Matt Strong
Matt Strong, Weekend MBA Class of 2025
Director, Software Engineering, Oracle
Briefly describe your experience in landing this role. What challenges did you overcome?
I began this role before starting my MBA program. At that time, my challenges were ensuring my technical skills were solid while also developing my leadership abilities to maximize my effectiveness as an organizational leader.
How did UNC, Kenan-Flagler Business School, the MBA program, or MBA Career Services help you secure this opportunity?
UNC EMBA did not help me secure my current role as I was employed when I began the program. However, the MBA program has significantly contributed to my growth in my current role and prepared me for the next step in my leadership journey. UNC career coaching has helped me tailor my elective courses to align with my ultimate career goals.
What are your long-term career goals?
My long-term career goal is to advance within my current company. My near-term goal is to reach the vice president level, which requires a broader business and strategic perspective that I believe UNC has well prepared me for. Long-term, I aspire to a C-level role driving an important business that produces solutions to help advance humanity.
What’s one lesson or insight you hope every MBA student takes with them after graduation?
By completing this program, you’ve invested in yourself, proven your dedication, and enhanced your abilities. You’re well-equipped to take on anything. You are unstoppable!
Can you share a moment or success story that’s stuck with you during your time in the program?
I joined the UNC MBA program to supplement my existing technical abilities with new business acumen, with the goal of improving my value-add to my company and continuing my career growth. I remember the first time I used my MBA learnings at work. When I volunteered to analyze a cost-reduction initiative, I applied lessons from a recent cost analysis course, found errors, and surfaced actionable savings opportunities. I was elated that I brought business value to my company in a way I could not have done before! This was the first time I experienced my new MBA super-power, a feeling that I am proud to share is now commonplace.
Is there anyone (e.g., faculty, peers, mentors) you’d like to recognize for their support?
I’d love to send a shoutout to the entire staff and my entire cohort. To name a few specific people who have had a major impact on my experience, I would like to recognize Angela Bond and Stephanie Clark from the UNC staff, as well as my peers Adam Chalker, Arun Mirpuri, Jenni Currier, Natalie Davis, Abraham Thomas, and Todd Johnson.
| Originally published on September 1, 2025. | Return to the main Spotlight Series page. |