Matt Semple, Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Titusville, NJ
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Elon University, International Studies: Middle East Concentration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 5 Years – Surface Warfare Officer – United States Navy. The most recent 2 years I served as the Anti-Terrorism Officer on the USS COMSTOCK (LSD 45) in San Diego and the 3 years prior I served as the First Lieutenant on the USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109) in Norfolk, VA, Mayport FL and a Mediterranean / Red Sea deployment.
1 Year – The Clean Shave Co. I am a co-founder along with Anderson Camp of The Clean Shave Co. While deployed together we struggled to shave with limited water and weak water pressure. Andy, being an engineer, invented the Razor Rinser, which allows you to shave anywhere. Last year, we launched on Kickstarter and raised close to $70,000 from over 1,300 people.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Coming out of the military, I wanted to find a company to work for that I am passionate about. I knew an MBA would be a bridge to help me get there. Getting more exposure to case studies, accounting, and data analytics was important to pair with my leadership/management background. Additionally, the resources and networking a strong MBA program provides is huge for someone whose prior experience is all military.
Why did you choose Boston College Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The Carroll School of Management is known for its strength in data analytics. It’s also known for its incredibly strong and (very) loyal network – I knew this firsthand as my girlfriend went to BC undergraduate. It was also a school that offers 100% Yellow Ribbon / GI Bill coverage, which was a must for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026?
One of the best parts of being at BC is learning from so many people who have experience in business settings that I do not. For me though, my job for the last 5 years has been in leading a division of people. I have a lot of experience with trying to get the best out of a team in less-than-ideal environments while trying to keep morale up!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am an avid Wingspan player. Got addicted while I was on deployment where board games were the best source of entertainment.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to find a General Management/leadership role in a company whose mission resonates with me. I am excited about a few positions in the healthcare and energy sectors.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Send out your essays to different people and listen to their advice/edits. If you are a veteran, then reach out to the Veteran’s Club at the school you are applying to for advice.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Maybe to spend more time on the GMAT/GRE. For me, the essays/interviews came naturally, but that first part of the process or re-learning how to essentially take the SAT can go a long way.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Relearning how to take the SAT. My buddy and I used an app called Magoosh that was better than a textbook.
What is your initial impression of the Boston College Carroll MBA students/culture/community?
It’s been great. The people are down to earth and genuinely interested in getting to know each other. Career services helps you out right away. Being a smaller school, it feels like a very unified class that is all rooting for each other.
What is one thing you have learned about Boston Carroll that has surprised you?
Bill O’Brien is the head football coach now. When did that happen?
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Networking, internship searching.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Being back on the East Coast! I am psyched to be close to family and friends who I haven’t been able to spend a lot of time with over the last few years!
