Matt Dunn

Before HBS: Management consultant at Monitor Group (Boston)
Hometown: Schenectady, New York
Career Aspirations: Providing strategic advisory to corporations and governments, particularly to support the economic development of cities and regions
Interests: Government / Politics, Music, Pop Culture, Socializing, Travel, Writing

How did you consider different schools?
For me, fit was critical. I was going to be in business school for two years, and I knew it would be an immersion experience, so I had to feel comfortable with the community. Some schools felt more right than others in terms of their culture, and that was as much a factor as teaching style, academic focus, and rankings.

More specifically, I needed to attend a school that embraced its LGBT students—not a school that just accepted the presence of LGBT students, but a school where those students were truly valued as integral to the community. Both the administration and the student body at HBS made an effort to show that.

To any prospective LBGT business school student, I encourage you to do your homework, and do it thoroughly. Talk to people at the schools—listen their stories, get their impressions, and really imagine what it would be like to be there for a few years. And of course, visit the schools and connect with the LGBT clubs to get insight into the campus. If there are events such as HBS’s LGBT open house events for prospective students (held each year), go to them. Schools like HBS want you, so why not take advantage of the events and opportunities they offer?


On pre-conceived notions of HBS
Okay, I’ll admit it: I had some concerns that Harvard, and specifically HBS, would be stuffy and close-minded. I even heard murmurs from some people that HBS may not be right for me. Well, those concerns were unfounded, and the school did an excellent job at disproving those concerns quickly. The HBS community is extremely welcoming, not just to LGBT students but to every student from every background.

My preconceived notions of HBS were shattered during Admitted Students weekend. The school hosted a great LGBT dinner event for interested students, and it was a great opportunity to meet the “club” at HBS and other prospective students. Considering that almost every prospective student at the dinner joined me at HBS in the fall, I’d say the LGBT network was impressive to everyone, not just me. That weekend was a great opportunity, and I highly encourage it for any accepted LGBT student.

I have found HBS to be a thriving, progressive, and exciting place to be. I learned that my own first-hand experiences and exploration of the school were so much more valuable than my speculation and anecdotes from third parties. HBS’s reputation for rigorous academics and an exciting community is well-deserved, but my preconceived notions about the culture of the place were all wrong.


What has been your experience at HBS being out?
For the first few days, going back to graduate school is a bit like returning to college: Where do I sit in the dining hall? Who is in my classes? Where do I hang out tonight? And for many LGBT students, there is the one million dollar question: Do I tell people I am gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender?

I chose to be completely out with my fellow students, and I have had a great time with it. I helped with National Coming Out Day events in October. I talked to my classmates about LGBT experiences, both at formal occasions and in casual conversations. I have not encountered a single person that has reacted poorly to my sexuality. Even if people have a different perspective than me, everyone at HBS values diversity and wants to learn from different people. I feel equally comfortable hanging out with my straight friends at school as I do with my LGBT friends, and I think that’s great.

Many of my straight friends (some of whom have never known an openly gay person before) love to talk about what is like to be gay at HBS, in business, or just in general—so much so that at times often I am the one who wants finally to change the subject. And when I do find myself in the occasional awkward situation (and it would be silly to assume there would never be any), it is usually because someone is not aware of the effect of their words or actions. When this happens, I politely point out my perspective. In every single situation the individuals have been not only apologetic but also eager to learn more to ensure they do not make the same mistake again.

I also know that if I were ever to face discrimination, there are significant support systems in place around the school. LGBT faculty and staff are always willing to talk.  The Leadership and Values Initiative at HBS creates another network of support enacting many policies to protect the rights of minorities and all students. Fellow students take mutual respect and personal responsibility very seriously, and they speak up against bigotry.

In the end, how ‘out’ to be is a unique choice for each person, but I highly encourage those applying and those attending HBS to be out and confident in that decision. It feels great to be honest, and it helps educate the larger community. At HBS, few things are valued as much as mutual learning.