For this month’s Master of Business and Science (MBS) alumni spotlight, we’re featuring Matthew Brennan. Brennan received his MBS degree in 2017 with a concentration in Drug Discovery and Development. Currently, he serves as Director of Inventory Management and Information Technology Systems at Bentley Labs. He has been working at Bentley Labs for almost 11 years.
Brennan’s interdisciplinary background has allowed him to pursue a multitude of opportunities, leading to success across different career paths.
Why did you choose the MBS degree?
Brennan began his career as an analytical chemist at an environmental testing laboratory before moving to a pharmaceutical management role, which required more business skills.
“Because I was moving away from that technical side, I was afraid of losing that knowledge,” said Brennan. This led him to pursue a Mini-MBA at Rutgers.
During the course BioPharma Innovation, a lecturer showcased the PSM program.
“The concept of [the PSM program] was interesting to me because I was gravitating towards a business-focused role in the technical industries," said Brennan. He realized that through the MBS degree, he could further his technical knowledge while gaining the business acumen most academic STEM programs lack.
Two years into his MBS degree, Brennan discovered a role at Bentley Labs that perfectly suited him. Although Bentley Labs is a cosmetic product manufacturer, the role would allow Brennan to wield his pharmaceutical expertise.
Brennan then transitioned to a different role within Bentley Labs where he could draw from his background in project management while working with analytics and data.
Next, Brennan stepped into his current role as Director of Inventory Management and Information Technology Systems. He took an analytical view of the company’s purchases, negotiations, and relationships with vendors.
Due to his growth within the company, Brennan’s career has been filled with exciting new challenges and opportunities.
How did your MBS education help you through your career transitions?
While Brennan advanced his scientific and business skills through our rigorous academic curriculum, the MBS degree overall provided him with new insight.
“Where I really got value out of [the PSM program] was the interactions you have with folks who aren’t in your concentration,” said Brennan. Through exposure to individuals outside of his field, he realized that career paths do not have to follow structured paths.
He also gained insight from guest speakers and PSM instructors.
“One of the common things I noticed is that many of them had unconventional backgrounds.” Seeing such successful individuals of varied backgrounds encouraged him to try new roles in his company and broaden his horizons.
Additionally, the MBS team taught Brennan the value of staying curious and open-minded.
“A big mantra that [MBS Executive Coach Abbe Rosenthal] says is to be a lifelong learner.”
If there are opportunities and problems that need solving, said Brennan, he’s never afraid to tackle them.
What has been your biggest professional achievement?
“The thing I’m the most proud of is the folks I’m able to work with and helping them develop their talent,” said Brennan.
Brennan works with colleagues who may have an unconventional career like his own. He recognizes the value of having a background in both science and business, encouraging his team to develop the same holistic skills.
Everybody can benefit from a little business savvy or business acumen regardless of their field of expertise, said Brennan.
Brennan invests in the professional development of other Bentley employees and then watches as they tackle problems and help the company succeed.
“That’s what I love to see—watching people grow in their careers.”
How has an MBS education benefitted you post-graduation?
“Particularly in the STEM fields, [the MBS degree] is a leg up and differentiator,” said Brennan.
The MBS degree provides students with rigorous academic training in the fields of business and science. Brennan highlighted our colloquium and networking events, which help students step outside their comfort zones and prepare for the workforce.
“You don’t have a curriculum or syllabus,” said Brennan. “You show up, and you don’t know what to expect. That’s the real-life working world.”
Do you have any advice for current students?
Brennan recommended that students lean into extracurriculars.
“It’s a little cliche, but networking is so critical—especially early on in your career. It’s really healthy to have your options open and know what else is out there.”
By expanding his professional network—within MBS and in industry—Brennan learned about different roles, companies, and industries.
Brennan continues to give back to the MBS community by serving as an extern advisor through Bentley Labs and an alumni mentor. As a first-generation college student, he realizes the value of serving as a resource for students who may face the same obstacles he did during his academic career.
“It’s a mindset of paying it forward,” said Brennan.
Check out stories of other MBS Alumni:
- Trevor Johnson, MBS’20, Analytics: Discovery Informatics & Data Sciences
- Jhanani Ramesh, MBS'19, Analytics: Discovery Informatics & Data Sciences
- Tatiana Luts, MBS’23, Personal Care Science
- Suleiman Ali Shakir, MBS’19, User Experience Design