My Duquesne Experience

by Annmarie Rice

I have always dreamed of earning an MBA in sustainable business practices and when I found Duquesne’s outstanding program, I knew I needed to attend. When I was accepted in the MBA-SBP cohort in October 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic was a month away from outbreaks around the world. As the world moved closer to May 2020, I knew very quickly that my graduate school experience would be different than previous cohorts.

Admittedly, I was quite nervous about going back to school after three years in the workforce and the addition of a global pandemic had me very concerned. When the summer session was moved to a completely online experience, the nerves were at an all-time high. Going into orientation, I was not sure what to expect in my MBA journey. Meeting everyone, cohort members and professors, on the first day was the best way to calm those nerves.

Shortly thereafter, we were introduced to our group members for the first time and our group bonded within a few short days. The members of Group 4 were the people I spent most of my summer with and I enjoyed it all; we were always there for one another when we needed it. The group work this fall was equally rewarding and the group members grew grown very close in this process. The relationships we as a cohort have been able to build with one another has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my Duquesne experience. From fantasy football to virtual trivia nights, the cohort has been able to keep our experience as normal and fun as we can.

I would not trade this experience for anything, I am more than thankful for the cohort members, professors, and Duquesne staff who have made this MBA journey a fulfilling and memorable one.