MBA Student Profile: Brant Lee, Graziadio School of Business

As he pursues an MBA from the Graziadio School, Brant Lee tells us how the journey has been so far.

1. Why did you choose the Graziadio School?

Ultimately, my plans involve making a career change in both job function and industry.       

The Graziadio School offered me the best learning environment that will enable me to achieve my personal and professional goals.  I am a firm believer that the learning experience takes place on a variety of different levels - in the classroom and through text books/case studies, but also from the experience and perspective of the faculty, staff, and students (international and domestic) you interact with on a daily basis.
      
In addition, I wanted to be associated with a program where I had the opportunity to actively get involved.       

2. What were you doing before your MBA?

Account Executive, SAP America, Inc.

SAP America is the world's largest provider of integrated and collaborative business software solutions (i.e. financials, human resource/payroll, logistics).  My responsibilities included managing all aspects of the sales cycle - driving new and add-on product and service revenue in a strategic team selling environment, developing business opportunities, and managing strategic accounts throughout the Western Region.      

3. A typical week at the Graziadio School?

The typical week involves attending 4 classes at week in 4 hour time blocks (e.g. 8am-12pm and/or 1pm-5pm).  While it may not seem like a lot of time, I find that most students (including myself) spend approximately 2-3 hours studying for every hour of class.  In addition, most classes involve individual and group projects, so a fair amount of time outside of class is spend coordinating activities with other team members.  It definitely makes for a full week.

We usually have a guest speaker(s) visiting each week during the lunch time hour (e.g. 12pm-1pm) or in early evening (e.g. 5pm-6pm), in conjunction with club/interest group meetings (e.g. Finance Club, Marketing Club, Challege-4-Charity, etc.) that take place periodically.  The speakers are optional, but I have found them to be great networking and social opportunities, since these events are often opened up to our Fully Employed MBA (FEMBA) and Executive MBA Programs.

One of the benefits of being in a relatively small MBA Program is that you have the opportunity to get know everyone in the program.  Thursdays and Fridays are designated social nights with a variety of formal and informal events.  There is never a lack of things to do in West Los Angeles!      

4. What are the professional and extracurricular activities that you participated in and outside the classroom?

- President, Malibu Graduate Business Society (Student Body)
- Admissions Committee
- Program Committee
- Graduate Marketing Association
- Challenge-4-Charity
- Mentorship Program      

5. What are some of the projects you completed at the Graziadio School?

Just to name a few:
- Company Financial Analysis
- Multi-National Company Financial Analysis
- Education to Business (E2B)
- Challenge-4-Charity 5K Run/Walk      

6. Is there anything that you consider to be a "beyond expectation" experience, while you were at the Graziadio School?

Yes.  The quality and integrity of the people, both faculty, staff, and students, I have met has far exceeded my expectations. I consider them part of my extended family, and people I hope to remain close with for the rest of my life.      

7. How has your Pepperdine MBA helped your career?

TBD but at the midway point I feel I have developed a solid foundation and have greater confidence in my business knowledge and capabilities.