Meet Mai Nguyen ’26

Where are you from and what is your background?
I am from Viet Nam and hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University, as well as a Master’s degree in Business Analytics and Management Information from Purdue University. After graduating, I worked as a Data Analyst, consulting for the California Community College Chancellor's Office on policy decisions aimed at reaching underserved communities and educating the future workforce. I also collaborated on projects with the Obama Foundation, helping community leaders, advocates, and mayors use data to understand the disparities affecting young men and boys of color. My passion lies in creating policies that can positively impact and improve people's lives.

Why did you apply for this graduate program and decide to study at USF?
I have always been passionate about policies, and in today’s digital age, I am eager to expand my knowledge of the interactions between government, technology companies, and consumers. The MS in Applied Economics program feels like the perfect fit for me. Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, where technology is constantly reshaping our lives, this program provides an ideal opportunity to apply economic research to real-world challenges, empowering businesses and organizations to develop policies that promote public welfare.

What impacts has the Dean's Scholarship had on your ability to further your studies?
The Dean's Scholarship has had a significant impact on my ability to further my studies. It has eased the financial burden of tuition, allowing me to focus fully on my academic and career aspirations without the added stress of finances. This support has enabled me to dedicate more time to deepening my knowledge of policy-making and economic research. Beyond the financial relief, the scholarship has provided a sense of validation and motivation, encouraging me to strive for excellence and motivating me to make the most of every opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the public good through my work.

What are your career ambitions?
My career ambition is to work in the policy and strategic department of a technology company, where I can shape and implement policies that drive growth while ensuring consumer protection. Growing up in Viet Nam, where rapid economic growth has had both positive and negative impacts on people's lives, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the importance of inclusive economic policies that benefit all, not just a select few. It also sparked my interest in using economic research and policy to create more equitable outcomes in the business world. I want to explore the intersection of government regulation, technological innovation, and consumer welfare to develop strategies that not only drive business success but also safeguard consumer rights, especially in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy. This aligns with my passion for understanding how policies can improve lives and my goal of contributing to the ethical and sustainable growth of tech companies.

What is something unique or interesting about you?
Something unique about me is that I ride horses and enjoy training my dogs. These activities may seem unrelated to my academic and professional interests, but they’ve taught me a great deal about psychology and behavior. Training animals requires patience, understanding, and the ability to adapt to different personalities and responses, much like how I approach studying consumer behavior and the impact of policies. Just as I adjust my training methods with my dogs, I’m fascinated by how different policies can shape consumer behavior in unexpected ways. These personal experiences have helped me develop a deeper understanding of how to apply different approaches to achieve my goals, both in my personal life and in the professional realm of policy-making and economic analysis.