Matthew Hecht

Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I am a divorced male with no children. My friends are spread throughout the world and are great people. I have various hobbies and interests but SCUBA, food, travel, and learning are my main focuses.

I have over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. I have worked in every position, including owning units. In the past few years, I have opened or been involved in developing several locations internationally. I am looking at expanding my professional career to more than hospitality but would like to continue working internationally, preferably in developing markets.”

Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing a leadership degree?”
A: “Leaders must continue to develop to stay relevant and productive in their field. It was a natural progression to move to a master’s program. The topic of organizational behavior has been an interest since my undergraduate program. Organizational leadership is the modern equivalent.”

Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “I am presently working on developing my data analysis skills and will be looking into possibly continuing my education with a doctorate in economic history. If that does not end up as the track I pursue, I will look more into an organization that will allow me to help develop in an emerging market. Organizational leadership has helped shape my style and made that path more viable.”

Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “I would never have chosen online before the international shutdown. Being stuck on an island in the middle of the Pacific, there were few other choices. Now that I have gone through one, I highly recommend the process.”

Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “Make sure to spend time interacting with the other students in your cohort. Education comes in many forms, and the people studying with you are as valuable a resource as the text you study.”

Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since completing your degree?”
A: “I resigned from the development project I was working on in Hawaii. The course helped me realize that the organization's values and goals were not in line with my personal values and goals. The value-based leadership model Norwich instills helped shape my decision and improved my life.”

Q: “Please tell us about a time in which you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “Early on in the program, there was an exercise that involved guiding meetings. I took it upon myself to develop a structured meeting format, reduce time wasted in meetings, and increase productivity. Using the knowledge gained in research helped me rein in an unruly mess.”

Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “The knowledge I gained from the different personalities and professions in discussions. My career and professional contacts were myopic. This program exposed me to a broad perspective and made me think outside my small box.”

Q: “Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences at Norwich?”
A: “It was an unexpected high point in my personal and professional life. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that I am walking away with far exceeded the effort that was put in. I recommend Norwich University to anyone that wants to excel in life.”