Mychal McLean, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2027
Age: 35
Hometown: Niceville, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Florida, Biology
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 10 years in the Air Force then 2 years as a Project Manager with a major US Homebuilder.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue business school because I recognized I wasn’t living up to my full potential in my previous role. I desire to be leading teams to accomplish challenging thought-provoking problems. I am confident an MBA from the University of Florida will help propel me into a role that achieves this objective. It was the perfect time to head back to school as my wife was also going back to school to continue her education, making this the perfect moment for us to invest in our future together.
Why did you choose Florida Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The University of Florida is my Alma Mater and the Warrington School of Business is widely regarded as the number one MBA program in the state of Florida, the decision was easy. I plan on staying in Florida for my future career, so it was important for me to choose a program with strong regional recognition and deep professional networks. Warrington met and exceeded my expectations for this requirement.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2027 will be the perspective I bring from a decade in Air Force aviation. Leading teams in the Air Force taught to recognize and harness individual strengths to elevate team performance, often under high-pressure conditions. I also developed a habit of seeking unconventional solutions to avoid operating in an echo chamber while brainstorming solutions to a problem. I hope to share both this collaborative spirit and problem-solving mindset with my cohort, contributing to richer discussions and stronger teams while learning from the diverse experiences they bring to the Warrington community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have flown faster than the speed of sound. Anyone who has ever done this can attest it’s the most underwhelming experience ever. You expect something crazy to happen, but the airspeed indicator just ticks from .99 Mach to 1.0 Mach.
Post-MBA career interests:
Business Strategy or Development in the Defense Sector
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
We all know admissions committees love to open with the classic: “So tell me about yourself.” I really leaned into this question and made sure I stood out in my delivery. Everyone has their own style. Make sure yours shines through when they ask and start the interview off on the right foot.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I allocated more time for GMAT study. I would recommend devoting 3 months to study, if you’re studying while working full-time. I only set aside 1 month. While it worked out for me, it certainly caused more stress than necessary.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The wait to find out if I was accepted post interview. Thorough prep for the interview is the best way to combat this anxiety. If you walk away from the interview knowing you gave it your all, it should help reduce the self-doubt, but it doesn’t make the days go any faster.
What is your initial impression of the Warrington students/culture/community?
My initial impression is, it’s a small community devoted to the individual success of each student. Their individualized attention will all but ensure each student is prepared not only for the job search, but for the long, fruitful career that comes after.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I haven’t joined any yet, but I’m hoping to join the UF MBA Association, a student-run organization committed to building a strong community while offering unique networking and professional development opportunities.
What is one thing you have learned about Warrington that has surprised you?
I was surprised with the total number of students involved with the MBA program through various formats. There are over 800 students pursuing an MBA from the University of Florida through their various MBA formats including – online, hybrid, 1-year, and many more.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about the various immersion opportunities the University offers. These programs allow you to travel either domestically or globally to give students an overview of business practices and the constraints within which businesses operate.
