Maarten Beckx, Dartmouth Tuck MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Antwerp, Belgium
Undergraduate Institution and Major: ESCP Europe Business School, Business Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product Manager, Amazon Fresh, 5 Years
Why did you decide to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve had the privilege of building a career in the CPG industry, gaining diverse experience both as a manufacturer (AB InBev) and as a retailer (Amazon Fresh). These roles have not only deepened my understanding of the industry but also provided valuable leadership opportunities. However, as I moved into more senior positions, I realized the need to grow further—particularly in leading within a more global and complex context.
Pursuing an MBA now enables me to sharpen my leadership skills while broadening my perspectives beyond the geographies I’ve worked in. Already, in classes like Managing People and Analytics, I’ve had moments where I thought, “I would have handled that situation so much better at work if I had known this.” This experience is helping me bridge that gap and evolve into the leader I aspire to be.
Why did you choose Dartmouth Tuck? What factors influenced your decision?
I was particularly drawn to Tuck because of its strong emphasis on community and collaboration. Moving to a new continent and stepping into an MBA program, I wanted to be part of a supportive, close-knit environment where people truly care for one another. Tuck’s unique location fosters exactly that—a small, yet dynamic community where everyone knows each other, and lifelong connections are built.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
Having lived and worked in several countries, I’ve experienced firsthand how different cultures approach diversity, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. This has fueled my passion for creating environments where everyone can feel safe and empowered to be their authentic selves. At Tuck, and as a ROMBA fellow, I’m excited to contribute to fostering an inclusive space where all voices are valued, and everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that wasn’t included in your application:
I’ve run a Wine Marathon in France twice—a race where you run between châteaux, sampling wine at each stop! Surprisingly, I finished faster the second time around, despite consuming more wine along the way.
Post-MBA career interests:
I want to broaden my expertise beyond the CPG industry and dive into technological innovation. I’m particularly interested in either consulting for companies to drive tech advancements or working directly within a tech firm that’s pushing the boundaries of innovation.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again during your application process?
I would reach out to current Tuck students. Those conversations were invaluable—hearing about their experiences reinforced my belief that Tuck was the right fit for me. It also provided personal insights that no brochure could offer.
–What is one thing you would do differently?
I would have visited the Tuck campus before applying. While I knew Tuck was a great fit on paper, experiencing the community and environment firsthand would have deepened my understanding and helped me convey that connection in my application essays and interview.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could, and how did you get through it?
The GMAT prep was the most challenging part of the process for me. It was tough to memorize all the small details that could influence the score. However, I got through it by focusing on understanding the material deeply and knowing that performing well would help showcase my academic potential.
What is your initial impression of the Dartmouth Tuck students/culture/community?
The program kicks off with an intense core curriculum, the recruiting process, and the excitement of meeting new friends, which can feel overwhelming at first. But what I’ve found is that the community is truly collaborative and supportive, making it easy to reach out when you need help. One thing I really love is how much they encourage you to try new things. I took a chance and joined the Tripod Hockey team, even though I had never played ice hockey before, and it’s been such a positive experience—everyone is there for each other, no matter your skill level.
What has surprised you most about Dartmouth Tuck?
The diversity of my classmates has been eye-opening. Despite having spent much of my adult life in international settings, I didn’t anticipate just how diverse my cohort would be. From Off-Broadway performers to investment bankers from South Africa, I’m constantly inspired by the unique backgrounds of the people I meet.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m anxious about balancing the incredible range of opportunities available at Tuck. There’s so much to explore, from academics to extracurriculars, that I sometimes worry I might miss out on something important.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
At the same time, this vast array of opportunities is exactly what excites me the most. I can’t wait to dive in and stretch myself in new ways, taking on challenges and experiences that will help me grow both personally and professionally. So far, I’ve already joined Tuck Pride, Tripod Hockey, and volunteered for the Tuck Diversity Conference. All these experiences have already taught me so much and brought me closer to amazing people. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
