Meet Boston College’s MBA Class of 2017

Kevin Barry 

Boston College, Carroll Graduate School of Management

Hometown: Manhasset, NY

Undergraduate School and Major: Vanderbilt University, Political Science Major

Employers and Job Titles since graduation: Senior Analyst, NYC Office of Management and Budget

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Figure out what time in your schedule works best for studying and then stay committed to it. Once you get in a routine with studying, it becomes so much easier. Also, keep in mind the GMAT is also an endurance test so try to schedule a few weekends where you can take a complete exam.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? When creating an initial list of schools, I would take some time to figure out what you are looking for out of your business school experience. After you narrow down schools based on location and fit, I would take a look at the employment statistics and see which types of companies heavily recruit on campus. Once you finalize your list, I would reach out to alumni and attend information sessions – and make adjustments if necessary. Talking to current or former students is a great way to get a feel for the culture of a school.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Once you are committed to attending business school and have your list of schools, I would reach out to your bosses to give them ample time to write your recommendations. Many professionals have busy schedules and I think it is important to give them the time needed. In terms of essays, I would have a firm understanding of why you want to attend business school and how it will help you to achieve your professional goals. Having a clear purpose will also strengthen your interviews.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I chose Boston College due its strong reputation and top-notch faculty for finance and data analytics. When I visited BC, I fell in love with the school. BC has a tightly-knit community and the people here are down-to-earth and genuine. The program places a heavy emphasis on professional development, core technical skills, and has a very loyal alumni network.

Additionally, BC offers many field study opportunities. In January, I will be enrolled in BC’s award-winning Tech Trek course which combines classroom learning with a week-long field study to Silicon Valley. The class sessions include opportunities to meet with executives at companies like Google, Apple, and Highland Capital. The visits also provide access to successful entrepreneurs who have brought their companies from startup to blue chip. BC sets itself apart with their curriculum.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? Before I graduate, I want to develop the skills needed to be an effective professional. My primary concentration is finance and I am looking forward to taking advantage of BC’s extensive offerings. I am also grateful for BC’s data-driven curriculum, which I believe offers a very practical skillset. The school also does a lot of professional development with public speaking and learning SQL. I feel I have made great friendships here with people from all over the world, and I am proud to be a part of the Boston College family.