Before joining the MBA program at American University’s Kogod School of Business, Dan Gorman was working in marketing within the sports and entertainment industry. He wanted to shift into analytics and technology, and that meant he needed to build his understanding of cutting-edge tech like blockchain.
“Kogod was the right fit for me,” he says. “I was drawn to the school because of its emphasis on a smaller cohort size, personalized career guidance, classes such as Information and Technology, and the incredible faculty.”
Dan currently works as a project manager for digital transformation company United Solutions. The company works with government agencies and international commercial organizations to leverage emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and blockchain.
United Solutionsalso deployed the first federally authorized blockchain within the US government, helping to automate goods and services supply chains.
As a project manager, Dan is responsible for 35 team members––working in business analytics, data science, and technical infrastructure––across five cross-functional projects. The role requires an in-depth understanding of blockchain technology.
Dan’s MBA experience at Kogod, he says,was the perfect preparation.
Kogod MBA | Learning about business and tech
Dan spent two years at Kogod immersing himself in the variety of classes designed to teach him about the role of technology in business, exploring topics such as data analytics, emerging technologies, and machine-learning.
Professor Ayman Omar, a research fellow at the Kogod Cybersecurity Governance Center (KCGC), was a source of great inspiration for Dan throughout his MBA––and beyond. Ayman’s focus largely lies around global cyber risks in supply chains as well as implementing sustainable practices. In the future, Dan wants to specialize in cybersecurity, too.
“Learning from faculty like Ayman Omar, who constantly pushed us to be better and instilled confidence in our abilities––that kind of experience sticks with you for the rest of your life,” hesays.
Because of professors like Ayman, Dan quickly learned that the b-school experience isn’t just about the curriculum;it’s about taking advantage of the global network a school like Kogod has to offer and pursuing every opportunity for more practical experience in the Washington, DC, area.
As well as founding the Digital Strategy and Innovation Club and working as a peer communications consultant at Kogod’s Center for Business Communications (CBC), Dan spent time working as the strategic CRM consultant for mydala––an India-based online coupon company––which culminated in a live client presentation in Delhi.
This diverse and multi-faceted approach to his education helped Dan secure his first role in the industry of his choosing.
“Because of the MBA, I was able to transition into an initial role as a business analyst in the tech industry, before working my way up with a project manager position in the same firm.”
Nowadays, Dan has had opportunities to work with clients such as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help secure over $700 million in savings through the implementation of AI, microservices architecture, and blockchain.
“My main goal has always been to pursue opportunities where I can make a positive impact on the world," he says.
Recruiting tech-savvy MBAs
While Dan (pictured) is no longer a Kogod MBA student, he’s stayed in contact with the school––even spending time as a strategic advisor supporting current students.
“Generosity is a key ingredient to professional and personal success,” he explains. “As a student, I aimed to help everyone around me, such as identifying job opportunities for classmates. As an alum, I’ve continued to help in any way I can.”
He acts as a recruiter for United Solutions and looks for other Kogod students with a passion for technology while acting as a project mentor for students taking the Business Process Analysis module. Dan offers in-class advising and coaching to any MBA students looking for advice about working with blockchain and other cutting-edge tech from an alum who's already done it.
Dan has recently returned to Kogod in a teaching capacity, too. He’s been a guest speaker across the Consulting and Project Management, Emerging Technology, and Blockchain in the Global Economy modules offered in the MBA, drawing on his experience to inform the current MBA cohorts.
As for his close association with Kogod, Dan says he doesn’t see that ending anytime soon. “I hope to one day teach an Emerging Technology class at Kogod as an adjunct professor!”
I am completely enamored with this school. The entire student body is driven, inclusive, and highly intelligent. The decision to attend American University is not made haphazardly. Its close proximity to Washington DC, making it one of the most strategically located schools after Georgetown, means it's just a short train ride away. The campus is well-maintained, with mostly attractive buildings, although there are a few that are less appealing. Additionally, there are numerous excellent food options available. The wide range of clubs and organizations to join is remarkable. It is undeniably a school filled with immense passion.
Ann
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22/06/2023
On Campus
City life
I’m having a wonderful time at American University. I love that I can get to a big city and still feel like a traditional campus. Sincerely, it is a school that may require some adjusting to, but in the end, it is a very good school with numerous opportunities for its students. The atmosphere in AU is so great that it pushes you in a positive way and offers every opportunity you could want.
Collings
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28/05/2023
On Campus
Amazing helpful professors
American College is an incredible school with astounding teachers. Best professors I could have asked for at an amazing school. My opinion is that American University's professors are its greatest asset. They are extremely intelligent and always eager to assist their students. They go above and beyond in their classes to make sure that their students do their best.
Wisdom
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15/12/2022
On Campus
AU Review
The workload is quite high and AU is definitely not an "easy" school. Students take their studies very seriously and can almost always find a group in the library, DAV, Starbucks or MGC. Courses can be quite ambitious if the right courses are offered and the admissions process can be confusing at times, but with the help of an advisor it is quite easy to navigate. The library can be crowded, and while it's not huge, there are plenty of other places to study on campus. The professors really want to help during office hours and interact with students. I've had good experiences with the professors and workload at AU, but it's an expensive city.
Paul
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15/12/2022
On Campus
Majoring in Political and International Relations
The instructors are unique and the classes can be boring at times. Check-in is stressful (but it is everywhere). The workload is what I expected. The most popular majors are international relations and political science
Evidence
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15/12/2022
On Campus
I Love Being A Musical Theater Major
I love being a musical theater student, if you want to help behind the scenes, if you want to be an assistant director, if you want to be a director, if you want to write, you can do anything at this academy, very supportive, it's amazing, they are always there to help you. This is their working time. Even after the audition tells you what you did wrong, you can do better, or if you get picked, you know why they picked you, which is great
Timothy
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15/12/2022
On Campus
AU's Business Model
Overall, there were a lot of good opportunities at UA, both in terms of course range and faculty. However, I had a few complete misfires. People who shouldn't have taught at all. Like all universities, AU's business model is to hire hands-on assistants so they don't have to pay them extra or perform well. They are signed and if that does not work, they are not hired any more. The problem with this is that you end up with people who are unqualified and bring their own agendas, biases that may or may not be based on research. Most of the professors were absolutely fantastic.
James
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14/12/2022
On Campus
AU - The Real Problem With Academics
Some teachers are amazing, some awful - typical of any school. But the real problem with AU is that many students don't care about academics as much as other things (eg, partying). The academics are really interrupted by the Greek life and the social life of the students. This makes it difficult for students interested in academics to get the most out of their school experience. Some students do not take classes seriously and do not respect teachers and other students. Courses and opportunities at UA are perfect for people who want to take advantage
Student
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14/12/2022
On Campus
American University - The Best Place to Study
They know their stuff - I chose American University because the campus is beautiful and the biology program is relatively small. But after the first semester, I realized that all the professors, especially the people in the science department, are experts in their field. They are enthusiastic and helpful in lecturing; even the TAs who teach the labs are amazing and engaging.
Student
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1/06/2024
On Campus
Engaging Students and Incredible Professors
I would 100% recommend this school. I am a Marine Corps Veteran and proud AU alum. NI received my BA in Comparative Politics at AU in 2017. It was engaging and worth every minute. I was constantly engaged with the material the material and was fascinated by the culture the school presented. As an older student I was nervous to go to a highly competitive college but with the culture of both student and staff it was enjoyable through and through.
