Career paths can be full of surprises, and for Master of Business and Science (MBS) alumnus Thomas Hayes, his journey has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. For this month’s alumni spotlight, we’re excited to highlight Hayes’ inspiring story and the role the MBS has played in his success.
After completing his undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at Northeastern University, Hayes began his career in consulting, advising major food and beverage companies on strategy and emerging food technologies. His career took him from Boston to international locations such as Singapore and Saudi Arabia, giving him a unique perspective in the industry.
After six years in consulting, Hayes returned to academia to earn an MBS degree in Global Food Technology and Innovation. This degree set the stage for his next major career milestone: launching Agilitas, a startup that offers a software platform to help food scientists and developers bring products to market faster and more efficiently.
Why did you choose the MBS degree?
When he wanted to pivot into the food industry from his engineering background, Hayes knew that he needed a program that would build both technical and business acumen. Traditional MBA programs lacked the industry focus he was looking for.
“Rutgers is a reputable name in the food science and in the food industry,” Hayes shared, which drew him to the MBS degree. The curriculum’s balance of technical development and business management skills struck the perfect balance for him, especially with the flexibility to study online while working abroad.
What did you find to be the most valuable aspect of the Professional Science Master’s program?
For Hayes, the diversity of his peers added immense value to his MBS experience. Collaborating with classmates from various professional backgrounds expanded his understanding of teamwork and problem-solving within the food industry.
The program’s networking opportunities have also proved essential, as he is able to keep in contact with all the connections he made during his studies to this day.
What has been your biggest professional achievement?
Hayes’ most significant achievement is the founding of Agilitas, a venture that stems from his deep interest in the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and food science.
This initial curiosity grew in the Science and Technology Management Capstone course, where students work in teams to choose a science-based intellectual property and develop a business plan to bring it to market.
“[I] saw a lot of opportunities, so actually in the Capstone course, that’s where I was able to really explore that further,” Hayes said. “It was difficult, but well worth it.”
In this course, Hayes learned to put together a business plan and execute a pitch—practice that would be crucial for the later development of Agilitas.
The creation of Agilitas was driven by a fundamental question: How could technology, especially AI, make the lives of food scientists and product developers easier? Hayes recognized that these professionals, who are the backbone of the research and development teams at food companies, are often underserved by current tools. With this insight, he set out to create Agilitas, leveraging AI to streamline the food product formulation processes.
Other important courses for Hayes included Principles of Accounting and Finance and Fundamentals of Intellectual Property. These courses helped him understand company valuations and the protection of innovations—a core focus at Agilitas.
How has an MBS education benefitted you post-graduation?
Beyond technical skills, the MBS degree also bolstered Hayes’ marketability and confidence in job searches and interviews.
“I just felt more well-equipped having the knowledge that I accrued from the degree,” he said.
His network from the program has continued to support his venture, providing connections who are potential partners and customers for Agilitas.
“Since I got back to the U.S. and started this new venture, I've been able to go back to people that I took courses with that are potential customer partners for my startup.”
Do you have any advice for current and prospective students?
Reflecting on advice from his undergraduate commencement speaker, Hayes recommends students embrace the “zigs and zags” of life. His own career path—including years working in Singapore and Saudi Arabia—shaped his entrepreneurial outlook and adaptability.
Hayes also emphasizes the importance of adapting communication styles in multicultural settings. Having moderated panels overseas, he learned to tailor his communication based on cultural nuances, a vital skill reinforced by the MBS Principles of Communication and Leadership course.
Finally, Hayes advises students to maintain connections with one another.
“Don’t wait until you need something to activate that network,” Hayes concluded. He encourages students to take risks, value diverse experiences, and cultivate networks early, emphasizing that a proactive approach to networking can significantly change one’s career.
For more stories like this, check out our previous MBS alumni spotlights:
- Matthew Brennan, MBS’17
- Trevor Johnson, MBS’20
- Tatiana Luts, MBS’23
- Suleiman Ali Shakir, MBS’19
- Laura Gordon, MBS’22