Guelph Grad Q&A: Matthew Martin

Business Grad Gains Experience Needed to Land Job at Google   

Matthew Martin graduated from the University of Guelph’s Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2020, where he majored in Management, Economics & Finance (minoring in marketing). Looking for a well-rounded education, Matthew chose U of G for its holistic approach and because it stood out amongst other programs in Canada. 

The knowledge and experience Matthew gained at U of G would ultimately land him a job at Google. Now three years into his career at Google, Matthew currently works as a Sr. Account Manager where he helps global retail brands maximize their advertising strategies on Google and YouTube.  

Keep reading to learn all about Matthew’s academic journey, including how he is an identical triplet and graduated at the same time as his brothers who were also all graduates of the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics.  

Interview with Matthew Martin

Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Management, Economics & Finance at the University of Guelph?

My name is Matthew Martin, Lang School of Business Bachelor of Commerce (Class of 2020) and I chose to study Management, Economics & Finance (with a minor in marketing) at the University of Guelph because of the holistic approach to finance/economics that the program offered, I wanted to come out of University as a well-rounded individual and this program stood out amongst other programs in the country.  

What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?

I loved the variety of courses offered throughout the 4-years in MEF, there really was a pathway for all careers in Finance whether you wanted to be an Investment Banker or a Financial Analyst it was clear which courses you needed to take to get to your destination. 

I also enjoyed the balance of practical theory & hands-on learning. Lastly, the ability to take a minor (I did mine in marketing) was also amazing - it ended up being extremely helpful as a major in Econ/Fin with a minor in marketing made me a more attractive applicant during my job search. 

Some of my favourite courses during my time were: Theory of Finance (N. Bower), Intro to Macro/Micro (E. Adomait),  FIN*3000 (F. Tapon), MGMT*1000 (K. Rodenburg), MCS*1000 (A.Bonifacio) 

Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.

I was originally in the co-op program, but opted out to finish school in 4 years (special situation because I was in school with my brothers and we wanted to finish together, we are identical triplets and all Lang School of Business grads!) n England (Loughborough University) and then a study-abroad semester in Australia (La Trobe University).

Where are you currently working and what is your role?

I currently work at Google as a Sr. Account Manager specifically in the Retail Vertical, I have been there for 3 years. In short, I help global retail brands maximize their advertising dollars & strategies on Google and YouTube! 

How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?

Although I didn't end up in finance, I would still say that my degree helped me establish the work ethic & rigour needed in my current role. A notable & helpful experience I had was in my FIN*3000 class where we had to present to our peers on a weekly basis - I dreaded it back then, but was thankful for it once I realized that this was a norm in the field of sales/digital marketing, I'm forever thankful for that class! 

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to the extra-curricular clubs/programs that were offered at the school like ACE & Lang Students Association for giving me unique experiences such as problem solving, public speaking & cross-functional collaboration all of which are extremely valuable in the workplace and helped speed up my transition from school to full-time work. 

What advice would you give someone considering the Management, Economics & Finance program or applying to the University of Guelph?

My advice for anyone considering the MEF program or applying to the University of Guelph is simple, just do it! Having visited and granted admission to the top business schools in Canada, I chose U of G because it is a unique and special experience that I believe you cannot get anywhere else. The tight-knit student body, perfect sized campus, & the charm is truly unmatched. 

If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose to study Management, Economics & Finance at the University of Guelph. 

Bonus Questions

Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?

Chicken Tikka at The Bullring is the best meal on campus, hands down!  

In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?

4th floor McLaughlin Library if I want to get some study time in with friends & peers and Macdonald Hall for heads down uninterrupted study time. 

What was your pre-exam ritual?

Get on campus 1-2 hours early, grab a Tim Hortons coffee & banana bread from the UC - then head to a quiet place near the exam hall to do a final run-through! 

What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?

1. The beautiful Campus (especially in the fall!!) & it's mix of historic and modern - War Memorial is one of my favourite lecture halls.
2. The variety of Food options
3. Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics!!!!
4. Extra Curriculars like ACE, Lang Student Association just to name a few.
5. Tight-knit student body, due to a smaller student body I felt as if I got to know my cohort pretty well, it truly felt like a community & it's where I met some of my best-friends.