Matthew Mulkey, Chicago Booth’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 25
Hometown: Spring Branch, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University, Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Across internships and full-time work, I have spent 2.5 years in consulting and 3.5 years in the sports industry.
Why business school? Why now?
I knew business school was something I wanted to do since undergrad. Specifically, I wanted to go back to school to develop my leadership and analytical decision-making skills. The ‘why now’ question is a little more interesting to answer because my business school timeline changed rapidly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you would have asked me in March or April of this year, I would have said I thought business school was something that was still a year or two away for me. However, due to the impact of the pandemic at my last job, I was required to reevaluate my plans. In May, with the job market struggling, I knew if I could get accepted, now would be the best time to go back to school. So, with deadlines closing that month, I turned my focus to expediting my business school plans. It was a month filled with admission calls, GMAT prep, application writing, and lots of stress. When I got accepted, all I remember is being overwhelmed with excitement and relief at the same time.
Why Chicago Booth? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In addition to academic rigor and prestige, I really looked for a program where I could tailor my MBA program around my goals and interests. As a business undergrad, I wanted a more analytically focused curriculum while still getting the leadership and relationship development opportunities that came with an MBA. The combination of Chicago Booth’s reputation, data-driven academic approach, and flexible programming was why Booth was my target program.
Booth also stood out to me from the other top programs during the extended application window by how the admissions team adapted on the fly to what was happening with the pandemic and how they worked with prospective students that dealt with test-centers closing and other pandemic-related issues.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I think my most differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022 is my experience working in the sports industry. My experience working with Texas A&M’s Athletics Department and the Tampa Bay Rays will allow me to provide a unique industry perspective in class discussions and help my fellow classmates interested in the sports industry with their job searches.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
While I worked in the Marketing Department at Texas A&M’s Athletics Department, one of my many duties was DJ’ing the Equestrian matches. From playing the ride-out songs during the matches to the music in-between rides, I was the person behind all the music for A&M’s Equestrian team for a few years.
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in roles at the intersection of business and media/entertainment/sports industries. I am looking for strategic roles that I can leverage the leadership skills and advanced analytics capabilities I hope to develop during my time at Booth.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to as many current and former students as possible (especially if travel restrictions prevent you from visiting campus in person). Blindly reaching out to people is uncomfortable and not anyone’s idea of fun, but I think it is extremely worthwhile because you are able to get answers to your questions and it shows the admissions team that you are not only interested but also willing to put in the extra effort.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I don’t think I would change anything, but having more time would have made the whole process a lot less stressful. If time is not a major constraint, starting early with study prep and recommendation letter hunting is never a bad idea.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Skipping studying for and taking the GMAT would have made my application timeline a little more reasonable. Setting a test date and an actual deadline to get a score helped me focus and get through it.
What is your initial impression of Chicago Booth’s students/culture/community?
From what I have seen so far, the community is very strong at Booth. The second years are a great example of how collaborative and caring the community is. With a lot of the first-year experience changing due to the pandemic, the second years have taken it upon themselves to make sure the first years get the most out of our first quarter. From the LEAD facilitators to the Wine Club co-chairs, I have really been impressed with how hard the second years are working to ensure we have a great, virtual first quarter.
One thing you have learned about Chicago Booth that has surprised you?
Similar to my answer above, but I have been surprised by how prevalent the ‘Pay-it-forward’ culture is. From helping others prep for job interviews to providing best class bidding strategies, it is very obvious that the community is very invested in going above and beyond to put others in the best position to succeed.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about the virtual recruiting process. The good news is that everyone is learning together, but it is still nerve-racking. That being said, Booth’s Career Services team impresses me almost daily with the net-new materials and resources they are producing for the students to help us feel as prepared as possible for recruiting.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
When it is safe to do so, I am most excited about meeting my classmates in person. A lot of people are taking their virtual classes in the city of Chicago somewhere, but there is a good amount of my classmates taking classes in other parts of the world. I am very glad I am able to still meet my remote classmates virtually, but I am looking forward to talking to them in person soon.
