Cindy Sun (MSBA ’22)
Cindy Sun
Advancing to Leadership: Cindy Sun Leveraged Rady’s MSBA to Secure a Management Role at UC San Diego
As the Cash Management Manager at UC San Diego, Cindy Sun, MSBA ‘22, is responsible for overseeing complex federal cash management processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. “I oversee the preparation, reconciliation, and submission of federal cash draws for sponsored awards,” she explains. “I also collaborate with various internal stakeholders to improve financial reporting tools and processes.” What she enjoys most is the opportunity to use data analytics to solve complex financial problems. “It’s incredibly satisfying to turn raw financial data into actionable insights that improve accuracy, support compliance, and enhance audit readiness.”
“Rady’s curriculum is structured in a way that challenged me to think critically and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.”
Sun credits much of her success to the well-rounded curriculum of the MSBA program at the Rady School of Management. “The program’s combination of rigorous analytics and practical application was exactly what I was looking for,” Sun says. “Rady’s curriculum is structured in a way that challenged me to think critically and pushed me beyond my comfort zone.” This analytical focus has helped her excel in her role at UC San Diego.
One of the standout experiences of Sun’s time at Rady was the capstone project. “It was my favorite experience,” she recalls. “It gave me the chance to work on a real-world business problem and deliver actionable solutions for a client. It allowed me to refine my leadership and teamwork skills while applying everything I had learned during the program.” This hands-on experience proved invaluable, as it allowed her to put theory into practice and develop solutions that have had a lasting impact on her professional life.
The MSBA program’s focus on problem-solving and leadership was instrumental in Sun’s transition into management. “The lessons I learned at Rady have definitely helped me in my career,” she says. “One of the biggest takeaways was trusting in my ability to solve complex problems. That confidence, combined with the analytical tools I gained, helps me make informed decisions and lead with purpose every day.”
“Earning the MSBA from Rady opened the door for me to advance into a managerial role at UC San Diego. I highly recommend Rady. It’s a transformative experience that expands your capabilities and career potential.”
For other UC San Diego employees and students considering a graduate degree, Sun offers this advice: “Earning the MSBA from Rady opened the door for me to advance into a managerial role at UC San Diego. I highly recommend Rady. It’s a transformative experience that expands your capabilities and career potential. The program gives you the tools to succeed, and the network you build at Rady is a powerful resource for continued professional growth.”
As someone who has worked with diverse teams and faced complex challenges, Sun values the connections she made during her time at Rady. “The network I built at Rady continues to be a source of inspiration and learning. It’s amazing to stay connected with peers from different industries and exchange ideas that help me stay current and continue to grow.”
For those contemplating the MSBA journey, Sun’s advice is simple: “It’s demanding, but incredibly worth it. Believe in yourself, stay committed, and take full advantage of the resources and support Rady offers—you will come out stronger, both professionally and personally.”
Rady’s MSBA program provided the ideal environment for Sun to turn her passion for data analytics into a successful career, and the location can’t be beat. "San Diego has everything - beaches, innovation, and an outstanding academic environment. I couldn't have asked for a better place to further my education and launch my career."
