11 Best MBA Clubs in San Diego

Your MBA is what you make it. If you sit back and passively attend classes, it won’t do you much good.

But if your goal is to discover new opportunities, expand your network, and enhance your skills, then you need to participate outside of class. The truth is that if you don’t get involved in some kind of extracurricular activity you will miss out on the full benefits of your MBA experience

By participating in clubs you have the opportunity to expand your educational experience while forming connections that will help you far into the future. According to the 2013 Prospective Student Data Survey by GMAC, just 48% of students planned to become involved in student groups on campus. Make sure you’re part of that 48%.

Whether you attend a large school with hundreds of clubs or a smaller institution with just one or two options, participating in a student club can help you transform your academic life into active preparation for your career and life after graduation. Clubs help you explore new career opportunities while gaining a deeper knowledge of specific areas.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions as an MBA student, but that’s the exact opposite of what you should do.

Take a look at our list of the 11 best MBA clubs in San Diego and make the decision to enhance your MBA experience.

Best MBA Clubs in San Diego

Rady School of Management

The Rady School of Management at UC San Diego is one of the top MBA programs in the country and also one of the youngest in the nation to achieve AACSB recognition. Attending students should consider these clubs:

• Rady Club for Operations & Analytics: This club is focused on areas of Operations and Analytics including Supply Chain, Cost Management, Logistics, and Data Analytics. The club provides its members with both theoretical and real-life knowledge through panels, professional seminars, and social events.
• Asian Business Club: The Asian Business Club is interested in Asian business, societies, and cultures. It is dedicated to promoting networking and communications between the Rady community and Asian business communities. The goal is to enhance the networking opportunities for Rady students.
• Rady Leading with Service Club: MBA students at Rady have numerous opportunities to explore career advancement by seeking involvement in community activities. This club helps MBAs connect to local and international communities through volunteer work.

Fermanian School of Business

Business students at the Fermanian School of Business at Point Loma Nazarene University not only receive a faith-based education but also opportunities to participate in a few unique clubs.

• Microfinance Club: The Microfinance Club focuses on global poverty and development issues. The main focus of the club is the Two Dollar Challenge, which encourages students to simulate living conditions of nearly half the world’s population.
• Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE): The SIFE club helps MBAs give back to their local San Diego community. The club has a partnership where consultants go into low-income high schools to teach students about entrepreneurship.

San Diego State University

San Diego State University’s College of Business Administration is home to one of the largest business schools in Southern California. Students can achieve their Full-Time, Part-Time, Executive, or Sports Management MBA. A few of their clubs include:

• Business Consulting Group: The BCG is the perfect club for MBAs looking to get the most out of their experience. The club educates students about opportunities in the consulting industry through events, career opportunities, education workshops, and more.
• Entrepreneur Society: The Entrepreneur Society fosters entrepreneurial learning and networking. The Society’s goal is to enhance an MBAs education and to offer events, internship and job opportunities to members.
• National Association of Women MBAs: The NAWMBA club at Rady seeks to empower business peers through support and networking. Regular events, conferences, speakers, and networking opportunities are offered to participants.

University of San Diego

The University of San Diego School of Business Administration is accredited by the AACSB and offers both Part-Time and Full-Time MBA programs. Students have the opportunity for personal, academic, and professional development through classroom work and within a variety of clubs.

• Student International Business Council: This Council is dedicated to the vision of “Peace through Commerce.” It’s focused on leadership, international business, and responsible business conduct. Members can participate in several projects per year in conjunction with business leaders around San Diego. Students can also head overseas for leadership conferences and internships.
• USD Graduate Business Veterans Organization (GBVO): The GBVO’s goal is to develop socially responsible leaders with a global mindset. The Organization integrates the USD MBA program with military services to facilitate productive connections in the local business community.
• Management Consulting Association (MCA): The goal of MCA is to enhance the career and professional development of MBAs interested in careers in management consulting. Students gain real-world project experience, case interview preparation, and networking opportunities.