“The core classes make everybody well-rounded, giving us exposure to networking events, industry events,” Kosile-Palmer said. “So even if you don’t want to do tech anymore and you want to take a different route entirely, you’re going to have the basic knowledge already.”
USC Marshall’s international orientation introduced Kosile-Palmer to other students from abroad and provided an immediate warm welcome to the Trojan community. In the classroom, professors encouraged discussion and the exchange of ideas, breaking the ice to form early bonds.
Kosile-Palmer’s cohort features a diverse group of classmates, each hailing from a different sector, industry, and professional background — a hallmark of the full-time MBA program.
“A lot of us in the business school used to work in different industry sectors — finance, healthcare, tech,” Kosile-Palmer explained. “I know for sure that I can actually leverage the connections I’ve been able to build in class in the future professionally.”
True to the Trojan Network, Kosile-Palmer isn’t solely focused on her own success, but on those of her classmates as well. As she enters the corporate world post-graduation, she’ll be looking out for the members of her cohort.
“If I get a job in a company and somebody needs someone that’s an expert in finance, I know who to call. If someone needs an expert in healthcare, I know who to speak to,” Kosile-Palmer said. “Coming to the business school and seeing people from various backgrounds, different areas of expertise, is a very good way to actually be able to get that professional support you need in the future.”
Inspired to take on more leadership roles, Kosile-Palmer joined multiple student organizations. She’s the vice president of DEI for the Marshall Graduate Students Association, a member of the Marshall Consulting and Strategy Club, and the AVP of Community Engagement and Events with the Black Graduate Business Leaders (BGBL).
No longer a visitor, she strives to make campus feel like home for others, especially those with whom she closely identifies.
“I thought that would be an opportunity for me to foster an inclusive environment within the Marshall community and use that platform to bring people together to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Black culture,” Kosile-Palmer said of her experience in BGBL.
As she looks to the future, Kosile-Palmer anticipates remaining in the United States and entering the tech industry. Long term, she believes her MBA journey has prepared her to take a leading voice in any organization, molding their strategy and making a major impact.
“I want to take up a global leadership role in a company where I can actually put forward all the skills I’ve been able to learn from my experiences and be able to help others grow in the short term,” Kosile-Palmer said.
Looking back, Kosile-Palmer recalls her first uncertain days in the United States and at USC Marshall. Yet, as a soon-to-be graduate, she is encouraging other international students to follow in her footsteps and pursue their MBA.
“I’m going to advise international students to embrace their journey confidently and leverage it as a platform to challenge themselves, grow, and build a strong professional network,” Kosile-Palmer said. “This is an investment in themselves. It’s going to pay in the long run, I promise you. Use this experience for personal and professional transformation. Those experiences will allow you to break barriers and thrive in the corporate world.”