“USC prepares you for much more than just a career — it prepares you to make a lasting impact on the world,” says alumnus Priyanka Mittal.
For Priyanka Mittal, a 1998 graduate of USC Marshall School of Business, studying at USC played a critical role in shaping her approach to leadership and her perspective on global business opportunities.
Raised in a family in India with a long legacy in the rice industry, Priyanka was no stranger to business. Her great-grandfather founded KRBL Limited in 1889, and since then, the company has become a leading player in the rice industry. However, her leadership journey was far from straightforward, especially as the first woman in a male-dominated industry.
“Being in the rice business was almost inevitable,” Priyanka said. “But my time at USC gave me the skills, confidence and perspective to not just manage the family business, but to lead it to a global stage.”
Today, Priyanka is a whole-time director on the board of KRBL, leading the International Division. She has been at the forefront of growing the company’s flagship brand, India Gate Rice, in the global marketplace, and she has represented KRBL several times at the World Economic Forum. Priyanka’s commitment to food security and sustainability remains a core aspect of her work, focusing on improving supply chain management, tackling food waste and addressing issues like malnutrition.
USC’s Impact on Career Path
At USC Marshall in the BS in Business Administration (BUAD) program, the mentorship and strategic problem-solving of professors like Suh-Pyng Ku helped solidify her decision to major in finance and information systems. Other faculty, including Kelly Goulis and Douglas Shook, played a key role in sharpening her curiosity. She soon realized that USC’s holistic business education offered more than technical skills — it would shape her entire approach to leadership.
“The diverse environment at USC gave me invaluable insights into how business functions globally,” Priyanka said. “The professors were not just educators — they were mentors who taught me how to think strategically and lead with integrity … The rigorous coursework and real-world application opportunities gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles early in my career.”
Leveraging the comprehensive education and global exposure gained at USC, she built a distinguished career across varied roles before ultimately steering her focus toward the India Gate business. Her early career included serving as a teaching assistant in USC’s Technology and Applied Computing (TAC) program and then as a financial consultant at Merrill Lynch in Los Angeles, where she honed her strategic and financial acumen.
Lifelong Connections
Priyanka also recalls the friendships and professional connections she built while at USC, many of which continue to influence her career.
“USC’s network is one of its greatest assets,” she said. “The people I met there have helped shape my career and have become invaluable collaborators throughout my journey.”
In fact, Priyanka’s advice to prospective students is just that: Take full advantage of the opportunities and relationships the university offers.
“USC is more than just an academic institution — it’s a place where you can explore and develop your personality and character,” she said. “The experiences you gain, both inside and outside the classroom, will shape you in ways you can’t even imagine right now … These relationships can open doors and provide the support you need as you navigate your career.”