Going Back for Your MBA as a Seasoned Professional Can Redefine Your Career | Next Level Careers

Dianna Scina, Director of Experiential Marketing at Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, may never have imagined her life leading her into casino gaming—let alone entertainment—but the journey has proven rich with unexpected lessons. Through career pivots, life transitions, and continuous transformation, Scina has learned to trust herself deeply. Her story reminds us that the power of possibility as a catalyst for growth isn’t limited to the early chapters of a career.

“It isn’t going to be easy, but it will be worth it,” Scina said. “It gives you clarity and confidence that no one can take away.”

A Career Built Through Curiosity (and Saying Yes to Opportunities)  

Few people can trace their careers back to coincidence, but Scina can. Her professional journey began in dental care on the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation reservation, where a role located near a bingo hall quietly set an unexpected path in motion. The lively, welcoming atmosphere of the BINGO hall drew her in as a way to earn supplemental income on weekends. What started as “something fun” soon became something more—and it stayed with her even after she left dental work to pursue her education full‑time.

Scina’s consistency and reliability earned her increasing responsibility and steady advancement—from floor clerk to BINGO supervisor, then customer service assistant manager, and ultimately manager. As her department flourished, so did she, opening doors to new opportunities across casino gaming, including promotions, the players club, and entertainment.

Although she earned a degree with the intention of becoming a teacher, Scina chose to continue building her career with the Tribe, confident the classroom would remain an option. As life would have it, just months after being promoted to Director of Guest Services, she found herself six months pregnant with her first child. Work-life balance began to take on an entirely new meaning.

Over the last decade, both the organization and the industry have evolved dramatically. Property management now extends well beyond day-to-day operations as gaming has increasingly become an entertainment experience—and non-gaming offerings have become essential.

This evolution ultimately led Scina into the role of Director of Entertainment, which soon expanded into Director of Experiential Marketing. Today, she oversees sponsorships, employee events, and the entertainment department, including AV services, talent buying for tribal events, and administrative responsibilities such as payment processing and contractor management for the Yaamava’ Theater and the Pearl at Palms.

Yet her impact reaches far beyond her title. Scina remains connected to casino life through the employee engagement task force and as a chair of Global Gaming for Women (GGW) at San Manuel.

“I’m passionate that we’ve built great membership with GGW,” Scina shared.

The Moment She Went Back — “Why Wouldn’t I Take Advantage of This?”

After completing her bachelor’s degree, Scina began pursuing her master’s, but shifting family priorities reshaped her path—without diminishing her commitment to lifelong learning.

Early in her career, as the Tribe’s higher‑education partnerships were forming, she completed both Tribal Administration Certificate programs through the Claremont Colleges. Years later, in 2024, with her children finished with high school and demanding extracurriculars, she decided the time was finally right. With the full support of her family, Scina began her MBA.

Returning to school was about more than coursework or credentials.

“I used to be the youngest one in the room and now I’m one of the most seasoned,” she said. “I work with young people all the time, so I expected that. What I didn’t expect was collaborating with women my age—executives with deep experience. I really enjoyed both experiences.”

That reflection sparked a realization.

“Why wouldn’t I have taken advantage of this before?” Scina said.

Being the Most Experienced Person in the Room (and Still Learning)  

Scina didn’t pursue an MBA for the accolade alone. She entered the program intentionally—seeking growth in areas she had identified as gaps, particularly finance and strategy—while strengthening her ability to collaborate in San Manuel’s deeply team‑oriented culture alongside people with a wide range of professional backgrounds.

The experience sharpened her understanding of generational perspectives and helped her recognize, develop, and nurture emerging talent.

“Learning alongside students who hadn’t yet been in the workforce or held leadership roles helped me better understand where they’re coming from,” Scina said. “Now, when I’m hiring someone fresh out of college with a master’s and minimal experience, I understand their mindset in a more meaningful way.”

How She Balanced School, Leadership, and Family (Without Pretending It Was Easy)  

While the most demanding years of balancing young children and career have passed, Scina has always led with a family‑first philosophy. The MBA program reinforced that belief—and pushed her to become even more intentional with her time.

“I’ve always believed balance is hugely important,” she said. “The MBA program solidified that for me.”

Her professional responsibilities didn’t slow down, but Scina recognized how easily time could be lost. Instead, she created structure. By staying later at the end of the workday to complete readings and assignments, she was able to arrive home fully present. On weekends, she protected family time early in the day and reserved later hours for coursework and group projects.

She was transparent with her family, often saying: “You have me until 2 p.m. today—what do you need from me?”

Creativity Meets Rigor — The MBA’s Impact on Experiential Marketing  

The MBA delivered more than Scina expected—particularly in how it strengthened her leadership approach in Experiential Marketing.

“If your processes aren’t in place, you end up filling your brain with logistics instead of having the clarity to be creative,” she said.

That perspective has proven especially valuable as she mentors younger team members.

“They come in with big, pie‑in‑the‑sky ideas,” Scina said. “I challenge them to execute efficiently and within budget. You don’t have unlimited time or resources—so how do we bring the idea to life in a real way?”

Balancing creativity with discipline, she says, has made collaboration more effective—and more fun.

Legacy, Relevance, and the Confidence to Keep Growing

Scina’s MBA wasn’t just a personal milestone; it became a visible model of growth for her team and a catalyst for legacy thinking.

“Doing something for yourself can ultimately help others,” she said.

Nearly 40 years into her career, she continues to learn—and that example resonates with colleagues at every stage. Investing in yourself isn’t selfish; it enables stronger leadership, more presence at home, and a sense of pride that carries forward.

“We’re in a fast‑moving environment with high expectations,” Scina reflected. “You accomplish a goal and immediately move on to the next one. But it’s important to pause and show gratitude to the people helping you along the way—your team, family, and stakeholders.”

She added, “As a leader, you’re touching other people’s lives. Sometimes you don’t even realize it. What you say and do shapes how others feel about their work and the decisions they make. That’s something we all need to remember.”