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GEMS

  • Color photograph of the GEMS at USC organization facing camera.
    Transformative Leadership + Human Skills

    GEMS at USC

    Guiding Exceptional Minds to Success (GEMS) is a highly selective early career development program that each year offers exceptional students in accounting, finance and business first–hand exposure and networking with professionals in leading industries, customized mentoring and unparalleled professional presence and leadership training.

    Selected students typically spend half a year participating in trips to meet management and executives in multinational companies, roundtable discussions with professionals at varying levels of the organization, and learning about potential internships and employment roles in these organizations. 

    Each GEM is paired with a USC mentor, who is an expert in the student’s declared field or industry of choice, to facilitate their growth, both as individuals and young professionals. 

    The purpose of the GEMS program is to provide gifted and highly motivated business students with the resources to harness their leadership potential and assist them in creating a uniquely purposeful and authentic career.

“The goal is to help propel our students toward meaningful and impactful future careers.”

— Mike Paranal, Assistant Professor of Clinical Accounting

Real World — Right Now

GEMS San Francisco Trip

APPLY TO GEMS

The application period for the 2026 GEMS Program has now closed.

The selection process is very competitive. The USC GEMS Committee processes the applications, and former GEMS participants screen the applications, to identify the most promising candidates. Sixty of the most qualified applicants are selected to be finalists and are interviewed. Chosen candidates are then notified and are invited to Selection Weekend.
Eligibility Requirements
must have completed BUAD 280 or will complete BUAD 280 before the start of the following semester.

Selection Criteria
Selection as a GEM is based on a combination of the following criteria:
-Excellent academic record, specifically in accounting or finance courses
-Evidence of leadership skills and potential for further growth
-Demonstrated commitment to community or public service
All these qualities combined with the strength of one’s character, a positive attitude and ability to collaborate with others are taken into consideration when selecting a GEM.

2024 GEMS

  • Maria Barun

    Maria Barun

    Major: Business Administration
    Maria is majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Artificial Intelligence, blending her passion for finance with cutting-edge technology. This past summer, she honed her skills during an investment banking internship, gaining valuable experience in the fast-paced, finance world.

  • Mira Bhatt

    Mira Bhatt

    Major: Business Administration
    Mira is studying Business Administration, with minors in Computer Programming and Design Products. She has always been passionate about entrepreneurship and building and improving products. Currently, she serves as a Product Manager for LavaLab, a startup incubator at USC, and as Director of Curriculum for ProductSC.

  • Cynthia Chockalingam

    Cynthia Chockalingam

    Major: International Relations
    Cynthia is majoring in IR - Global Business with a management emphasis, along with NGOs & Social change. She grew interested in IR from growing up in India, intrigued by the impact of culture and regulations on daily life.

2023 GEMS

  • 2023 GEMS student Akosua Lewis.

    Akosua (Kosi) Lewis, '24

    Major: Business Administration
    Emphasis: Risk Management
    Kosi Lewis was born and raised in New York, New York. Currently, she is a rising junior pursuing a B.S in Business Administration with an emphasis in risk management.

  • 2023 Gems student Alexandra Ster.

    Alexandra Ster, '24

    Major: Business Administration
    Emphasis: Entrepreneurship & Innovation
    Minor: Mind and Body Studies
    Alexandra Ster was born and raised in San Diego, California. Alexandra is a Junior pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a minor in Mind and Body Studies.

    LINKEDIN Alexandra Ster, '24
  • 2023 GEMS student Ashley Lee.

    Ashley Lee, '24

    Major: Business Administration
    Minor: Applied Analytics
    Ashley Lee was born and raised in San Jose, California. She’s currently a sophomore majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Applied Analytics.

GEMS ALUMNI

  • GEMS alum Adriana Camargo.

    Adriana Camargo, '24

    Major: Business Administration
    Minor: Risk Management
    Adriana Camargo was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Currently, a rising junior pursuing a B.S in Business Administration with an emphasis in Analytics and a minor in Risk Management.

  • GEMS alum Alfonso Aguilar Vasquez.

    Alfonso Aguilar Vasquez, '24

    Major: Business Administration
    Minor: Applied Analytics
    Alfonso is a rising junior pursuing a B.S. in Business Administration with a minor in Applied Analytics. Originally from Mexico City, he studied high school at a boarding school in Quebec, Canada.

  • GEMS alum Andrea Nguyen.

    Andrea Nguyen, '24

    Major: Business Administration
    Major: Accounting
    Minor: Real Estate Development
    From Orange County, California– Andrea is a sophomore double majoring in Business Administration and Accounting with a minor in Real Estate Development.

GEMS MENTORS

  • GEMS mentor Alex Blecksmith.

    Alex Blecksmith

    Associate Vice President, Colliers International
    Alex is an Associate Vice President at Colliers International, a global leader in real estate services and investment management.

  • GEMS mentor Alissa Lieppmann.

    Alissa Lieppmann

    Vice President, Head of Planning & Culture, National Football League
    Alissa brings 17+ years of experience in consulting, digital marketing, strategy development and relationship management.

  • GEMS mentor Brian Chung.

    Brian Chung

    Co-Founder and CEO, Alabaster Co
    Brian Chung is the Co-Founder and CEO of Alabaster Co, a five-time Inc5000 business, and a Forbes Next 1000 honoree of promising entrepreneurs.

THE CATALYST PODCAST

Join us on this dynamic podcast as we dive into candid conversations with young Trojan leaders across diverse fields. Discover the secrets to crafting a meaningful career, personal growth tips, and insights on becoming your best self both professionally and personally. Tune in for honest discussions that unveil the blueprint for a successful and well-balanced life.

  • The Catalyst: Ep. 5 The Voices of the Future with GEMS Graduates

    Assistant Professor of Clinical Accounting and host of The Catalyst Mike Paranal concludes the school year by speaking with GEMS graduates on their time at USC and what advice they can offer to incoming students.

  • The Catalyst: Ep. 4 The Virtues of Failing with Brian Chung

    Assistant Professor of Clinical Accounting and host of The Catalyst Mike Paranal speaks with Marshall alum, founder, and Forbes Next 1000 honoree Brian Chung to discuss his time at USC and why failing is the secret to success.

  • The Catalyst: Ep. 3 What I Learned from Jumping off Planes with David Flores

    Assistant Professor of Clinical Accounting and host of The Catalyst Mike Paranal is joined by David Flores to discuss his time as a paratrooper, his decision to go to USC for his master's of business taxation degree, and how unique experiences shape his career approach. Watch here for the full video podcast.

    GEMS is dedicated to fostering linguistic diversity and ensuring that educational resources embrace sign language as an essential component of an inclusive education.

  • The Catalyst: Ep. 2 Career Rules with Justin Lacey

    Assistant Professor of Clinical Accounting and host of The Catalyst Mike Paranal sits down with wealth management advisor and USC alum Justin Lacey for a discussion on the career advice, unspoken rules, and making it in the workplace. Watch here for the full video podcast.

  • The Catalyst: Ep. 1 Imposter Syndrome with Toni Hall

    Professor of Clinical Accounting Mike Paranal is joined by NFL Player Coordinator and USC alum Toni Hall for an honest discussion about imposter syndrome, post-grad journeys, representation, and her incredible new position with the NFL. Watch here for the full video podcast.

EVENTS + VISITS

  • Prof. Paranal, together with select USC Accounting and Marshall Students at the 2022 Chinese-American Elected Officials Awards Dinner, celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander leaders, elected officials and community members. Monterey Park, CA. June 2022.

    Prof. Paranal, together with select USC Accounting and Marshall Students at the 2022 Chinese-American Elected Officials Awards Dinner, celebrating Asian-American and Pacific Islander leaders, elected officials and community members. Monterey Park, CA. June 2022.

    1 / 5
  • US Representative for California’s 28th Congressional District, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez chats with USC students on the power of inclusive and diverse leadership. Hon. Linda Sanchez is the first Latina to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and the House Judiciary Committee

    US Representative for California’s 28th Congressional District, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez chats with USC students on the power of inclusive and diverse leadership. Hon. Linda Sanchez is the first Latina to serve on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and the House Judiciary Committee

    2 / 5
  • USC students are welcomed by newly elected Assembly member Mike Fong (49th Assembly District). Hon. Mike Fong has consistently fought to increase student access to higher education, He is also the Director of Policy and Government Relations for the City of Los Angeles.

    USC students are welcomed by newly elected Assembly member Mike Fong (49th Assembly District). Hon. Mike Fong has consistently fought to increase student access to higher education, He is also the Director of Policy and Government Relations for the City of Los Angeles.

    3 / 5
  • Prof. Paranal was invited to speak at the 2022 CEO Annual Event. He spoke about the need for inclusive and intentional leadership, especially against hate crimes and structural racism directed towards AAPI communities and other minority groups.

    Prof. Paranal was invited to speak at the 2022 CEO Annual Event. He spoke about the need for inclusive and intentional leadership, especially against hate crimes and structural racism directed towards AAPI communities and other minority groups.

    4 / 5
  • Prof. Paranal was invited to speak at the 2022 CEO Annual Event. He spoke about the need for inclusive and intentional leadership, especially against hate crimes and structural racism directed towards AAPI communities and other minority groups.

    Prof. Paranal was invited to speak at the 2022 CEO Annual Event. He spoke about the need for inclusive and intentional leadership, especially against hate crimes and structural racism directed towards AAPI communities and other minority groups.

    5 / 5

GEMS TEAM

  • Michael Constance Paranal

    Michael Constance Paranal
    • Academic Director, Master of Business Taxation
    • Assistant Professor of Clinical Accounting

    Prof. Michael C. Paranal is a CPA and a lawyer admitted to practice law in New York, California, and England & Wales, and is a multi-awarded faculty at the Marshall School. He has an extensive career in finance and law, working at Deloitte before joining Latham &Watkins as a capital markets attorney in London, UK. His expertise insecurities regulation, law, and accounting led to his work as the only non-EU citizen at the Finance Law Division of the European Central Bank (ECB) at the height of the European Debt Crisis.

    Prof. Paranal holds a Master of Business Taxation from the University of Southern California, a JD and MBA from the Wharton School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania, and a Post graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Oxford.

    At USC, he serves as the Director- Office of Culture and Community Success for the Leventhal School of Accounting and is the founder and director of the Guiding Exceptional Minds to Success (GEMS) program, a prestigious human leadership initiative for high-performing students. He is also the founder and director o fthe Real-World Ready financial literacy program, which has empowered over hundreds of high school students in Los Angeles with essential financial skills.

    Prof. Paranal is the creator of "Accounting Without Walls" Festival, the first of its kind celebration of community and belonging in the accounting industry, which was nationally recognized by Diversity Inc. Magazine and the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

    Recognized for his leadership and impact, Prof. Paranal was named a 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion by the State of California Treasurer’s Office and was honored with the 2024 Filipino Young Leader Award by the Philippine Government and the U.S. Embassy for his exceptional contributions to education, equity, and leadership development. At USC, Prof. Paranal has been awarded numerous teaching, mentoring and service awards.

    Over the course of his career, Prof. Paranal has held key leadership roles and has worked at some of the world’s leading organizations,including Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, SpaceX and the NFL.