Rebecca Phuong
Rebecca Phuong (’22)
Los Angeles, CA
Congratulations on your graduation! What’s next?
Career-wise, I am an investment banker at Westcove Partners, an Anderson alum-founded firm. Outside of this, exploring L.A. and continuing to foster my friendships both in and outside of business school. You can always count on me if you want to go on a hike or walk or do something outdoors. I hope I can participate in the upcoming UCLA Anderson alumni events and find ways to stay more connected.
When you started at Anderson two years ago, what was your plan?
When I started at Anderson, I thought I was going to go into health care operations. Long-term, I saw myself as a hospital administrator for an integrated health care company. With an MBA, I thought I could leverage my business acumen and work with physicians to optimize operations that would drive efficiency, efficacy and effective patient care in the local community. This is not how things turned out, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Was there a class, experience or involvement opportunity that was a highlight during your time at Anderson?
My highlight at Anderson is the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management. I would not have navigated business school without this core group of individuals who continued to help and inspire me every single day. Consortium is truly one of the best kept secrets at Anderson! In addition, I could not have asked for a better support system, with the Parker Career Management Center’s Donna Robinson (CERT ’05) and Chris Weber (’09) always being there with an ear for me.
What lesson or piece of knowledge you learned at Anderson has stuck with you, as part of personal and professional life today?
Celebrate the small wins. At times, we are eager to chase the next venture or goal, but we forget how hard we worked to get to where we are today. Pause. Don’t diminish or downplay your greatness because you can make — and you are making — a difference.
What do you think makes Anderson different from other business schools?
Anderson is different from other business schools for so many reasons. If I had to choose one, I believe it is the ability to drive change. It is incredible to see how my peers can mobilize and drive change both locally and globally. Examples include mentorship programs, fundraising, various business ventures and more.