Back to UC Davis: My Experience Auditing Project Management Course

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The day I graduated from the UC Davis MBA program three years ago remains etched in my memory. Laying on a Bay Area beach, I felt a whirlwind of emotions—pride, happiness and a touch of sadness. The questions raced through my mind:

 Will I lose touch with my friends?

 How can I stay connected with my professors and staff?

Why, oh why, did I miss the chance to take the Product Management course?

There are countless reasons why UC Davis holds a special place in my heart. There is something special about its culture.

From brilliant students with open hearts to intellectual professors and a caring dean and staff, UC Davis always felt like the right place. Together, we embarked on a journey of learning, organizing numerous events, volunteering, and having fun.

I'll never forget my first class with Professor Prasad Naik. Back then, my command of English was shaky, and speaking up in class filled me with apprehension. But with each challenge I faced, with each new class, I forged new friendships, and my confidence increased.

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This transformation was a testament to the nurturing environment that UC Davis provides—a place where academic lessons blend seamlessly with personal growth.

The Mentorship of Remarkable Professors

What sets UC Davis apart is the caliber of its professors. They excel not just in their fields but also in their genuine care for the success and well-being of their students. Their commitment to our growth extends far beyond the classroom, even continuing after graduation.

I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to have had Marc Lowe as a mentor. He's not only an exceptional instructor but also a person with a heart of gold. During my last MBA year, I could not take Lowe's Product Management class as I planned because my second child was born when the class was offered. I was upset I did not take the class earlier, but fate had a surprise in store. Three years after graduation, the opportunity to audit the class arose, bringing sheer delight.

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A Place That Feels Like Home

Returning to the Graduate School of Management held countless memories, where friendships were forged—truly a place that feels like home.

Lowe’s lectures felt like music to my ears. Not only was the material easy to comprehend, but it was presented with humor and in a fun environment.

Auditing his Product Management class gave me the chance to reconnect with fellow alumni. Initially, we may have felt a tad rusty, but we quickly adapted and embraced the spirit of learning and competition.

We tackled Markstrat, a business simulation game, with gusto, treating the imaginary firm as our own company. Our goal? Sales growth, improved margins and the highest stock value in the industry.

Our dedication paid off as we won second place, even though we operated as a "global company” because two team members traveled to China and Moldova which made scheduling more challenging. This shared experience with my school, Lowe, students, and fellow alumni became an unforgettable journey.

A Close-Knit Community of Lifelong Learners

I can't emphasize how exceptional these MBA students are. I was humbled by how much I learned from them in just one class. Their friendly and inclusive nature made my alumni friends and me feel like an integral part of their cohort. I already miss the moments we shared in the classroom.

Returning to school after graduating isn't merely a journey back into the world of education. It's a heartwarming homecoming—a rediscovery of the culture that shaped my values, the professors who inspired my dreams, and the friends who shared my aspirations. It's a journey that empowers me once again, reminding me of who I am and what I can achieve.