is to have fun and make memories with those around you. The weekend goes by faster than you’d expect. One moment you’re at the check-in table, and the next you’re heading home wondering where the time went. So be present, stay curious, and soak in every moment of what could be the start of your Anderson experience.


    Student Blogger: Trennedy Kleczewski ’27

    Undergrad: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ’20

    Pre-MBA: Marketing Campaign Lead at Discover Financial ServicesLeadership@Anderson: Director of Recruiter Relations; Marketing Association, Director of Inclusive Excellence; Sports Business Association, Director of Admitted Student Events; Admissions Ambassador Corps, Riordan MBA Fellow Mentor

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