Connections are key in the real world, alumnus advises

Matheus Gonçalves ’19, MBA ’20, earned his MBA from Clark amid a global pandemic — and secured a job, as well. The recent Clark grad is now a junior marketing strategist with CommCreative in Framingham, Massachusetts. During his time at Clark, Gonçalves, who hails from Ipatinga, Brazil, was a resident adviser, mentor in the ACE (Advancing Clark Excellence) program, and a leader in his hall councils as well as the International Students Association (ISA), Latin American Student Organization (LASO), and Salsa Encendida.

We sat down with him to learn about his new hobbies and see what career advice he has for current Clarkies.

When did you graduate and what did you do at Clark?

I graduated in 2019. I studied management and had a minor in screen studies. I obtained an MBA with a marketing concentration from the School of Management (SOM) this past May.

At Clark, I was involved in various clubs. I was part of the Bullock/Blackstone Hall Council, ISA, LASO, and Salsa Encendida — lots of great memories! I was also a resident adviser and served as an ACE mentor for two years. Overall, I had a true Clarkie experience — a little bit of everything!

What was your favorite Clark memory?

It’s hard to pick one, but the Bullock first floor study room has a special place in my heart. My friends and I pretty much took over that study room every day throughout our first year. We had so many all-nighters in there — homework, games, movie nights, fun conversations — and I can remember residents walking by, probably thinking, “Will these people ever leave?” Funnily enough, I was a resident adviser my senior year in Bullock, so I got to recreate some of those memories again, but I didn’t take over the study room this time around.

Also, I can’t forget about International GALA. I have never felt so proud to represent my country in such a fun way. I didn’t know I could dance until trying it out at Clark, actually, so I’m forever grateful for that.

Where are you now? What have you been up to?

I’m currently living in Hudson, Massachusetts, which is about 30 minutes from Clark. I’m working at CommCreative in Framingham as a junior marketing strategist. This was definitely one of my slowest summers because of the pandemic, but looking back, I am very happy to have taken the time to self-reflect and do a lot more outdoor activities like hiking and biking, which I wouldn’t have done otherwise.

How has starting a new job during the pandemic been?

I was lucky to have secured an internship prior to the pandemic, which eventually led to a full-time position. The transition has been challenging because I haven’t met most people in person, including my new boss. I consider myself a very social person, so working from home isn’t my cup of tea. Although it’s been three weeks, I feel like I’m still in the onboarding process; it hasn’t hit me that I’m a full-time employee yet. I think once I get to return to the office and see everyone it will feel “legit.”

Have you been developing any new skills or hobbies during the pandemic?

I’ve been taking a couple of courses to expand my knowledge. I’m taking time to really understand Microsoft Excel and all its features — I had only scratched the surface before! I’ve also been trying to learn French. I took a few classes over the years and I’ve been pushing myself back to relearn the language.

I also developed a new hobby over this summer — gardening! I never knew it could be so fun and relaxing. I had to learn to be patient because plants take forever to grow. Now, my plants and flowers are all dead, but I’m looking forward to the spring to do it all over again.

Do you have any ‘adulting’ tips or career advice you can share with your fellow Clarkies?

Networking is extremely important — I didn’t realize that until the end of my Junior year. Connections are everything in the “real” world, and that’s how I initially got my internship. I actually spent this summer working on my LinkedIn network, and it has been helping me get more exposure out there, which I think is really important to continue to build my career.

Emilee Cocuzzo ’18, MBA ’19, is a member of Clark’s GOLD Council, which includes members from the ten most recently graduated classes. Through the Career Connections Center, you can find a job or internship, connect with employers and alumni career professionals, work on your resume, practice your interview skills, obtain advice, research careers, and much more. Get prepared, gain experience, and make your move. #clarkconnectsyou