Starting a graduate business program at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics can be both exciting and challenging. For students balancing coursework with careers, family responsibilities and other commitments, finding a community can make the transition to graduate school easier—and make the experience more rewarding. 

At Cal State Fullerton, The Herd is working to create that community. This club was born from an informal brainstorming session between two first-year MBA students who saw an opportunity to strengthen the connection between the graduate student experience and the college’s grad programs.  

Today, The Herd’s mission is centered on helping graduate students connect, grow and be heard while contributing to the future of their programs. The organization serves as a bridge between students and college leadership, Graduate Programs, Business Career Services and the college’s Centers of Excellence. 

Noah Valencia ’24, ’28, an MBA student and president of The Herd, said the organization aims to highlight that graduate school encompasses more than academic work. “Graduate school is also about the relationships you build, the experiences you share, and the opportunities you discover along the way,” he says.  

The club’s activities include networking events, professional development initiatives, social gatherings, student outreach and opportunities to engage with college leadership. By creating opportunities to meet students from different programs and backgrounds, The Herd helps expand the graduate experience beyond the classroom. 

The Fall 2026 Lineup  

The organization has a full slate of activities planned for fall 2026. The semester begins with Leveraging Your Network’s Network, a virtual networking workshop designed to help students strengthen their professional connections. The Herd will then welcome students to Fall into the Herd, a kickoff social at BIGS. 

In September, students can take part in The Herd TSU Takeover: Sing, Strike, and Socialize at Titan Bowl & Billiards. In November, The Herd will launch Being Heard with the Herd, a new speaker series that will bring industry leaders to students for conversations about careers and leadership. The semester will conclude with Fuel for Finals: Sip, Study, & Support, combining a graduate student study session with an end-of-semester celebration. 

“One of our biggest priorities this semester is growing The Herd’s membership and expanding our reach across the College of Business and Economics,” Valencia said. “We want more graduate students to know who we are, get involved and feel that The Herd is a community where they are represented, supported, and connected.” 

Expanding Partnerships and Becoming an Integral Part of the Grad School Experience 

As membership grows, The Herd plans to deepen partnerships with Graduate Programs, Business Career Services, the college’s Centers of Excellence, alumni and other organizations throughout the college, connecting students with professional opportunities, leadership experiences, resources and communities that can continue to benefit them throughout their careers. The long-term vision is for The Herd to become a lasting and recognizable part of the graduate experience—from a student’s first days in a program through the relationships they maintain as alumni. 

For students, the invitation is simple: get involved, build connections and make the most of the opportunities surrounding them. They may come to CSUF to earn a degree, but through The Herd, they can leave with a stronger professional network, lasting relationships, new experiences and a community that extends well beyond graduation. 

To learn more about The Herd or to get involved, visit them on LinkedIn.