2022 Best & Brightest Online MBA: Dominique Watt, Santa Clara University (Leavey)

Dominique Watt

Santa Clara University, Leavey School of Business

“An energetic and creative health care leader, prioritizing high quality patient care at the core.”

Age: 37

Hometown: Queens New York

Fun fact about yourself: I was named Dominique because I was born in the Dominican Republic.  I was originally supposed to thought to be a boy and when I was discovered to be a girl, the name remained as it is unisex.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Adelphi University, Garden City NY- Bachelor of Science in Nursing; University of San Francisco Master of Science in Nursing

Where are you currently working? Stanford Healthcare, Administrative Director of Clinical Effectiveness, Education, and Inclusion Diversity Health Equity (IDHE)

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? It was moving across the country to California, on my own as a travel nurse, and joining the Stanford community as a permanent bedside nurse.  It was the first step in my leadership journey. I have been here since 2010 and have grown in my career more than I could ever imagine.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I valued its high rating and the flexibility of on-campus facilities I could benefit from.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The flexibility of being able to complete my courses when I am able, especially while working full-time.

What was the most surprising thing about an online learning environment? How interactive and intimate the courses could still be, especially our cohort.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? I valued being able to do my course work from anywhere and anytime, when I was still at work or even out-of-town, making the program so much more manageable to match my lifestyle and other responsibilities.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Go at your own pace and challenge yourself when you can!

What would you change about an online MBA Program? I would recommend adding the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion class for all enrolled students as it was one of the most authentic classes I took and is so relevant in today’s world.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? Both of my master’s degrees were online programs and they allowed me to continue to work full-time and apply my learnings in real time which I found very valuable as a leader.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? Yes! 3 months before graduating, I received a promotion. I was in my current role for 2.5 years prior to the promotion so the MBA was very helpful in securing the promotion.

Did you earn a raise during the online MBA program? Yes

Number of Hours Per Week Spent On Online MBA: Definitely depended on the quarter but on average 15-18 hours per week.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To be COO of a healthcare organization.

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