Matthew King, Florida Warrington MBA Class of 2026
Age: 28
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BYU, Mechanical Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Engineer @ Raytheon Technologies
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to make the jump from an engineering discipline back into the business world. Obtaining an MBA is a career goal I have worked toward since the beginning of my education. My decision was made easy when my wife and I found a clean exit from other educational and work pursuits in Tucson, AZ.
Why did you choose UF Warrington? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
A small cohort and dedicated Business and Career Services group initially attracted me. Once I learned more, I concluded that the ROI of attending UF Warrington was unbeatable. I had previously attended UF for a small chunk of my undergrad and felt comfortable returning and bringing my family.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I have a STEM background and have worked hard to refine my data-driven decision-making during my time at Raytheon. I think my experience living internationally adds perspective different from other candidates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a HUGE sports fan. I love the Philadelphia Eagles, Orlando Magic, and Manchester United.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting, Corporate finance, Strategy
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would reach out and connect with alumni from the program to get advice about my application and their feelings about the program. It can never hurt to talk to more people when trying to make the right decision. Once you prioritize what you want to get out of your education make sure your application conveys that and the school supports that.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I think I would have added more interaction with the school administration upon admittance. I had a lot of things going on when I was accepted and didn’t take enough time to interact with the administration.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped standardized testing. I took the GMAT and submitted my score to UF, but would have rather spent time on something else. I got through it with practice. Practice exams helped me prepare in the best way possible.
What is your initial impression of the Florida Warrington students/culture/community?
I am very impressed with the tight-knit community. The small and focused class sizes provide great learning environments. I am also impressed with the career focus and the Business and Career Services offered by the business school.
What is one thing you have learned about Florida Warrington that has surprised you?
I think the main thing that has surprised me is how much the business school invests in us through both time and funding. It is a program dedicated to improving and attracting the best talent.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am still learning about balancing all my career/school obligations with family. So far, I have really enjoyed all of the opportunities to network and build relationships, but finding a healthy balance is something I am working on.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to learn about the many career paths available to me and figure out where I fit in the business world. I look forward to learning from professors and peers and finding what interests me the most.
