In a world where so much can be done online—from buying a car to finding a soulmate—why would someone choose to earn an MBA in person? For Paul McMahon (MBA ’24), a student at the University of Pittsburgh’s Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business, the answer came from research.
“When I decided to get my MBA, I began researching the best schools, and read various articles about an in-person or virtual MBA,” says McMahon, a military veteran who became an entrepreneur. “When I read about how most people preferred an in-person program because of the collaboration with fellow students, more engagement with the teacher, and better networking, I knew this was the route I wanted to go.”
McMahon drives 1 ½ hours to the Pitt campus for his Accelerated MBA classes and feels he truly benefits from getting to know his classmates and professors – in person. This full-time program can be completed in 12 months, with coursework tailored to the student’s career goals.
“I collaborated with a student from Japan on one project and it was great to get to know him and learn about his culture and prior work experience,” says McMahon.
His favorite class so far has been Economic Analysis for Managerial Decisions with Professor Haimanti Banerjee. McMahon enjoys learning the theory behind supply and demand and what drives purchasing decisions and says, “The class is well taught, and Professor Banerjee has been great at answering my many questions.”
Pandemic Sparks Entrepreneurship
Before coming to Pitt, McMahon was a captain in the U.S. Army and then a teacher. He served in two deployments to Afghanistan during his six years on active duty. After completing his military service, he earned a master’s degree and a certification. This enabled him to become a high school science teacher and share his passion with students and have them become life-long learners.
“I wanted to share what I learned in the service, such as teamwork and responsibility to shape my classroom. I had an undergrad degree in physics though, not in education; so, I went to Slippery Rock University to obtain my Master in STEM Education and my teaching certification.”
When the pandemic resulted in McMahon and a friend having more free time, the two decided to develop and invent a machine that uses K-cups to make cold brew coffee. Neither of the two had a business background, so McMahon used his remaining military benefits for his MBA at Katz, among the 5% of business schools with AACSB accreditation.
“Although I loved being a teacher for 10 years—learning, interacting with the students, and running various clubs such as robotics and bowling—I wanted to focus on starting our business, KEVO,” says McMahon.
In addition to earning his MBA to expand his business expertise, McMahon landed a spot in the Bunker Labs Veterans in Residence Program that provides business advice, networking, and camaraderie to veterans who become company founders.
MBA Students Need Options
While the 12-month, on-campus program worked for McMahon, Katz also offers the 18-month Signature MBA. For those who need more flexibility, the part-time MBA program provides in-person and online options.
If you are interested in admissions information, have your questions answered by reading this page or write to admissions@katz.pitt.edu.
Application Deadlines
The Admissions Committee reviews applications for the full-time programs in rounds beginning in October through June for a Fall (August) start. For scholarship consideration, your application must be received by February 1. The deadline for international applicants is April 1. The requirements for all MBA programs are on our website. Or you can request more information.
For working professionals interested in enrolling in a part-time MBA program the deadlines are July 1 for starting in person in August, and November 1 for starting online in January.
