Cailin Kuchenbecker's Story

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Cailin Kuchenbecker and I am a current MBA student at Cal Poly Pomona. I graduated from Cal Poly Pomona summa cum laude in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and a minor in marketing. While I was an undergraduate student, I took a research methodology course from Dr. Lauren Furey and fell in love with research. During my senior year, I got involved in the Center for Customer Insights and Digital Marketing in the College of Business Administration. The center director, Dr. Jae Min Jung, spent the next year mentoring me through the world of consumer and academic research. I was immersed in interesting and complex research projects which gave me a deeper passion for research. During my time in the center, I worked on many research projects which included studying feminism and female fitness devices as well as spokespersons and gendered products. I presented these projects at several Southern California research conferences as well as the 2018 Global Marketing Conference in Tokyo, Japan.

While in school and after graduating, I worked in computer manufacturing for three years. I decided to pursue graduate school after Dr. Jung urged me to think about a career in academia. I am now a full-time student working in the center as the Digital Marketing Implementation Lead where I supervise four undergraduate students responsible for website management, digital media, external relations, and the business research panel. I also coach those students through the world of research as Dr. Jung did and continues to do for me. I am also involved in two research projects through the LTD Projects Hatchery program. One project even being selected to represent Cal Poly Pomona in the CSU Student Research Competition.

What interests and excites you about business research?

Research, in general, excites me because it is similar to being a detective. You have a question that needs to be answered and you must find ways to collect enough evidence to answer that question. I think it is exciting to answer questions no one else has an answer for. It is thrilling to know that you are contributing to something bigger than yourself. I like conducting business research in particular because I am interested in consumer wellbeing and behavior. I want my research to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of consumers and I think I am a step closer to accomplishing that through my current projects.

Tell us about your experience in the MBA program.

My experience in the MBA program has been more than I could have ever expected. The number one thing I love about the program is the faculty. The faculty in the program really care about making the curriculum practical and applicable to students in the workforce. I learn something new every day that I can implement into my current job position. This program has also given me the freedom to pursue my own interests. I love research and the MBA program allowed me to explore that passion further by completing a thesis and taking research-oriented electives.

What are your future goals?

My goal after completing my MBA at Cal Poly Pomona is to earn my Ph.D. in marketing and become a marketing professor. I want to pursue a career in academia not only because I love research and the marketing discipline, but I want to put myself in a position to help students facing struggles as my faculty mentors did for me. Pursuing higher education is not an easy undertaking and I would love to help passionate students navigate the academic world and achieve their goals.

Do you have any advice for future MBA students?

My advice to future MBA students is to personalize your curriculum through your electives. There are so many topics you have the option to explore, you are sure to find courses that interest you and will set you up for success. I also advise developing connections with your professors. I am so grateful for the mentorship I have had during my time at CPP and would recommend other students seek out mentors who can help set you on the right path.