About Levy: Levy grew up in Bandung, Indonesia, and spent a year as an exchange student in Charleston, WV during high school. He then studied electrical engineering at Universitas Indonesia in Jakarta, where he played collegiate flag football, captained trivia quiz teams, and graduated as valedictorian. After college, Levy spent 5+ years at a leading Asian bank, gaining experience in various roles including retail and corporate banking, strategy, marketing, and sales. From the bustling streets of Bandung to now the halls of UCLA Anderson, Levy aims to transition into consulting or a strategic role in Fortune 500 companies post-graduation. In his free time, he teaches spin classes (catch his class at the John Wooden Center!) and enjoys sports games.

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My journey has been defined by a single principle: comfort is the enemy of progress. After four years of electrical engineering and a stint in academic research, I made a bold pivot into banking—an industry entirely foreign to me. This leap was driven by my aspiration to become a well-rounded professional with strong financial acumen. Throughout my five-year tenure at DBS Bank, a leading Asian financial institution, I maintained this spirit of continuous growth, switching roles every 2 years. Each transition brought new challenges and learning opportunities, from retail to corporate banking, and from strategy to sales. Working across multiple countries, I forged invaluable relationships and gained a comprehensive understanding of the finance sector. 

It’s not easy to walk away from something that you love doing. Despite my success and passion for banking, I recognized the need for further growth. I expect that this growth will close the gap between what I have at the moment and achieving my eventual goal in the future. After careful evaluation, I decided to pursue an MBA at UCLA Anderson for three key reasons.

Firstly, I sought broader industry exposure. While banking provided a solid foundation, Anderson’s diverse curriculum, case studies, and industry projects offer insights into various sectors crucial for navigating today’s interconnected global economy. This cross-industry knowledge can lead to innovative solutions and strategic advantages for the greater good of society. Moreover, the school’s location in a global business hub like LA is a significant draw. It allows me to stay connected to the pulse of business even while pursuing my studies, presenting tremendous opportunities for networking and real-world application of classroom concepts. 

Secondly, I aimed to broaden my global perspective and enhance my leadership skills. Anderson’s MBA program offers an unparalleled avenue to develop cross-cultural competencies. As part of the Class of 2026, with over 40% international students and a diverse mix of professional backgrounds, I’m immersed in a rich, multicultural environment. This diversity, combined with Anderson’s focus on teamwork and communication, is honing my ability to lead effectively and inclusively in a globalized business landscape far beyond the banking sector. 

Lastly, at this stage in my career, I recognized the value of enhancing my credibility in the international business arena. While I firmly believe that professional accomplishments and work ethic are fundamental to one’s credibility, I’ve observed a common thread among many industry leaders who inspire me: an American MBA. The exceptional experience that Anderson offers is pivotal in this regard, it does not only solidify my business acumen but also adds a globally recognized credential to my profile. Moreover, I feel I’m at the perfect juncture where I can both absorb new knowledge and contribute meaningful insights to class discussions. This symbiotic learning environment at Anderson promises to sharpen my strategic thinking, and ultimately elevate my professional standing in the international business community.

Now halfway through my first year, I’m certain I made the right choice. The past six months have been transformative, balancing intense learning with networking, personal growth and having so much fun! Courses like Business Strategy and Fundamentals of Microeconomics have filled gaps in my business knowledge. The robust recruitment opportunities at Anderson have allowed me to build a new professional network, aligning perfectly with my post-MBA goal of transitioning into management consulting or a strategic role. Anderson is equipping me with the tools and connections to make this pivot successfully, and I’m really thankful to be here. Speaking of fun… life at Anderson has been a blast! I’ve been soaking up all that LA has to offer – from cheering at my first Lakers game to experiencing the electric atmosphere of the World Series Game 1 (Go Dodgers!). And let’s not forget the amazing trips I’ve taken with my new friends. These are just a few highlights of the awesome experiences I’ve had outside the classroom.

As I look ahead, I’m excited about the possibilities this MBA journey is unlocking. It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about transforming into a versatile, globally-minded business leader. The skills, experiences, and connections I’m gaining at Anderson are preparing me to tackle complex business challenges across various industries. My transition from banking to an MBA at Anderson represents more than a career shift—it’s an investment in becoming a more adaptable, innovative, and effective leader. As I continue to push beyond my comfort zone, I’m confident that this decision will yield dividends throughout my career, enabling me to drive change and make meaningful contributions in an ever-evolving business landscape.

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• Student Blogger: Muhammad Levy Aninditio ’26
• Undergrad: Universitas Indonesia ’17
• Pre-MBA:  Assistant Vice President, Corporate Banking at DBS Bank
• Leadership@Anderson: Director of International Outreach, Anderson Ambassador Corps; Director of International Students, Management Consulting Association; Director of Marketing & Branding, Strategy & Operations and Management Association; Director of Student Affairs & Admission; Southeast Asian Business Association; Director of Admission; Sports Business Association; Riordan MBA Fellow Mentor