Will Martinez, Boston Carroll MBA Class of 2025
Age: 30
Hometown: Manlius, New York
Undergraduate Institution/Major: Bridgewater State University, Economics
Pre MBA work experience: Travelers Insurance and the United States Air Force.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I took a hiatus from my previous post-graduate studies for the privilege to serve our country. I enlisted in the US Airforce, attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, serving primarily in Europe. Aside from satisfying my need to give back to our country, my key objectives for enlisting were to sharpen my leadership and collaboration skills in an environment that was foreign to me and outside my comfort zone. These experiences reignited my desire to obtain an MBA.
Why did you choose Boston Carroll? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My primary reasons for choosing Boston Carroll include, but are not limited to, the following, the location Boston is a wonderful city with a vibrant business community. Boston College has an excellent reputation and a large alumni network.
The program will enhance my data mining/management skill set and enhance my fact-based decision-making process. Boston College’s commitment to D&I and racial justice. Carroll’s school faculty real-life on-the-job learning via internships.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the BC Carroll School of Management Class of 2025?
My personal culturally diverse background, combined with my professional work experience that has given me the opportunity to work with people of many diverse cultures, ethnicities, and backgrounds, provides me with a unique and valuable perspective that I bring to the table.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I enjoy painting miniatures and building computers.
Post-MBA career interests:
Leveraging my skills to provide a leg up to underserved communities. I envision hosting community financial literacy workshops and mentoring high school students to expose them to opportunities in the business sphere.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
Start networking with your cohort before orientation.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? 
Get everything needed for the application together well before the due date.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have asked business leaders what they consider to be the most business-critical things I need to develop to be successful, and incorporate that into my application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I struggled with the personal essays. I find it difficult to write about myself. What helped me was spreading out the writing over a few days. I set small goals to hit then I would stop.
What is your initial impression of the Carroll students/culture/community?
The welcoming and supportive culture of the members of the Boston College community have exceeded my expectations. The collaborative nature of the classes has also impressed me.
What is one thing you have learned about Carroll that has surprised you?
The enthusiasm the faculty has for teaching. All of the professors work very hard to ensure that the learning objectives in the course are met by all in the class.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Learning coding is what I am most nervous about.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Engaging and learning from my peers and establishing long-term professional and personal relationships.
