For Max Stanley, earning an MBA with a marketing emphasis after earning his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Chapman University’s Argyros College of Business and Economics was about more than just coursework—it was a deeply transformative chapter filled with discovery, connection, and growth. From international experiences to unexpected career revelations, Max’s journey embodies the spirit of exploration and the power of building relationships.

Finding Strength in Community

One of the most impactful parts of Max’s Chapman experience came not from the classroom, but from the people sitting in it. As a graduate student, he quickly recognized the value of the diverse stories and experiences that each member of his cohort brought to the table.

“As an MBA student, I loved hearing how each of my classmates ended up at Chapman,” Max reflects. “Everyone at this level has their own personal and professional story, and getting to know everyone in my cohort has been a memorable experience.”

That sense of camaraderie extended throughout his academic journey. Max cites his fellow students as his biggest support system—always rooting for one another as they chased new career paths and celebrated each other’s successes.

Learning Beyond Borders

Max’s favorite memory at Chapman came through the International Business course, which took him and his classmates to Taiwan and Tokyo. It was an opportunity to combine education and adventure, while gaining global business insight that couldn’t be replicated in a lecture hall.

“Not only did we get to have fun outside of the classroom,” Max shares, “but we gained a tremendous amount of experience learning about how businesses operate in their own environments.”

This eye-opening experience broadened Max’s perspective on global commerce and strengthened the real-world relevance of his education. It also reinforced his love for travel, food, and culture—passions he continues to pursue throughout Orange County.

Finding the Right Fit

While Max came into Chapman with goals of joining a sales-driven field, his career path took an exciting and unexpected turn. During his time in the MBA program, he interned with Johnson & Johnson in orthopedic medical device sales—a position that soon transitioned into a full-time role.

“The industry I chose to join was one I didn’t expect to be a part of,” he admits, “but it happened to be a great choice.”

Now working as a full-time medical device representative across Southern California, Max is thriving in a role that aligns with both his professional strengths and personal drive. He credits Chapman’s career resources and mentoring faculty—particularly Professor Toplansky—for helping him navigate pivotal career decisions.

“Professor Toplansky is a fountain of knowledge,” Max says. “He was an important mentor for me when choosing my professional career, and I thank him for all of his advice.”

Lessons That Last

Among his academic highlights, Max names Professor Lloyd’s Organizational Management class as particularly impactful. The course’s emphasis on leadership, development, and meaningful discussion resonated with Max’s own goals.

“I felt that it was a course where I gained a tremendous amount of value,” he recalls. “We studied the importance of developing others as a manager—something that’s crucial for anyone aspiring to lead a team.”

Whether working in the grad lounge between classes or catching up with classmates on campus, Max made sure to embrace the full Chapman experience. His advice to new students? Stay open-minded and curious.

“Be open to learning about new career paths you weren’t previously seeking to pursue,” he advises. “Fellow classmates and professors have a tremendous amount of knowledge about different lines of work, and it’s always exciting to hear everyone’s story.”

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