Danielle Monthei '19 MBA
Quality Management
Finding Confidence to Start Her Career
Because of the confidence her MBA gave her, Danielle Monthei '19 MBA was able to secure a job at Van Meter and apply coursework to real world situations.
MMU: How long have you been in Cedar Rapids, and how did you hear about Mount Mercy?
DM: I’ve been working in Cedar Rapids since 2015. I heard about Mount Mercy through our employer tuition discount benefit! My biggest draw to Mount Mercy was the family atmosphere within a bigger university. I loved how connected the staff was with their students.
MMU: How did your MBA impact your career at Van Meter?
DM: I was able to take specific objectives and apply them to my most recent promotion to continuous improvement specialist. I felt more confident during the interview process and first initial days on the job because of the knowledge and support I received in the MBA program.
My biggest draw to Mount Mercy was the family atmosphere within a bigger university. I loved how connected the staff was with their students.
MMU: What advice do you have for working professionals who want to get an advanced degree?
DM: My advice is to make it relevant. When I was assigned projects in class, I asked leaders at Van Meter what I could do within the business that would align with the assignment. Not only was I completing an assignment, but I was working through real-life business problems.
MMU: How do you stay motivated to push for change in your role?
DM: I value feedback and will ask key leaders for feedback. For me, staying motivated to push for change comes from passion. I am very passionate about improving things around me and pushing other people to be successful.
MMU: Anything else to add?
DM: Find your passion and what fills your cup every day. I leave work happy knowing I supported everyone as best as I could— that’s what pushes me to come back with passion day after day.