Stephanie Sandige | University of West Florida

I can’t imagine ever having the confidence to apply for prestigious jobs or initiate networking with industry professionals if it hadn’t have been for the encouragement and support of my professors and classmates at UWF.

Why did you choose UWF to pursue your MBA?

I chose to pursue my MBA with UWF primarily because of the program’s fully online option and affordable out-of-state tuition. While I was born and raised in Florida, I’ve spent the last six years working abroad in different countries, including Japan, Hong Kong, France, Italy and Spain. UWF provided the opportunity for me to obtain an affordable American education while still pursuing my career path abroad.

How did your experience at UWF lead you to where you are today?

My experience at UWF has had a huge influence in leading me to where I am today. Within the same month of finishing the last course of my MBA program, I was offered my dream job with PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Throughout the MBA program, not only did I learn invaluable knowledge in management within each field of business, but I also learned to have confidence in myself.

Does anyone at UWF stand out as a mentor to you?

Without a doubt, Dr. Joe Donelan has been a fantastic mentor for me throughout my time in the MBA program. Not only was he an enthusiastic teacher of accounting, but he also made accounting relatable by presenting the material in a way that was easy to understand. Before speaking with Dr. Donelan, becoming an accountant seemed like an unattainable dream. But having him to reach out to for advice and direction has given me the confidence to continue my pursuit. Huge thank you, Dr. Donelan!