Erin McMahon '03

Park Fellow
Yale University
Taught English as a Second Language at a Washington, D.C. elementary school as part of the Teach for America program
Ernst & Young

Student Council chairwoman
Captain, Frozen Assets Hockey Team

During my time with Teach for America, I realized that there are many great educators, but few effective managers in the educational system. I knew I wanted to gain skills in finance, accounting and consulting because of my desire to make the widespread changes I saw were needed in the educational system. Working at Ernst & Young, then returning for my MBA, helped me acquire those basic skills.

The Johnson School provided an intelligent network of people and an opportunity to shine. It was exactly the right school for me and right size. I never felt lost in the shuffle and my experience here gave me the confidence to go into the non-profit sector. I will be working as the director of service development for City Year, a non-profit organization focused on promoting civic involvement through national service.

The Park Fellowship Program provided me with insight into my leadership style and the kind of work that energizes me, as well as the kind that drains me. My partners and I helped a local agricultural entrepreneur by analyzing his business plan and helping his company enter into a joint venture with two other companies. It was a great opportunity to give back to the community and do something that mattered.