Matt Tarjick, '08 MBA
Background (where are you from, etc)
I am originally from Hoosick Falls, NY (a small town in upstate New York). I attended the United States Military Academy at West Point where I majored in economics and minored in systems engineering. Upon graduation in 1999, I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. I spent four years in the 82ndAirborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina as a medical platoon leader and another 3 years as a company commander for two other healthcare organizations. In total, I’ve served for nearly nine years and am currently a Captain in the Medical Service Corps. My decorations and awards include the Bronze Star Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and three Army Achievement Medals. Additionally, I have earned the Combat Medical, Expert Field Medical, Senior Parachutist (Jumpmaster), German Parachutist, Air Assault, and Army Recruiter Badges.
Why Carlson?
I decided to attend the Carlson School of Management because it was ranked nationally in the top 25 and because it was a public university with an excellent mix of classroom and experiential learning opportunities.
Why MBA/MILI?
I was intrigued by the Medical Industry Leadership Institute (MILI) because it afforded an opportunity to network with other full and part-time students, alumni, and faculty interested in the medical industry and also with industry experts in the Twin Cities.
Future plans
Upon graduation, I will return to the Army Medical Department as a Health Services Comptroller. I’ll be assigned to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in the Nation's Capital.
Dream job
My dream job is to lead Soldiers and to continue serving the country for at least 12 more years until retirement from active federal service.
Recommendations to prospective students
Take the courses that you are interested in and not the ones that you think you need for a particular job. Similarly, work where you will be happiest and the most passionate. Money is nice, but it is not everything; you should love what you do.
What do you do when not in class?
When not in class, I spend the majority of his time with my wife and two children (Ashley 5 and Justin 18 mo.).
Greatest accomplishment so far
Being a father; I get to be a coach, mentor, friend, and role-model to each of them for life.
Biggest surprise about the Carlson School
All of the classes that I am most interested in are only offered at night (ENTR, MILI, OPS) or were cancelled (Advanced Managerial Accounting).
Favorite Book
We Were Soldiers Once...and Young
What do you see as greatest need in medical industry?
1) Universal healthcare coverage and 2) more affordable medicine. It is extremely disappointing that we are the richest country in the world, yet so many Americans go without health insurance. Almost as disappointing, we pay such a high premium for our healthcare, yet 15 or so countries have better healthcare systems or higher quality healthcare.
Who has influenced you the most - role model?
The American Soldier; whether it is the General who has led in every situation for 30+ years or the eighteen year old private who is on point for the country in Iraq or Afghanistan, I am motivated by serving with the them. Their professionalism and perseverance keep me motivated.
Favorite Carlson School experienceWithout question, it is the Carlson Ventures Enterprise (CVE); Favorite MILI class - The Healthcare Marketplace (excellent overview of the entire system).
Most rewarding MILI experience
Leaving a legacy by helping to develop the MILI Student Association; becoming one of the first, and only, student organizations that focuses on both full and part-time MBA students.
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