Our focus on leadership development is unique from other MBA programs. The Merage School methodology relies on an intense team-oriented experience to enhance your leadership skills.
Survey results from a recent graduating class prove the effectiveness of our method:
We provide you with individual guidance, support and coaching from the time you apply to the time you graduate. As a student, you have access to dedicated on-site student services staff members who advise you on the details of your academic life, including identifying which classes best meet your career goals. Our student services team organizes and runs the new student orientation, all three residentials, and periodic social or networking events. The team also manages course registration, receipt of faculty course materials and secure student parking permits.
Our personalized approach to learning and program delivery eases the transition of incoming FEMBA students back into the academic lifestyle. We recognize the multiple demands on time of working professionals and take care of many details so that you can focus on the higher value aspects of your educational experience.
Robert Reza, Class of 2017
reza@uci.edu
Company: First Republic Bank
Title: Senior Loan and Credit Specialist
Education: BA in Economics, University of Southern California
Professional background: Private banking and wealth management
Favorite part about the Merage School: It’s a premier MBA program and has the newest facilities of any business school in the United States. I also love that there are several ways to get involved - you can tailor your involvement to your schedule and comfort level. I’ve chosen to get highly involved. Within my first two quarters, I became class section representative, I was invited to participate in the Association for Corporate Growth, and joined the Center for Investment and Wealth Management.
Career aspiration: President of a Fortune 500 company.
Activities as a FEMBA Section Rep: The section representative is your peer resource to the Merage School. I keep my fellow students connected and informed. When you enter business school, you’re buying a network along with your education. The section representative sees that you maximize this time.
Something unique about yourself: When I was an undergraduate I helped develop a course in the economics of happiness.
Shannon Shetty, Class of 2017
sshetty@uci.edu
Company: Anthem Blue Cross
Title: Labor & Trust Support Specialist
Education: BA in Business Economics with a minor in Management, University of California, Irvine
Professional background: Account Manager at RPM Consolidated Services and Operations Manager/Customer Relationship Manager at US Calibration.
Favorite part about the Merage School: The students in my cohort have become like a second family to me. The time we spend together at school and various events make this journey an unforgettable experience.
Career aspiration: To grow within Anthem and join the leadership team. I want to spread positive change within my organization as well as the communities I am a part of.
Activities as a FEMBA Section Rep: As a section rep, I create opportunities that bring my fellow section mates together so we can all support each other to achieve our academic and professional goals. I also collaborate with the other section representatives to engage the entire Merage school, unifying our classes and enhancing our experience.
Something unique about yourself: I'm always on the go and it is rare to catch me without a smile on my face. I can make the best out of any situation.
Gina Heitkamp, Class of 2014
Co-Founder, iBesties: Middle School Moguls
"I can sit in a meeting with a C-level executive and understand the language and offer my own opinions with confidence."
Hamaad Akmal, Class of 2008
Vice President, Sales Operations at Dana Innovations
"I was able to develop and execute a strategy for my company and we are now light-years ahead of where we started."
Katie Bianchi, Class of 1996
Chief Human Resources Officer, Advantage Sales and Marketing
"It's so rewarding for to me to watch the different levels and ages of graduates get involved and network with each other."
Jon Rettinger, Class of 2011
President and Editorial Director, TechnoBuffalo, LLC
"I wouldn't be on a path to where I want to go, if it wasn’t for a Merage MBA."
Commentator on CNBC and Fox Business as well as contributing writer to Wireless Week. He ranks in the top 5% globally in social media influence and was one of OC Metro’s top 40 under 40 for 2011.
Jason Pecora, Class of 2011
Director, Marketing, VOD/PPV/Digital HD at Fox Filmed Entertainment
"I was able to completely change my career path from making a connection through a Merage School alum."
