2016 MBAs To Watch: Matthew Davis, Missouri (Crosby)

Matthew Davis

University of Missouri, Crosby MBA

Age: 28

Hometown: College Station, TX

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Missouri-Columbia, Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Bachelor of Arts in Communications

Where did you work before enrolling in business school? University of Missouri Medical School Department of Pharmacology and Physiology; Lab Manager

Where did you intern during the summer of 2015? Newz Group, Columbia MO

Where will you be working after graduation? Newz Group; Director of Marketing

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School Community Work: Maplewood Barn Community Theatre Board of Directors; Leadership Roles: Crosby Analytics Society, President; Michael T. Christy Professional Achievement Award

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I’m most proud of growing the Crosby Analytics Society because of our efforts to continue learning outside the classroom. The group is very focused on staying up to date on current data analytics trends, learning new programming languages, and making connections that will help students beyond school.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of working at the cancer research laboratory for five years. By working in such a unique environment, I was able to develop skills and see how they were applicable in a variety of situations.

Who is your favorite professor? Dr. Detelina Marinova, because she is passionate about marketing analytics, and she inspires her students to go beyond what they learn in the classroom.

Favorite MBA Courses? Advanced Marketing Analytics, Advanced Topics in Biological Engineering

Why did you choose this business school? It’s one of the best education values, and I really connected to their message, “Choose to Thrive.” I felt that it was a very empowering message, letting students know that they had full control over how successful their MBA could make them.

What did you enjoy most about business school? I loved working with so many different types of students. From international students to those with really diverse work and life experiences, we have a really diverse student body.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from business school? I really learned the value of networking, not only with fellow students but also professors, seminar speakers, alumni, and community leaders.

What was the most surprising thing about business school? Realizing how much your previous work experience, no matter what kind of work, is extremely beneficial in business school.

What’s your best advice to an applicant to your school? Even if your background is not in business, it is still important. Additionally, the thing that will set you apart is your drive.

“I knew I wanted to go to business school when… I realized I had a passion for data analytics.”

“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be… still searching for my career passion. (Getting an MBA was a pretty big turning point.)”

Which executive or entrepreneur do you most admire? Elon Musk, because he doesn’t let current paradigms define his work. He is an innovator in every sense of the word.

What are your long-term professional goals? I would eventually like to start my own company.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? My wife, for being a phenomenal partner and support system.

Fun fact about yourself: My wife is expecting our first child in July 2016, so I will be a first-time dad.

Favorite book: John Adams by David McCullough (and it’s signed!)

Favorite movie: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Favorite musical performer: Tom Petty

Favorite television show: “The IT Crowd”

Favorite vacation spot: North Carolina

Hobbies? Graphic design, reading historical biographies

What made Matt such an invaluable addition to the class of 2016?

“When I first met Matt, the thing that stood out the most to me was his personality. It is not surprising that Matt comes from a theater and communications background, as his outstanding soft skills and exuberant presence have made a huge impact on our program. Matt started our program as a part-time student working as a laboratory manager at Mizzou’s School of Medicine.

“Matt embodies leadership in many ways. First and foremost, he is not afraid to learn about how to become a good leader. Even as a part-time student in the program, Matt was engaged and very active in activities. In 2013, he was nominated for Mizzou’s Leadership Academy, where student leaders can explore and learn about authentic leadership. With this in mind, he continued to develop his skills both in and outside of the classroom. Matt is currently getting the Marketing Analytics Certificate and has served as the president of our Crosby Analytics Society. In this position, Matt worked on external projects analyzing and evaluating data. In addition, Matt is the first Crosby MBA student to finish our Life Science Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate. Students in this program will receive training to translate life science discoveries into products and services that will improve health.

“All of Matt’s contributions were recognized in the spring of 2015 when he was awarded the Michael T. Christy award. This award is given to MBA students whose professional achievements are judged to be most outstanding in the following domains: practical application of material in the Crosby MBA program’s curriculum; service to the Crosby MBA program and to the greater community; and expansion of personal and professional horizons through participation in professional activities outside the classroom, both within the Trulaske College of Business and elsewhere. He has been wonderful to have in the program.”

Kim Hedges

M.Ed., Academic Advisor

University of Missouri

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