Pepperdine University - Graziadio Business School

The Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management in Los Angeles has a “good reputation” and is “more cost effective” than “[many] other top-tier schools.” Students here also appreciate that it’s a “values-centered program” with a firm focus on “ethical business practice[s].” Another strength of Pepperdine is that it offers students a “flexible schedule” along with “multiple class locations.” In turn, this makes it “very easy” for individuals to put together their course-load. Classes themselves are “challenging” and provide students with “multiple opportunities to take leadership positions [within] group projects.” There’s also an emphasis on “real-world application.” For example, as one MBA candidate shares, “We did numerous projects with outside firms big and small…help[ing] them solve their current issues.” Of course, the coursework is also enhanced by “amazing” professors who “genuinely care about the student experience.” Many maintain “an open door policy” and if a “question or concern [arises] there is no hesitation for a phone call or even a meeting in person.” What’s more, they seem to have a “passion for sharing their expertise.” Finally, as this student succinctly states, “I’ve never had a moment where I felt like I wasn’t getting my money’s worth.”

The Pepperdine MBA program provides its students with an “unimaginable” alumni network, and students can easily turn to their professors for “internships and job opportunities” as well. And, of course, Graziadio’s Career Management Center is “very active” and sends out job postings “weekly.” Students also rush to mention that their career advisors are more than “willing to meet every trimester” and gladly “help change or rewrite your resume.” And there are numerous services and events of which students can take advantage. These include career webinars on topics such as salary negotiations, conducting effective job searches and how to influence company culture. The Career Center also hosts numerous job fairs as well as “meet and greets” with exciting companies like Patagonia. Graduates from Graziadio are frequently recruited by a number of major corporations including AT&T, Deloitte, Sony Pictures Television, Bank of America, The Coca-Cola Company, Ernst & Young and Mattel.

Pepperdine MBA students will likely find their lives to be “jam packed.” After all, there are daily “opportunities… to be involved with clubs, career center activities, networking, and more.” Students also enjoy kicking back at “well put together mixers” as well as participating in “challenging case competitions.” Of course, there’s also “a ton of group work for most classes” so many people spend their time “meeting with classmates to complete assignments.” Thankfully, when these MBA candidates need a break, they can take in the “beautiful” scenery surrounding Pepperdine. The MBA experience here is also enhanced by the “driven” and “friendly” students who are all “seeking a purpose and a way to succeed.” Moreover, they tend to be “very collaborative” and “always interested in helping one another.” As one impressed individual boasts, “I believe that Pepperdine is unique in that students are not trying to one up one another, but want everyone to succeed to the best of their ability.” Students also love that their peers are incredibly “diverse.” Indeed you’ll find “classmates ranging from very liberal to somewhat conservative” as well as individuals from varying “professions” and “ethnic backgrounds.” Thankfully, “everyone understands each other no matter what stage of life you are no matter what position or age.” As one student sums up, “I couldn’t have asked for better environment.”