To say that Jaden Risner (MBA ’19) has a lot on his plate would be an understatement. When he’s not in class pursuing his MBA degree, he works as a Naval Officer and pilot, and also is working on developing Family Proud, a startup launched with his fellow Rady School of Management classmates.
“I chose Rady largely because I believe in the Rady School’s mission to develop ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who make a positive impact in the world,” he said. “Coming to Rady has afforded me the greatest opportunity to meet my co-founder of Family Proud. My story is not unique in anyway, however it has had its own set of challenges and tribulations over the years. Each and every one of us have stories and experiences that define who we are.”
1)Â Why did you choose to pursue an MBA?
I chose to pursue an MBA at Rady to give myself a foundation of business acumen and use the available resources to act as a catalyst for my startup.
2)Â Why did you choose the Rady School?
The Rady School is well known in Southern California for having a strong entrepreneurial program and with part of Rady’s mission demanding us to have a positive impact through innovation, I felt that it was the best place to be.
3) What do you feel makes Rady unique? How do you benefit from these aspects?Â
Rady is unique because it brings together such a wide variety of people and backgrounds, which enables us as students to learn so much more through the people you engage with in program.
4) What classes are you looking forward to taking this year?
I am looking forward to Negotiations and Topics in Innovation of Healthcare Tech.
5)Â How has your perspective on your career or your life changed since you came to Rady?
I have enjoyed interacting with my classmates from different backgrounds as it has helped me learn about other fields that I have no experience in.
6) What are your goals after graduation?
My goal after graduation is to successfully transition to the Navy Reserves and be working on my startup full time.
7) What advice do you have for prospective students?
Take advantage of the resources available through both Rady and UC San Diego at large. Don’t just wait for that next seminar, plug yourself into the communities and networks you are interested in and go after it.
8)Â Anything else you would like to share?
Your time in any program will be short, build meaningful relationships with the people you are around and balance your learning with growth. Don’t forget to enjoy the La Jolla sunsets, albeit it might be from the study room.