From the time he was a senior in college, Matt Gorella knew he wanted to earn an MBA. And after a stint as head of the marketing department for housing at Fresno State, he knew it was time to make his move. “I did not see a long-term future for myself in that market,” he says. “I wanted to transition into an industry I’m passionate about.”

For Matt, whose sister is a musician in Nashville, Vanderbilt was a logical place to look. “I had the opportunity to visit the city several times and fell in love,” he says. “Nashville is a great place to earn an MBA.

“I also really value the culture at Owen. It’s a place where everybody genuinely knows each other and roots for each other to succeed.” Vanderbilt’s name and Owen’s rankings were a factor in his choice, too. “After going to lesser unknown undergraduate institution (Humboldt State in far northern California), it was essential for me to put a recognizable brand on my resumé.”

Along with the knowledge he gained, “a highlight of my classroom experience has been the personal growth I’ve seen. When I first came to Owen, I lacked the confidence to speak up in class. Fast-forward a year and a-half and I’m an active participant in most classes I take. The bond I’ve created with classmates and the approachability of the professors have given me confidence that I can have an impact.”

As for entering a field he was passionate about, Matt didn’t have to look far from his native California, where he grew up on a vineyard that produced raisins for which the state is famous. Upon graduation, he accepted a position that puts him on track for management at E&J Gallo Winery. “The whole experience (at Vanderbilt),” he says in looking back, “has been life-changing.”

Fun Fact: I grew up on a vineyard where my family farms raisins. I was a four-sport athlete in high school and played football in college.

“The bond I’ve created with classmates and the approachability of the professors have given me confidence that can have an impact.”