From the Dean’s Desk: Q&A with Director of MBA Admissions, Alex Lawrence
This post is part of a “From the Dean’s Desk” series, where we hear directly from our UCLA Anderson leaders across the school.
Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions for the Full-Time MBA Program Alex Lawrence (’99) recently participated in a podcast where gave his insider view into the UCLA Anderson MBA program and the admissions process. Below is an excerpt of the interview — for the full question-and-answer audio and transcribed podcast, click here
Q. Can you give us an overview of Anderson’s full-time MBA program? [1:50]
A. It’s a great program in a fantastic location – Los Angeles – that offers so many opportunities. We have recruiting strengths in management consulting, finance, real estate, entertainment. Students have a flexible curriculum, and an amazing career services center. There are so many opportunities for those who attend Anderson and become part of the family.
Q. What’s new or changing at Anderson? [2:55]
A. We’re building a new building! Marion Anderson Hall – we’re breaking ground soon and we expect it to be ready in 26 months. It will be fantastic, building on what we already have.
We have a new leadership development program, which launched last year. And our social development specialization just launched.
We changed the start of the school year for first year students. Now we bring first year students to campus in August (instead of September). They appreciate the chance to get used to the environment earlier – they take one course and have an orientation before fall quarter starts at the end of September. It also means that recruiting and info sessions are spread out over an extra month and a half.
Q. You mentioned Anderson’s location – how is it an advantage? [23:20]
A. Many times people think automatically about media and entertainment, and that’s definitely a strength of being in LA, but it’s much more than that. The student experience is very rich – people are taking advantage of academic year internships in all industries. The classroom environment is exciting: we have lecturers who bring in their industry experience. And the Dean brings industry leaders to speak and meet with students.
Q. What do you wish people would know about Anderson? [52:25]
A. They don’t realize we’re not just an entertainment school. People here go into tech, finance, consulting… They start their own businesses. LA is an incredibly vibrant startup/small business scene. It’s more about what you want to do.
We have a worldwide alumni network and a strong brand.
Being in an environment where people are not just going to be part of the status quo is exciting.
Listen to the full podcast or read the transcribed discussion by visiting the Accepted blog.
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