Matthew Cox, Rotman MBA Class of 2024
Age: 29
Hometown: Birmingham, UK
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Loughborough University, English and Drama
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending 5 years at a pharmaceutical company, working only within commercial roles, I decided that I wanted to expand my horizons and explore other industries and business areas. In addition, I began to realize that I valued seeing real impact and effects of my work on the world around me, so I wanted to explore areas of sustainability and social impact. As a result, I saw that going to do an MBA would provide me the greatest platform to propel myself into the new and unknown – where I could gain invaluable knowledge and industry experiences. I always thought as well – if not now, then when? So I took the leap.
Why did you choose Toronto Rotman? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
For two reasons. Firstly, the school. Rotman School of Management has an unbelievable team of academic professors who are world leaders in their areas. The list of electives and majors that are available provide a holistic approach to all areas of business, and their ranking as Canada’s best university and a leading global business school proves that they are heavyweights in the MBA world. Secondly, the people. The mixture of culture and diversity in Toronto (and Canada) was something that really appealed to me. I wanted to completely step out of my comfort zone and go somewhere that provides value beyond the classroom and this city does exactly that.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
Being one of only 3 Europeans this year is for sure a major one! But beyond this, I’ve had a broad global experience with my old role working in every continent (Except Antarctica) and living in 3 different countries during this time – so I have managed to build and experience numerous unique perspectives.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I tend to complete huge adventures and challenges that are extremely physically demanding! Just before I came to Rotman, I completed a Monster Triathlon challenge – swimming 5km, cycling 1000km, and running 60km from Loch Ness in Scotland to London in England in 7 days!
Post-MBA career interests:
So far, I’m still exploring what careers I’m really interested in. A part of me coming to business school is to expand my horizons and truly understand where my interests lie. My vision of the future includes social impact and development, but where that will lead me is still a mystery I’m trying to solve!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Hire a consultant to advise on how to build a story. Knowing your story of where you’ve come from and where you’re going has been invaluable to me, not only in the application, but also in selling myself and my vision to others.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Get so stressed about the GMAT! The amount of pressure I placed on myself was unhealthy, and I began studying for numerous hours every single day around my work and both were suffering as a result. My new approach to highly stressful examinations for now is to break them down, start early, and just keep moving forward.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I don’t think I would have skipped anything. Through all the highs and lows, I managed to learn something about myself. I’m not in the business of skipping life, but in embracing every moment and seeking the value in all situations.
What is your initial impression of the Toronto Rotman students/culture/community?
So far, the school has blown past all my expectations. The workload is high, and It’s very challenging, but there are some fantastic support structures and guidance available to help. In addition, due to the school’s reputation and ranking in Canada we get a lot of proximity to industry professionals in some of the biggest companies across the country!
What is one thing you have learned about Toronto Rotman that has surprised you?
Just the range of opportunities available, both academically and extracurricular!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I don’t have much anxiety for this course. When I first came, I found it quite a stressful period to set myself up in a new country (Getting a flat, furniture, bank account, mobile phone), but that was it. Everything that I see in front of me excites me, and I can’t wait to embrace the challenge.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Creative Destruction Lab – a seed-stage program for scalable science and tech-based companies. In term 4 of first year, we can take an introduction to the CDL as an elective and work directly with these companies, and I can’t wait to get involved.
