One of the most overused words in business school is networking.
I’ve never been completely comfortable with that word.
It can sound transactional, as if the goal is simply to collect contacts.
Over the last two years at UCLA Anderson, I’ve come to appreciate something different.
Relationships are built by working together.
Some of my most meaningful connections came through study groups. Others came through the LMI Sand Prize, the Ethics Summit, the HPE competition, the Social Impact Consulting Corps, activities, and countless conversations outside the classroom.
A few of those efforts resulted in recognition. But the awards were never the point.
The real value was the opportunity to work with people from different industries, backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking.
Every project taught me something.
Every team challenged my assumptions.
Every collaboration expanded my perspective.
Looking back, one of the best decisions I made was saying “yes” to opportunities that allowed me to work with people beyond my immediate circle.
These shared experiences created stronger connections than introductions ever could.
I’m glad I said yes to projects, competitions, and teams outside my comfort zone.
Many of the experiences I remember most started as opportunities I almost passed on.
And if there’s one lesson I’ll carry forward, it’s that some of the most valuable learning happens while building something together.