Nearly 250 students attended the UCR School of Business Emerging Careers Summit on Oct. 24. The 2025 summit featured 27 speakers representing 25 different companies and nine career panels providing students unparalleled access to early- to mid-career alumni professionals eager to share real-world insights and career advice.
“I’d say the biggest takeaway I had from today’s summit is to be proactive,” said Daniella Daoud ’27 MBA. “Founders, CEOs, and hiring managers really want to see you take that extra initiative and be the go-getter who adds to their company while also being valuable.”
The speakers shared their expertise and career journeys with the students, and the panelists offered practical guidance across diverse industries, including finance, marketing, technology, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
“This summit equips students with actionable insights on how to break into their desired industries and roles, while emphasizing professionalism, personal branding, and authenticity,” says Tamra Johnson, assistant dean for external relations.
The keynote address was presented by Larry Chung ’11, vice president of the Customer Solutions Division at Southern California Edison.
“I hope that the students who attend today get some really practical tips on how to navigate their careers, how to grow, how to promote and really just understand what the things are that move the needle when you’re looking for a job, when you’re looking advance in your education, or in the professional setting,” said Chung, who joined Southern California Edison in 2021. Previously, he was director of global external affairs and government relations at The Walt Disney Company.
“Remember, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, he said. “Cultivate tenacity and a genuine interest in others. Both are essential traits for long-term success … and embrace discomfort as a pathway for growth.”
In response to Chung’s address, Pranaya Naidu ’27 said: “The biggest thing I took away is to always be persistent.”
A networking reception concluded the summit and students seized the opportunity to connect directly with the speakers and industry professionals—a supportive environment to practice and refine networking skills, build confidence, and form valuable connections.
“A piece of advice I’d give others is that you can’t grow if you stay comfortable,” said Natalie Qaqish ’22 MBA, who attended the summit as a field marketing representative for Red Bull.
“The participation was amazing, and the event reinforced the School of Business’s commitment to bridging academic excellence with professional readiness,” says Johnson. “The day supported valuable connections that empower the next generation of business leaders.”
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Header image: Danielle Wright '17, '21 MBA (Goldman Sachs), Alani Tong (Deloitte), and Mindy Pham-Bui '21 (EY), panelists at a finance session