Five Questions: Matthew Larson

As graduation day approaches, we asked members of TLI's class of '24 their impressions about the program as things are finally winding down. They had a lot to say. Our next graduate is Matthew Larson, MOT class of '24, who was kind enough to answer five questions about the nearly-completed program.
 

1. What made you decide on TLI for your graduate program? 

I wanted a program focused on building my technological vision for a company's IT department. My future goal is to be a company director or CTO; this program is more aligned with that than a typical MBA.

2. What class/instructor has had the biggest impact on you, and why? 

I truly enjoyed Chip Laingen's Science & Technology Policy class because it's a concept that is so rarely talked about in education, and I believe everyone should develop some knowledge of it. It can be eye-opening when you really start thinking about the downstream impacts of business and government policies. Leaders need to have a good understanding of what makes a potentially good or bad policy.

3. What was most surprising to you about TLI's program? 

I was pleasantly surprised how so many people of different political views could come together and discuss, debate, and work on projects without their differences getting in the way or causing any discomfort. Everyone had their views but didn't let them affect everyone else's experiences. We were all there to learn and not talk politics.

4. What are some of the meaningful connections you gained as part of the TLI experience? 

I developed a strong friendship with Dr. Bart Nowakowski, someone with whom I have a surprising number of similar interests and hope to work with sometime in the future. I also connected with several professors and speakers who focus on AI, a technology I'm interested in further pursuing in my career.

5. What do you plan to do next in your career? 

Along with technology leadership opportunities like manager and director, I'm also pursuing roles that specifically examine AI and how it can benefit the company. I would be pretty happy if I could combine the two.