Susan Cruz

About Susan Cruz

When I was a young girl, my parent\'s once told me one of the best investments I will ever make in life is in my own education. It was a very proud moment for me when I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego (USD). Three years later, I decided to enroll in the Knauss School of Business at USD to pursue my Master’s in Business Administration. Being a student is a an important part of my identity, as I value learning and finding ways to continue my personal and professional growth. My work experience higher education allows me to provide a unique perspective to my MBA courses. In my role as a Retention Specialist at USD, I have the opportunity the support students navigate higher education. I specifically support students that qualify as low-income, underrepresented, first-generation to college, or have a documented disability. As a first-generation, Mexican-American college student who grew up in a low-income household, I am able to resonate with a lot of the students I support. I love being part of their support system and be able to motivate them to continue their education because it is an investment that will provide them with endless opportunities. I truly enjoy working in a space that focuses on helping a diverse group of students become the future leaders they are destined to be.I received a lot of help and guidance from many people and organizations to be where I am today. As I pursue the part-time MBA program at USD and continue to work in my role as a Retention Specialist, I seek to find ways to bridge the gap between my education and my professional role - applying what I am learning in my courses in the workforce. Upon completion of my MBA, I will continue to look for opportunities to grow professionally.

Experience

1. Program Project Planner Ii

   General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

   Mar 2025 — Present

Education

• John Cabot University

  Semester Exchange in Rome, Italy, Business Administration

  2018 — 2018

• University City High School

  High School

  2011 — 2015

• University of San Diego

  Bachelor's Degree, Business Administration and Management, Minor in Biomedical Ethics

  2015 — 2019

• University of San Diego - Knauss School of Business

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Organizational Leadership

Skills

• Organization Skills
• Social Media
• Spanish
• Microsoft Office
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Communication
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Teamwork