Meet Boston College’s MBA Class of 2017

REVAMPED CURRICULUM A MAJOR PLUS FOR INCOMING CLASS

Despite its successful data-driven model, Carroll hasn’t rested on its laurels. Instead, the school has recently revamped its curriculum and professional development program to, in Jordan’s words, “include an increased focus on profession-ready skills including, data analytics, analysis, technology, critical thinking, and communications.”

Kandace Francois, a Wisconsin native and USC grad, chose Carroll based on such wrinkles. “I was initially drawn to BC’s MBA program due to its Business Analytics specialization,” she states. “Having majored in economics and statistics, I was looking for a program where I could build upon my knowledge of “big data” decision analysis and predictive modeling, while simultaneously learning essential marketing and management skills.”

In contrast, Sasha Pulde, who worked as a healthcare consultant before heading to Chestnut Hill, was drawn to the school’s increasingly experiential bent. “Academically, I believe that BC has a strong balance of academics and practical application of what you learn in school. First year full time MBA students have the opportunity to work on a consulting project. This will provide a tangible opportunity to apply our knowledge and gain skills that will be successful and applicable in the professional world.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, Carroll also offers TechTrek, a week-long field study trip to tech hotbeds like Silicon Valley and Seattle. For Linh Pham, who hopes to embed herself in the Boston startup scene before starting up her own venture fund in Asia, TechTrek is a rare chance to get an inside look at how firms are tackling the financial, operational and technological hurdles facing them. “This class involves some 20 master-class sessions with senior executives, entrepreneurs, and venture partners. As someone who is interested in venture finance, I believe this will be a unique opportunity to meet and consult entrepreneurs and venture partners who have the direct experience in the areas that I will be working in the future.”

Alas, curriculum is only part of the school’s charm. Like most small MBA programs, Carroll emphasizes personal attention, a major benefit for students like Francois who are looking to step outside their comfort zones.  “After visiting BC,” Francois reminisces, “I realized the program’s small class sizes, where professors know you by name, would help me grow both personally and professionally.” And the school’s Jesuit mission, summed up in the motto “Through cooperation and integrity we prosper,” also reminds students of the connections between service, character, and success. “As a graduate of a Jesuit business school in Madrid,” notes Miguel Cardoso, “I felt strongly attracted to BC’s focus on Jesuit values of community, integrity, and excellence.”

“I HOPE TO WALK OFF THE GRADUATION STAGE WITH A GREATER SENSE OF SELF”

So where does the Class of 2017 go from here? For Peter Harrington, a West Point grad who rose to being a Battery Commander, the next two years are designed to make up for lost time and frame his future. “I would like to gain a better understanding of the technical aspect of businesses because I have not been able to develop the hard business skills while serving in the military. I believe that learning technical business skills while at Boston College, partnered with the leadership experience I will gain as I continue in the military, will make me more marketable when I ultimately retire from the army.”

Francois, on the other hand, is making a more personal journey. “Upon entering the program,” she admits, “I was unclear of what my “dream job” is or in what work environment I would flourish.  While at BC, I am excited to challenge myself and to step outside my comfort zone, in an effort to discover my desired career path.  Therefore, I hope to walk off the graduation stage with a greater sense of self.”

Others simply hope to leave with few regrets. Eric Maskwa, a Columbia-trained engineer, looks at the experience pragmatically. “I hope at the end of two years I can look back and know I made the right choice.” Megan O’Neil, who is part of a dual program with the School of Theology and Ministry, is more animated. “When I graduate, I really want to feel that I took advantage of everything at Boston College. There are so many great classes, so I want to be able to take as many as I can. The community is also exceptionally strong, so I want to use this time to engage with my classmates and establish bonds that will continue after graduation.”

To read profiles of incoming Carroll students – along with their advice on tackling GMAT, applications, and interviews – click on the student links below.

Kevin Barry / Manhasset, NY

Miguel Cardoso / Madrid, Spain

Kandace Francois / Minocqua, WI 

Peter Harrington / Salem, MA 

Eric Maskwa / Stratham, NH 

Megan O’Neil / Boise, ID 

Linh Pham / Hanoi, Vietnam 

Sasha Pulde / Lexington, MA