Faculty
MBA Faculty Sonya Sharififard Prepares Students for Success with a Focus on Global Leadership
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I graduated with
a FIDM BS in Management and continued my education at Woodbury
University and Pepperdine University, respectively. My graduate
training is in global leadership where I studied global food systems
and student success. My current research and teaching are related to
advancing leadership across multinational organizations, governance,
law, and international development policy.
What class do you teach in the MBA program?
BUMT
5280 Human Resource Management: People, Practices & Profitability
What are some of the significant learning outcomes that
students gain from your class?
In the HRM course, students
understand the governance structure necessary to develop, manage, and
lead a global business. We analyze how human resources help
organizations gain a competitive advantage, and explore case studies
in negotiations, employment law, ethical dilemmas, recruitment,
training and development and being an effective employee.
Our MBA program prepares students for success in any industry of their choice. We provide them with the knowledge, resources, skills, leadership and ethical training required of today's global business leader. We also help them advance their careers as they fulfill their academic studies. The MBA program is structured to meet the needs of the working professional as well as individuals who are interested in a creative business degree that is highly rigorous, collegial, and globally-based. Our faculty are connected to their industries and are members of very esteemed associations. They have been leaders in their respective professions and are committed to designing a robust curriculum that helps students enter unique leadership roles.
What type of student would be the ideal fit for the MBA program?
If you are interested in learning about every fundamental aspect of managing a business, being competitive in today's market, and joining a very supportive community, the MBA program is for you! This is a program where every opportunity is met with specific directions to meet the needs of the professional student. Classes are held in the evenings which provides students with flexibility in terms of managing their careers and their academic studies. The student-faculty ratio also allows individualized and personalized attention to students and their professional goals in every aspect of their academic development. We want to see every student succeed and leave their mark globally.
Do you currently work in the industry?
I recently completed a fellowship with the Pacific Council on International Policy, as well as a postdoctoral fellowship at Pepperdine. I am currently teaching graduate courses in Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Ethics, Global Management, and Publishing. I also serve on the Board of the Agriculture, Food, and Human Values Society. Additionally, I oversee the alumni chapters in Los Angeles, Orange County, and Washington D.C.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at FIDM?
The students! I love learning from my students. The best part of this career is participating in their mock interviews, and receiving a follow-up email soon after that says "I GOT THE JOB!" The mentorship opportunities and attentive support that everyone receives is the most valuable part of the MBA experience. There is a place here for everyone to thrive and give back.
