Matthew H.

After more than seven years in the U.S. Air Force serving as an airborne cryptologic linguist with a fluency in Mandarin Chinese, Matthew Hamill was ready to make a change that was a little more down to earth. So he chose the school that let him become expert in the practical realities of business management—Bay State College.

“I was looking for a school that was ‘veteran friendly,’” he says.  “That was key for me.  I also needed a school with a smaller class size, just because I know from my own personal experience, I succeed better in a smaller classroom environment.”

Bay State more than fit the bill in both regards, says Matt.  The College was not only up to speed on the latest version of the GI Bill® Program, but also was a participant in the VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover any gap costs in tuition. 

Within Bay State’s Management Program, Matt was able to take a “broad spread” of classes that were firmly grounded in the principles and concepts of business.  At the same time, he says, “Bay State's all about getting people into the work force with real knowledge and real skills.  My professors understood the value of practical knowledge, which is what you need in the working world, as much as theoretical knowledge.  They were teaching us to be professionals.”

Having visiting speakers in his classroom was also a huge benefit. The faculty here have a lot of contacts out in the business world,” Matt says, “So we were able to get some real insights on how things are run from actual operational managers.”

Matt graduated from Bay State College in 2010 and is currently working in Marketing at TUV Rheinland of North America.  Matt explains that even though he is currently employed with a job he loves, he still receives calls from Career Services checking in to make sure he’s doing alright.  “That is what support is all about,” Matt says.  “I’m confident I wouldn’t be where I am today without Bay State.”