Meet Woodbury Business School Graduate and MBA candidate, Grover McCarthy

Graduating from Woodbury’s School of Business with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration (BBA) in Management in 2019, Grover McCarthy decided he wasn’t done quite yet. His positive undergraduate experience led him to enroll in Woodbury’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to expand his knowledge to better serve his clients as a financial advisor. In the following interview, Grover shares how Woodbury as a whole has rewarded him across all aspects of his life, including professionally and personally.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Arcadia, California, and went to high school at La Salle College Preparatory in Pasadena, so I’ve spent most of my time in the San Gabriel Valley area.

How did you discover Woodbury?

Right out of high school, I went to San Jose State University. While I enjoyed the time I spent there, I found early on that it wasn’t going to be the best environment for me to obtain a degree. Due to the school being relatively large and having a high student-to-professor ratio, I began to feel lost in a sea of people. After realizing that I didn’t want to spend my entire college experience in San Jose, I started talking to people within my network back home, and Woodbury was recommended to me by a few people. I looked into the school, and several aspects stood out and aligned with what I was looking for to continue my education.

What is it about Woodbury that drew you to the university?

There were many things I really liked about Woodbury, but one thing that really stood out was how small the class sizes were. I knew this would allow me to truly get an excellent education, with a personalized approach and the bonus of really getting to know my professors and classmates. I also liked that Woodbury was closer to home.  After initially touring the school and meeting some of the professors and students, I immediately knew I was in the right place. I could tell that I’d be able to discover myself and a career path I was passionate about. I felt extremely welcomed by the entire Woodbury community.

What do you like most about BBA and MBA programs and the School of Business in general?

The coursework within the School of Business is efficient and easily translates into real-world scenarios. Since graduating with my BBA, I’ve been able to directly relate the knowledge that I’ve learned to help me in the workplace. I felt confident knowing that what I learned in the BBA program helped me in my career after graduation and know that I will get the same thing out of the MBA program, if not more.

What you do in your non-school time (work, hobbies, etc.)?

 I love to play golf, hike, snowboard, and fish. I also really enjoy horseback and trail riding. I’m an avid sports fan and love to cheer on my Dodgers, Rams, and Sharks. I also enjoy following the International Motor Sports Association Weathertech Championship and watching historical documentaries.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m currently working as a financial adviser with Equitable Advisors out of the Century City branch. As for short-term goals, I’ve enrolled in coursework to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®). As I continue as a financial adviser, my main goal is to continue learning and developing relationships to best help my clients prepare for their futures. I’ve always loved helping people and want to continue using my skill set, knowledge, and experience to do so throughout my career.

Any wise words to the world or to fellow students? 

If you’re not sure of your career path, getting an education is the best way to go. Whether you’re interested in the arts, business, or something else, being exposed to various topics and around others who have found their passions will help you find yours.

I’d advise Woodbury students to take full advantage of the opportunities the school has to offer. From resources like the Writing Center, the Career Center, and academic counseling, Woodbury provides a tremendous amount of help, above and beyond traditional educational offerings. The people who run these programs are passionate about helping students achieve their potential and want to see you succeed.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Woodbury has always been a special place for me, not only from an academic and professional standpoint but also personally. My brother Connor and I were looking for a new educational home, and we found it at Woodbury. We had both attended other higher education institutions before attending Woodbury, but ultimately, we graduated from the School of Business with  Bachelor in Business Management degrees. Shortly after first arriving at Woodbury, I met my girlfriend, Alexandra Thomas, while living on campus in South Hall, and now we’ve been together for the better part of nine years. She has helped me overcome countless struggles and has been the source of my success at Woodbury.

I would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. Joan Marquez, Dr. Nathan Garrett, Dr. Andre Van Niekerk, Dr. Adam Wood, Dr. Satinder Dhiman, Brian Flynn, and Brandi Fields for helping me find my path at Woodbury and for all of the support along the way. I truly appreciate their knowledge and kindness, and it will never be forgotten.

Last Updated on February 26, 2021.