Hope Matthews, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2024
Age: 27
Hometown: Greenwich, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Middlebury College, Computer Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Digital Product Management
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As a kid, I grew up listening to my dad’s stories from his time in business school—he always highlighted how valuable the experience was, not only for its impact on his career but also for the lifelong friendships he formed. Hearing this and reflecting on my own work in product management at Discovery (now Warner Bros. Discovery), I knew that business school could be a good educational supplement to my liberal arts degree from Middlebury as I continue to build my career. Specifically, one of my goals is to make a significant impact on a direct-to-consumer company at the intersection of business and technology, and I think the focused education and exposure that business school provides will help me strengthen my skillset, knowledge, and network to achieve this.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Aside from the strong reputation and academics, I was particularly drawn to the tight-knit community combined with the bucolic setting based on how much I loved my undergrad experience at Middlebury. I appreciate that the smaller class sizes provide the opportunity to form deep bonds with professors and classmates, and I love the easy access to nature and outdoor activities. I knew Tuck was the place for me when I visited the campus last fall and instantly felt the warmth of the campus culture and the enthusiasm of the students.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I think it’s unusual that I’m coming into business school with four years of product management experience under my belt. I know a lot of people pivot to work in product after business school, so I’m hoping that I can offer help to my classmates who are interested in the space.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I LOVE hot dogs! I always eat them with ketchup on one half and mustard on the other—I don’t like to mix condiments, so this way I don’t have to choose.
Post-MBA career interests:
Direct-to-consumer product management, strategy, and entrepreneurship
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I found it really helpful to talk with current students and alums of the schools I was applying to. I had as many conversations as I could and found that I took away at least one unique or interesting thing from each chat.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had given myself a stricter, more condensed timeline for getting my standardized testing done. I stretched out my studying over twelve months but think I could have gotten it done in half the time if I had been more disciplined.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Writing isn’t my strong suit, so I found polishing my essays challenging. Having several of my friends and family read multiple versions and provide candid feedback helped tremendously.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
Everyone is so friendly, smart, and fun. They genuinely want to get to know and help one another.
What is one thing you have learned about Dartmouth Tuck that has surprised you?
I wasn’t expecting the Tuck Partners and families to be so seamlessly incorporated into everything we do—I love that they’re just as much a part of the community as the students are.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting for next summer’s internship.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Exploring the surrounding area through activities including hiking, skiing, and running.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I was originally planning to apply to be in the class of 2023 but decided to wait another year after the pandemic hit. I’m glad I did because I got more work experience and was able to start my MBA without some of the COVID precautions that previous classes faced.
