Henry Wheeler, Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026
Age: 32
Hometown: Weston, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of San Diego, Bachelor of Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Guayakí Yerba Mate: 2016 – 2024. Regional Field Marketing Manager, University Sales & Marketing Manager, Area Sales Lead; Commonwealth Financial Network: 2014 – 2016. Enterprise Risk Associate
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
This past January, I reached a point in my career where I felt I had a strong foundation of experience and was ready to take the next step in my professional development to position myself for executive-level opportunities. I worked at my previous company for nearly eight years, holding various roles in sales and marketing, specifically focused on executing key market strategies in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. During this time, I was able to drive sales and increase brand awareness regionally, and from there, I began to develop a strong interest in brand management. I wanted to learn more about how to utilize strategic frameworks to grow a brand on a broader level and help a company improve its overall market share.
I decided to pursue an MBA because I believed it would allow me to move forward and achieve my professional goals in the most effective manner. I had three key expectations for an MBA program: first – to grow my network in the New England area; second – to gain exposure to more industries outside of my background; and third – to sharpen my skill set in marketing, strategy, and leadership.
Why did you choose Boston College Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Boston College Carroll because it checks every box for what I wanted out of an MBA program. BC has a spectacular alumni network, a strong focus on Data Analytics, and a truly impressive caliber of professors within the Carroll School of Management. Additionally, the smaller class size appealed to me, as it offers the opportunity to form closer connections with classmates and fosters a more personalized classroom experience. These elements together gave me the confidence that Boston College would be the ideal place for me to grow professionally and advance to the next stage of my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Boston College Carroll MBA Class of 2026?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 will be sharing insights from my unique professional experience. Over the course of eight years, I worked at a mission-driven company that grew from ~90 to over 500 employees, and I assisted in evolving our operations from a startup to a more organized corporate structure. Being a part of this kind of growth at a company was an incredible education where I was able to work in many different roles, oversee regional teams, and learn from different leaders. I am just as excited to share what I’ve learned from my experiences as I am excited to learn from my classmates’ experiences.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I traveled throughout New Zealand for six months in 2019-2020, living in a camper van with my wife Jenna. We explored almost every corner of the country surfing, hiking, and working odd jobs. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to work in corporate strategy or brand management at a lifestyle, mission-driven company. The industries I am currently most interested in are footwear, athletic/outdoor apparel, and consumer packaged goods.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Know what you want out of your MBA! Even if you are coming back to school to discover new skill sets or learn about new industries, it is imperative that you articulate your drive for why you are pursuing an MBA. This will be helpful for your application, but more importantly, it will allow you to come into this program with an intention and readiness to capitalize on the resources and experiences an MBA program has to offer.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started the application process earlier if I could have. By the time I decided to apply to MBA programs, I only had a month before the third round of applications were due. Luckily, I landed exactly where I wanted to. So, I think this is also a testament to never convincing yourself it is too late to apply!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was able to get a waiver for the GMAT/GRE and I would do that again if I could! I was confident in my experience speaking for itself more than the standardized tests, so this was applicable to where I was in my career already. As for what helped me get through it, the support I received from my family and friends truly helped to keep me confident in the decision and motivated to complete the applications.
What is your initial impression of the Boston College Carroll MBA students/culture/community?
I have been so impressed by the level of intelligence among my classmates and the openness that everyone has come into the program with. I was nervous coming back to school knowing I would be one of the older students, so I have been thrilled to discover how readily our entire class has been connecting with each other across different ages and backgrounds. I realize that we are all here because we want to better ourselves, and we all have taken a calculated risk investing in ourselves and our education. I am very happy to discover that my classmates have the same mindset, believing we will all gain more from this program if we are all committed to sharing our skills, insights, and backgrounds with each other – whether it’s in the classroom or over a beer at Cityside!
What is one thing you have learned about Boston Carroll that has surprised you?
While it wasn’t entirely a surprise, I’ve been pleasantly impressed by how much Boston College emphasizes the importance of character development. The environment is not cutthroat, nor is it solely focused on who can land the highest-paying job after graduation. Instead, the emphasis is on fostering an inclusive and supportive community, where the goal is to equip us with the skills to succeed in our careers while also instilling a drive to make a positive impact on the world.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am most anxious about getting an internship that I will learn from and enjoy. I am confident I will find a great program that is right for me, but it is obviously a competitive market!
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about the new friendships I am already forming here. Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have incredible friends and family who have supported me and helped shape my character. I look forward to strengthening my friendships at BC and seeing how these connections will help me continue to grow as a person.
