Daniel Martinez

University of California-Davis Graduate School of Management’s MBA@UCDavis

“Supportive leader focused on empowering others, building teams, and driving collective success.”

Age: 34

Hometown: La Mirada, California

Fun fact about yourself: I solve The New York Times crossword almost every day and have even written a few of my own.

Undergraduate School and Degree: California State University, Fullerton. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Where are you currently working? In the aerospace manufacturing industry as an operations manager at Precision Castparts Corporation – Fasteners Division

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m most proud of building and sustaining high-performing teams that consistently set new production records while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards in the aerospace industry. Over the past few years, I’ve focused on developing a culture of ownership, coaching, and aligning our goals with frontline execution. Seeing the team grow, hit aggressive goals, and put safe, reliable parts on planes around the world has been the most rewarding part of my leadership journey.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? I chose the UC Davis Online MBA because it offered the academic rigor of a top-tier program with the flexibility to balance full-time work in aerospace operations. What stood out was the emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and immediate real-world application—all of which aligned with my professional goals. I also found it meaningful that UC Davis Graduate School of Management was named one of Poets&Quants’ “10 Business Schools to Watch” when I joined the program, and that Dean H. Rao Unnava, a leader I greatly admire, was later named Poets&Quants’ “Dean of the Year.” That kind of recognition reinforced my belief that I was joining a forward-thinking, high-impact community.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? My favorite part has been building strong connections with classmates from across industries and time zones — all while balancing demanding careers and personal responsibilities. The online format makes us more intentional about how we show up for each other. I learn just as much from my peers as I do from the coursework. Being able to immediately apply concepts to my work in aerospace operations — and hear how others apply them in industries like in tech, healthcare, and finance—makes the experience richer, more relevant, and more collaborative than I ever expected.

A standout part of the program for me is the in-person residentials. UC Davis Online MBA students are required to attend at least two weekend residentials during the program. I attended the Leading Teams and Collaboration residential held in Los Angeles and the Game Theory residential, appropriate held in the nation’s capital of gambling, Las Vegas. Both offered focused, hands-on learning and a chance to build stronger relationships with classmates. Those experiences brought the community to life and added a new level of depth to the program.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? Studying mechanical engineering as an undergrad was highly technical and individual. In contrast, the online MBA is highly collaborative, discussion-driven, and directly applicable to my work. It pushes me to grow as a leader, not just a problem-solver. The flexibility also makes it possible to balance a demanding career while staying fully engaged—something I couldn’t have imagined during undergrad.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? The students you learn with will shape your experience just as much as the curriculum. Build relationships early, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from others—and offer help, too. Balancing work and school is difficult, but your peers make it easier – and the collaboration is where the real growth happens.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? The UC Davis Online MBA has made me a more strategic and confident leader. What I appreciate most is how immediately applicable the coursework is. I could learn something in class—like navigating organizational dynamics or understanding financial drivers—and apply it the next day at work. It also helps me lead with more confidence. I now approach problems with stronger business acumen, ask better questions, and coach my team more effectively. The program hasn’t just built my knowledge—it’s sharpened how I lead under pressure.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I haven’t received a formal promotion yet, but the program has significantly expanded my scope of influence and the trust leadership places in me. I am taking on more strategic responsibilities, leading larger cross-functional initiatives, and becoming a stronger voice in key operational decisions — all of which are positioning me well for future advancement.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? I wanted a program that allowed me to keep advancing in my career while earning my degree. A full-time residential program would’ve meant stepping away from work, and the executive MBA format didn’t offer the flexibility I needed. The UC Davis Online MBA is giving me the best of both worlds—rigorous academics, access to top faculty, and a highly engaged peer network — all while staying active in a demanding leadership role. It wasn’t a compromise; it was the most strategic option for my career and life stage.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? We’ve looked at how AI is changing the way businesses make decisions. What’s stuck with me is that it’s not just about the technology—it’s about asking the right questions, understanding the data, and making sure people stay part of the process. It’s showing me that leaders don’t need to code AI, but we do need to know how to lead with it.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: On average, I spend 15–20 hours per week on coursework, class sessions, team projects, and readings—all while balancing a full-time leadership role in aerospace and serving as director of communications for the UC Davis Online MBA Student Association. It often means late nights, early mornings, and relying heavily on time management and discipline to stay on top of everything.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term goal is to become an executive leader who drives innovation, operational excellence, and lasting impact. I want to lead an organization that delivers strong results while building teams where people grow, feel supported, and perform at their best. Success, to me, means creating a culture where high performance and mentorship go hand in hand.

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