Alumni Spotlight

Our Alumni Spotlight series invites distinguished alumni and Pre-Master’s Boot Camp (PMBC) graduates from the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University to share their unique journeys, insights, and valuable academic and professional experiences. Through these authentic stories, we aim to inspire prospective students, guide their academic pursuits, and empower their career choices. At SCU, our students never stop pushing boundaries as they craft their own extraordinary futures

Meet Gloria: From Wuhan to Silicon Valley

"Hello everyone! My name is Gloria, and I am originally from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. I completed my undergraduate studies at a university specializing in finance and economics, where I majored in Accounting. After graduating in 2021, I began my career at a state-owned enterprise. However, due to the pandemic, my long-awaited plans to study abroad had to be put on hold.

In November 2023, I enrolled in the PMBC (Pre-Master’s Boot Camp) program, which consisted of three foundational courses: one in mathematics and two in introductory programming. This intensive experience built a solid foundation for my graduate studies and successfully paved my way to receiving an admission offer from SCU."

Related Reading:

• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA)

• Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS)

01. First Impressions: Stepping onto the SCU Campus

When deciding on my study abroad destination, I carefully compared universities in New York and California. Ultimately, California won my heart. The winter weather in New York wasn't a good fit for me, whereas California offers beautiful sunshine and an incredibly pleasant climate year-round.

Beyond the weather, SCU’s campus is exceptionally safe. Essential amenities like supermarkets, banks, and restaurants are all within walking distance, making daily life incredibly convenient. Most importantly, the university is situated in the absolute heart of Silicon Valley, surrounded by world-renowned tech giants, which unlocks infinite possibilities for future career development.

SCU's Proximity to Silicon Valley Tech Giants (By Car)

• ByteDance, PayPal, Oracle: 5 minutes

• NVIDIA: 7 minutes

• Amazon: 8 minutes

• Intel: 10 minutes

• Apple: 13 minutes

On campus, you'll occasionally spot friendly squirrels hopping onto your desk, curiously peering at your laptop screen.

The university library features three beautifully designed floors with diverse study zones, creating the perfect environment for students to fully immerse themselves in their studies.

02. Academic Life: From Fundamentals to Breakthroughs

I am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) within the Leavey School of Business. During my first quarter, I took three courses: Financial Accounting and two programming language courses. Classes are conveniently scheduled from Tuesday through Thursday in the afternoons and evenings. The faculty members are incredibly patient, and many of them are either distinguished SCU alumni or hold degrees from prestigious institutions like Stanford University.

The academic pace in the U.S. is very fast, requiring rigorous pre-class preparation and previewing. We encounter quizzes before almost every lecture, followed by comprehensive assignments afterward. While it felt a bit intense initially, keeping up with the pace is entirely manageable as long as you stay dedicated. A major plus is that all lectures are recorded, allowing us to review the material anytime and easily address any gaps in our understanding.

The Leavey School of Business building, where our graduate classes take place.

Beyond academics, I’ve embraced the opportunity to try new things. For instance, I joined a local ballet studio near campus. Immersing myself in ballet has become a wonderful way to unwind and refresh my mind amidst a busy academic schedule.

03. Career Planning: Bridging Accounting and Data Analytics

My immediate post-graduation goal is to leverage Silicon Valley’s unmatched ecosystem to secure a role as a Data Analyst. I look forward to combining my accounting background with advanced programming skills to deliver highly efficient data-driven solutions for businesses. After gaining 1 to 2 years of professional experience, I plan to pursue a Juris Doctor (JD) degree focusing on Tech Law, allowing me to fully integrate business, technology, and legal expertise.

SCU provides students with an abundance of career resources, including industry mentors, one-on-one writing coaches, and comprehensive job-search support through the Career Development Center. These resources have filled me with confidence, and I firmly believe that through hard work, I can achieve my professional dreams right here in Silicon Valley.

04. The PMBC Program: The Ultimate Launchpad for Graduate Success

Before officially starting my master’s program, the PMBC program allowed me to build a rock-solid foundation in mathematics and Python programming. The PMBC instructors are mostly SCU alumni who provide not only top-tier academic guidance but also incredibly practical career advice. This experience allowed me to acclimate to the American classroom environment well in advance, leaving me fully prepared for the challenges of graduate school.

Related Reading:

• Curriculum Overview | SCU Leavey School of Business Pre-Master's Boot Camp (PMBC)

• Maximize Your Admission Chances! Join the Online PMBC Training Camp to Secure Your Graduate Spot Early (GMAT/GRE Waivers Available)

05. Conclusion: Writing a New Chapter in Silicon Valley

From a classroom in Wuhan to a university campus in Silicon Valley, this journey has brought about unprecedented personal growth and transformation. Beyond academic knowledge, I have mastered the art of efficient time management and mindset adjustment. Along the way, I have also made many wonderful friends from diverse backgrounds, including a great group of classmates from India.

Looking ahead, I am eager to apply the knowledge I’ve gained to real-world practices, creating tangible value for businesses and society. At the same time, I hope my story can serve as a guide and source of inspiration for future students planning their own study abroad and career paths.

I wish all of you the absolute best on this journey. Keep moving forward, embrace the growth, and become the best version of yourselves!"