Meet Mandy Brown
Mandy Brown is a management analyst at Management Partners in Palo Alto, Calif. She came to the O’Neill Online Program with three years of work experience and a previous Master’s Degree in Urban Planning.
I was drawn to O’Neill Online Week because it allows me to interact with online classmates in person in a way that works for my schedule.
Why did you choose the O’Neill Online MPA program?
The O’Neill Online program allowed the most flexibility for my schedule while still ensuring high quality teaching and curriculum. O’Neill is recognized and respected all over the country, and I wanted to challenge myself to be a part of it. I was also drawn to the concept of the O’Neill Online Week because it allows me to interact with online classmates in person in a way that works for my schedule.
How has the flexibility of the online program helped you to balance all of your responsibilities?
I work long hours and travel quite a bit for work, so being able to do homework at night, on the weekends, or in the early morning has allowed me to gain valuable hands-on experience in government work while in school. In my previous graduate program, I was commuting to and from class for more than two hours every day. It is nice to regain that time and be able to use that time on my studies or my work. The flexible schedule also allows me to participate in the program even while in California, living in a different time zone!
What are your main academic/policy areas of interest and what led you to those interests?
Coming from an urban planning background I am very drawn to public engagement initiatives in policy making but that can permeate so many different policy areas beyond land use issues. In my work, I have been exposed to many financial analyses, and I also have a background in statistics, so I am also drawn to the budgeting and problem-solving aspects of public management.
Is there anything else you would like prospective students to know about you or your experience in the program?
I was hesitant that not being in the classroom with other students or the teacher would make for a less engaging experience, but the faculty and my colleagues have done an amazing job at creating a dynamic learning environment. The teachers have reached out to personalize the experience and are always available for any questions. The discussions are fast-paced and thought-provoking. I find myself anxiously waiting to login to Canvas to see what they have said since I last checked the discussion boards!