Why TMP: A practical program, an inspiration, and an investment for the future

TMP Student Blog by Michael Li (Xiaoyu)

As an economics major, I constantly learn topics like supply and demand, financial models, and in general, a lot of economic theory. While I value all the economic principles I’ve learned in lecture, I always crave for real life knowledge and applications.

Through the Technology Management Program, I took TMP 134 on Entrepreneurial Selling with John Greathouse, which was my first exposure to theories that I could actively apply outside of the classroom. I believe that TMP is a practical and inspirational program which helps foster student’s professional growth.

I still remember how I walked into the first lecture for TMP 134 expecting the class to be similar to my prior economics lectures and be heavily theory-based. The class turned out to be mind-blowing for me and exceeded my expectations. We learned practical skills like persuasion and the scientific approach to influencing people. John talked about examples from not only his past experience, but also other great examples from all over the world. The class readings were great supplementary material packed with practical life skills.  I benefited so much from this one class and all the other resources provided by TMP that if it were possible I would choose TMP as my major.

Aside from the practical content of TMP courses, the amount of inspiration from TMP is unlimited. Every faculty I have encountered from TMP have given me positive advice. They encourage me to get out of my comfort zone and try new things, which has helped with my professional growth. For the first time in my college life, I started to actively participate in events that I would never thought about going. I even went to a Meet The Firm event, which was specifically for accounting majors, just to talk to people and practice the skills I learned in the classroom.

I have always wondered what to do with my economics degree, and TMP, with its unique, practical-based curriculum, enlightened a career path for me. Through TMP I was inspired to pursue either entrepreneurship or sales. I plan on taking more TMP classes throughout the rest of my academic career here at UCSB. The TMP courses have been a positive impact on my life and have contributed greatly to my academic, social, and professional growth.

About Michael Li (Xiaoyu)

Michael is currently majoring in Economics and is expected to graduate from UCSB in June 2018. He belongs to the Chinese Student & Scholars Association (CSSA) and the Cycling Club on campus. He enjoys working out, all-things related to technology, and wearable items. Michael is a big fan of technology and is in fact a backer for several Kickstarter campaigns. To contact Michael, you can reach via email at Click here to show mail address.