Online MBA graduate Mande McDermott gained focus, confidence and clarity at Daniels
The world is busy, loud and full of distractions. Focus comes at a premium, and prioritization is crucial.
Mande McDermott knows this better than maybe anyone. She’s a single mom, yoga business owner and student. All at once.
Now, she’s ready to drop the title of student and add graduate, as she’ll walk across the stage this month after completing her Online MBA from the Daniels College of Business. And Daniels has done more than give her a diploma; it has also helped organize her life.
“The program helped me realize that alignment of values are what’s most important in my life. And if it doesn’t align with my values, then there’s no point in doing it,” she said.
McDermott comes from a nontraditional business background, arriving at Daniels with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and more than 700 hours in yoga teacher training. She came searching for business skills to help boost her career and broaden her professional horizons.
But she wouldn’t have landed at Daniels without an unforgettable interview with Hannah Hansard, assistant director in the Office of Graduate Admissions.
“The questions that she asked me weren’t only about the rigorous aspect of the academics that DU is going to provide. She was asking questions that were more focused on a personal, human-centered experience,” she said. “I just was like, ‘Wow, I think at this place, I’ll actually be treated like a human and not just another student ID number.’”
The human aspect of Daniels is a theme that McDermott references frequently when recalling her MBA experience. She talks glowingly about the classmates, faculty and staff members who guided her throughout the program.
When she felt imposter syndrome, she took a step back and looked around the room. She quickly realized she wasn’t alone. When classmates voiced their insecurities, she was there to support. The deeper McDermott got into the program, the more vulnerable and authentic she became. What was once intimidating became a strength.
“Once you have those small, safe spaces, you actually learn that we’re battling the same thing. I kept going back to staying true to who I am, being authentic to me and reminding myself that I do come with a wealth of experience and a wealth of knowledge,” she said.
McDermott’s program highlights include an international immersion to Denmark, a weekend of self-discovery at the Nature Place, and countless discussions with her classmates and favorite faculty members.
While she’s thrilled to have more time back to spend with her son, she’s melancholic about losing touch with people she’s met on campus or in the virtual classroom.
“I had a community with DU. I really formed a lot of amazing bonds with people who work at Daniels and I sent them thank you cards as I cried,” she said. “I don’t want this to be goodbye.”
After the happy graduation tears subside, McDermott said she’s going to take a breath and appreciate the increased time with her family. Then, she’s going to dive deeper into her yoga wellness business, backed by the lessons learned in the Online MBA program. Doubt is a thing of her past. McDermott now enters spaces confident and laser focused.