How did the Moore School prepare you for your career? Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you?
I’ve encountered countless individuals in leadership positions since I began my college career.  But two people stand out in particular and have influenced my professional leadership style more than most.  They showed me how to be a leader regardless of rank or position in an organization. Sanjay Ahire and Jack Jensen (retired faculty), leaders in the Management Science department (formally known as GSCOM) at the Moore School, each taught me how to lead and influence others to achieve an objective regardless of the obstacles or constraints in the way.  

There are three concepts they passed on to me during my studies and as mentors in the years after I graduated. First, no dumb questions: if you’re confused, ask clarifying questions until you aren’t confused. If you don’t understand something, the odds are that other folks on the team may not understand either.

Second, when working on a problem, if the solution isn’t clear at first, then roll up your sleeves and figure it out as a team. Surround yourself with smart folks from different backgrounds, lean on your team and be available when your team needs to lean on you. So many times during my studies at USC I found myself at the Moore School library late at night or in the middle of the weekend and Ahire or Jensen would see me and my classmates working on a project. When we would tell them we’re stuck on something and don’t know how to proceed, they would put their bag down, take a seat and calmly say “Okay, let’s go through it. Where are we with the project? Let’s figure this out together.”  They never gave us the answer but gently guided us as we found our way to the solution.  

Which leads me to their third and final lesson, trust oneself. When a project or challenge seems overwhelming and impossible and it’s not clear where to start or what to do next, it’s OK to take a step back, remember we’ve solved hard problems before, and we have the skills and tools required to tackle this one too. While I often still lean on the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control/DMAIC toolkit when approaching new problems and have continued to hone these skills as I earned my Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, the soft skills these leaders passed along to their students are far more valuable than any of my certificates.

As I’ve advanced in my career and somehow find myself with mentees of my own, I keep these lessons in mind. The impact these two professors had on me has influenced dozens of folks across the globe from client teams I’ve supported to the first team I built from the ground-up in Pune, India, as I worked to develop an analytics team over the course of 2017 and 2018. I taught hard skills like Lean Six-Sigma, SQL and how to develop best-in-class business intelligence dashboards but was also sure to demonstrate the same type of kind leadership I experienced from Ahire and Jenson during my studies.

Though it’s been years since I built the team up and most of us have moved on to different roles, I’m still in regular communication with those team members who have all gone on to build their own successful teams and some of whom have earned their own Lean Six Sigma Black Belts and nearly all of whom have far surpassed any of my technical skills. The open-door culture I experienced in my short time in the GSCOM department, where no question is a dumb question, if you have a problem, let’s figure it out together, and to trust yourself has spread far beyond the Horseshoe and the halls of the Moore School. For that, I am eternally grateful to Ahire, Jenson, the GSCOM team, and the University of South Carolina.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)? 
The impact of my Moore School degree has extended far beyond the classroom, shaping the foundation of my career. Through my capstone project, I gained exposure to real-world business challenges and earned my Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, which immediately set me apart in the job market. That experience led to a strong job offer before graduation in a global management development program, giving me the opportunity to work across industries with teams around the globe and refine my leadership and problem-solving skills early on.

Beyond technical knowledge, the long-term value of my degree has come from the relationships built during my time at USC. The mentorship I received didn’t stop at graduation — my professors remained accessible as I navigated real-world challenges, providing guidance that helped shape key career decisions. While my path has been anything but linear, the Moore School gave me a strong foundation to pivot, grow and create opportunities that aligned with my goals.

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
The varied classes, styles of teaching and presentation/public-speaking requirements shaped me into the professional that I am today. The group projects and business case proposals are all things I currently do in the "real world," and I'm so glad I achieved a high level of understanding in these areas while something like my paycheck was not at risk. It allowed me room for feedback, critiques and practice to get those intangibles at an advanced degree before entering the workforce. I felt I left undergrad with a sharp toolbox of a well-rounded professional. Going into law school, I was completely prepared for the Socratic method used at USC law and excelled in my graduate degree. These are still skills I practice and hone every year.

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you?
There are two faculty members who stand out to me during my time: Courtney Worsham and Robert Lambdin (former lecturer). I had Worsham for a couple of marketing classes, and she taught me a lot about personal branding and how to be confident in myself, not worrying about what others would think of me. She also taught me that I could be a career woman and a mother at the same time, and that I could be great at both, however difficult it would be (I didn't think much of it at the time). And now that I am both, I've discovered it is the hardest thing I've ever done, but it's been 100 percent worth it. She had elegance and grace, was assertive but not aggressive, all the things I wanted for myself. I really admired her.

Robert Lambdin was my management professor and purposefully chose our groups for the main semester project. At the time, I was one of those students who just did the entire project and let the others skate by because I didn't trust them to do quality work; I was selfish in that way. But he put me in a group that tested my patience (I think on purpose looking back!) and leadership. It was one of the greatest professional development experiences of my life, and I still talk about it to this day. I met one of my dear friends in that random group pairing, and we laugh about that group project every time we are together. Lambdin taught me teamwork in the workplace and the importance of having different perspectives and skillsets on the team. I'm so glad I learned those lessons early because they've served me well in my career.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)? 
I am so proud of the name on my degree; it commands respect in boardrooms, and my network from school is alive and well today. I work with the people I went to school with and whether they're in Charlotte, Charleston, Atlanta, D.C., Greenville, New York City, etcetera, I am able to pick up the phone and connect with any one of them at the drop of a hat. I am grateful for this network that has allowed me to achieve an executive role at a private equity firm before the age of 40. I know the Moore School is a big part of my success — I couldn't be happier or more grateful.

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
The Moore School provided a strong foundation that has shaped my career in corporate communications and compliance. By majoring in international business, marketing and human resources management at the Moore School, with a minor in Spanish, I was equipped with a global mindset and the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and functions. My study abroad experience in Sevilla, Spain, only amplified that. The school’s emphasis on academic excellence and real-world application helped me develop the strategic thinking and adaptability that are essential in managing global communications for a company with more than 70K associates.

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you? 
One of the most impactful faculty members during my time at the Moore School was Daniel Ostergaard, my international business professor. His classes challenged me to think on my feet and apply concepts to real-world case studies. His teaching style and emphasis on global strategy helped me build confidence to navigate complex business issues and communicate effectively. In addition, the mentorship and academic support I received, through programs like the Capstone Scholars and Order of Omega, encouraged me to pursue international experiences, such as studying abroad twice in Ecuador and Spain. These experiences broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global business.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)?
The return on investment has been significant, both professionally and personally. My Moore School education laid the groundwork for a career that has spanned global communications, compliance education and risk management. The confidence, critical-thinking and leadership skills I gained at the Moore School continue to serve me every day.

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
The Moore School had a tremendous impact on my career, most importantly by teaching me how to think critically and analytically. These are skills I continue to apply every day in my work. Whether it was commercial banking with Tim Koch (former faculty), accounting with Jim Austin (former faculty), or problem-solving in my supply chain courses, each experience helped build a foundation I have relied on throughout my career, from BB&T to PwC and beyond. I have worked alongside colleagues from top-ranked institutions across the country, and I would confidently put my Moore School education up against any of them. The depth of learning and the practical application of skills gave me a true competitive edge.

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you?
Two professors in particular made a lasting impact on me: Pearse Gaffney and Jack Jensen (retired faculty). Gaffney brought operations management to life in a way that was approachable and career-relevant, always taking time to discuss how the material connected to real-world opportunities. Jensen challenged me to think critically and independently. He taught me not to take things at face value, but to approach complex problems with a thoughtful and analytical mindset. Both professors were rigorous but incredibly supportive. I always appreciated how available they were during office hours, whether to discuss coursework, offer career advice or talk about the future of supply chain. Their mentorship helped shape both my academic path and my professional perspective.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)?
I am incredibly thankful that a kid from Chicago chose to attend the University of South Carolina. The Moore School gave me more than just a degree. It gave me lifelong friendships, introduced me to my future wife and helped me build a life in Columbia, which I have called home for more than 14 years. Professionally, the return on investment has been exceptional. The skills I gained from my professors and peers enabled me to grow rapidly in my career and seize opportunities I might not have had otherwise. Dollar for dollar, I would stack my Moore School degree against any business school in the country. I also see the same success in many other of my close friends. I have friends that are excelling in their fields whether at Adidas, Caterpillar, Bain, or many other top employers, I constantly see their success and know they echo my sentiments about the Moore School. 

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
The Moore School gave me far more than a degree; it gave me the foundation for a global career in the luxury industry. From day one, I was immersed in an international environment that pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to think cross-culturally and strategically. Through both the international business undergraduate and graduate programs, I had the opportunity to study and live abroad, which ultimately shaped both my personal and professional path.

The projects I worked on, especially during my master’s, were real-life reflections of what I’d face later in my career. Whether it was building go-to-market strategies, pitching new concepts or navigating global case studies, the work felt practical and relevant. Most importantly, the Moore School prepared me to navigate cultural nuance — something I do daily in my role managing client experience across diverse markets, from France, Italy and the UK to the Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The ability to adapt my approach, communicate effectively across cultures, and think globally has been one of the greatest takeaways from my time at the Moore School (and one I rely on every day).

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you?
While many professors shaped my academic experience, two individuals had an especially lasting impact: Brittain Goff and Nancy Buchan.

Goff, managing director of the Master of International Business program, wasn’t my professor — but she was the backbone of my Moore School experience. From day one, she was my biggest cheerleader and advocate. When I shared my goal of starting a career in luxury in Paris, she made the exception to allow me to complete my MIB Double-Degree at ESSEC’s Paris campus, despite the fact that the program had always run through Singapore. I was the first student to “test run” a potential expansion of the program, and Goff made sure I had the support I needed every step of the way. Whether it was solving administrative hurdles or guiding me through visa challenges, she fought for me and my success all along the way. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

And in the classroom, Buchan also had a huge influence on me. Her International Marketing class was the hardest one I took at the Moore School — and still somehow became my favorite. She had a way of pushing me to reach my full potential while making the material deeply engaging and relevant. The final project I completed in her class ended up impressing my future manager during the hiring process and was a major factor in helping me land my first job. She also wrote my recommendation letters for the Double-Degree program and gave me an early confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully in global business settings.

Both Goff and Buchan played key roles in helping me get to where I am today, and I’m endlessly grateful for their support, mentorship and impact.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)?
The ROI on my Moore School degrees has been immeasurable — both professionally and personally. Career-wise, it opened doors I never imagined I’d walk through so early in my journey. When I started as a freshman, my goal was clear: I wanted to build a career in France in the luxury industry. I genuinely thought that journey would take years longer. Thanks to the foundation I built at the Moore School, I was able to earn an MIB Double-Degree, complete part of my studies in Paris, and launch my career at one of the world’s leading luxury fashion houses — all before turning 24.

But beyond the career milestones, the biggest return has been confidence to make my dream a reality. The program gave me the skills to lead, the mindset to think globally, and the support system to take big risks — like moving across the world to chase a dream.

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
The Moore School prepared me for my career through the academic content and, more importantly, the opportunities that fostered my leadership skills and pushed me outside my comfort zone. I gained the confidence to lead and innovate from a position of curiosity. During my undergraduate experience, one of the university’s slogans was “No Limits.” This mindset influenced me beyond the classroom and inspired me to challenge existing norms through innovation and problem-solving. Whether working in the corporate or nonprofit sector, I continually seek innovative solutions to improve outcomes or solve problems.

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you?
Daniel Ostergaard is the faculty member who was most impactful during my Moore School tenure. I had the pleasure of having him for IBUS 310 and two other courses, including a spring study abroad. I also served as his teaching assistant and deputy director of the Office of International Business Student Engagement. Ostergaard genuinely cares about his students and pushes them to go beyond what they thought possible of themselves, encourages them to investigate their own values and beliefs on complex global issues, and challenges them to be the best future professionals they can be. Some of the other faculty members who had a profound impact on me are Thomas Hughes, Patrick Hanly, Courtney Worsham, Alice Leri (former faculty), Joel Stevenson, Angel Earle (former staff) and Dollie Newhouse.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)?
My Moore School degrees have helped shape me into the professional and community member I am today. My experiences in class, during studies abroad, and through leadership roles and internships have helped me learn new skills and grow as a person and professional. I've also gained invaluable connections through meaningful relationships with professors, local professionals and fellow students. These connections have remained important to me after graduation and will continue to be important to me in the future.

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
My time at the Moore School was defined by a mix of academic rigor and hands-on experience. I took full advantage of the school’s cross-functional curriculum by majoring in operations and supply chain, finance, and management — disciplines that built my analytical foundation and shaped the way I approach complex problems. Through case-based coursework, real-world projects and internships, I developed a practical understanding of governance, process and team leadership. These skills — paired with the school’s emphasis on communication, collaboration and global perspective — prepared me to lead cross-functional teams, align stakeholders, and build meaningful relationships throughout my career. The Moore School’s strong alumni network was also instrumental in helping me launch my career in consulting and gave me the confidence to make a successful pivot into health care.

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you? 
Sanjay Ahire and Jack Jensen (retired) had a lasting impact on how I think and lead. Although I didn’t pursue a traditional career in supply chain, the mindset I developed in their courses continues to guide my work today. They taught me to think like a management scientist — approaching problems through the lens of process, structure and systems. The real-world case studies and projects we tackled in class gave me a strong framework for solving challenges and driving results in highly regulated and ambiguous industries like health care. Their passion and practicality helped me develop the instincts I rely on daily.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)? 
The return on investment from my Moore School degree has been tremendous — personally and professionally. It gave me a launch pad into management consulting and instilled the confidence to forge my own path in the health care industry. The leadership foundation, strategic thinking and professional instincts I developed at the Moore School continue to shape how I grow and scale businesses and lead teams. Today, I’m proud to be a leader at one of the most influential health care companies in the country and that trajectory began at the Moore School. Beyond titles or industries, the most meaningful ROI has been the mindset the Moore School helped instill: never settle, know your worth and lead with purpose.

How did the Moore School prepare you for your career?
During my time at the Moore School, I experienced significant growth and learned many hard life lessons, both professionally and personally. The rigorous academic curriculum and practical experiences provided a strong foundation for my career. I developed resilience and adaptability, learned to leverage my professors' expertise through mentorship, and applied classroom knowledge during internships and real-life experiences.

The Moore School's emphasis on real-world applications and industry connections prepared me to excel in roles within human resources and operations. These experiences have profoundly shaped me into the vastly different person I am today. I have become more confident, accountable and innovative in my approach to challenges. The leadership skills I developed have empowered me to take initiative and inspire others. On a personal level, I have grown to be more empathetic and understanding, holding myself and others accountable while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusive environments. The lessons and connections I made during my time at the Moore School have not only prepared me for professional success but also enriched my personal growth, making me a better leader and individual.

Which faculty member(s) were most impactful during your Moore School tenure and how did they impact you?
Kacie Ingram, the undergraduate career services manager, played a pivotal role in my career journey. When I first met her, I was in urgent need of an internship for my sophomore year summer and was already behind on applications. Ingram took on the challenge of helping me find a last-minute internship, and we worked tirelessly for three weeks, preparing for interviews and researching opportunities. As the school year was ending, and it seemed unlikely that I would secure an internship, she called with exciting news: TRU Simulation and Training’s HR intern had dropped out for the summer, and I had an interview with their HR manager that afternoon. Using all the preparation techniques Ingram and I had worked on, I went into the interview confident and well-prepared. I landed the job with TRU under the Textron parent company. Without Ingram's tireless efforts and her connections to Textron, I know my career path would look very different, and I likely wouldn’t be with Textron today. Her expertise in career coaching and her dedication to ensuring I had a summer internship were crucial in shaping my professional journey. I am incredibly grateful for her support and mentorship.

What has been your general return on investment for your Moore School degree(s)?
The ROI for my Moore School degree has been incredibly rewarding, both professionally and personally. The Moore School's rigorous academic curriculum provided a strong foundation in business principles, while the emphasis on practical experiences ensured that I could apply what I learned in real-world settings. Courses in human resources and operations management equipped me with the skills needed to excel in my career.

On a personal level, the Moore School fostered my growth in confidence and leadership. The challenges I faced during my four years at USC, from rigorous coursework to team projects and presentations, helped me develop resilience and adaptability. The supportive environment encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences, shaping me into a more accountable, responsible and resilient person. The faculty at the Moore School played a crucial role in my development. Their mentorship and expertise provided insights that went beyond textbooks, offering real-world perspectives and guidance. Professors like Deborah Hazzard and Kacie Ingram were particularly impactful, helping me understand the importance of ethical business practices and career readiness. Overall, the Moore School's comprehensive approach to education, combining academic rigor with practical experience and strong industry connections, has profoundly shaped me into the successful professional and well-rounded individual I am today.