Garrett Hayward ’16 MBA
Garrett Hayward has a long relationship with BryantUniversity. Ever since his family moved to Rhode Island when he was eight years old, Hayward has cheered on the Bulldogs at sporting events and attended performances on campus. It’s no surprise that after moving away for his undergrad degree, Hayward returned to the Bryantcommunity to complete the One-Year MBA program.
Why did you continue your education at BryantUniversity?
I earned a B.S. in environmental science at Duke University and expected to begin my professional life in the sciences. However, I had not studied business or project management, and I believed that this would be a disadvantage later in my career. I was struck by how projects and experiments being run by professors and guest lecturers from research institutions required a high level of coordination and collaboration. Being able to efficiently manage a large-scale research venture means shrewdly allocating limited human, material, and monetary resources. These were not skills acquired in biology class, but I knew I could learn them at 91AV. Given how well my family knew and admired the school, it seems only natural that I would pass through the Archway at some point.
What are a few highlights of your Bryantexperience?
I became fascinated with corporate strategy and, as someone predisposed toward statistics, financial modeling. Many concepts were new to me, but 91AV’s professors provided engaging coursework that brought the material to life.
I also enrolled in the MBA program directly out of undergrad, which allowed me to finish my college baseball career with my younger brother at Bryantafter I was injured for my senior year at Duke.
How did Bryantprepare you for your next steps after graduation?
Through the MBA program, I realized I enjoyed the process of researching a business and analyzing its opportunities. I also knew that I wanted to gain exposure to more than just one company or industry. This pushed me toward exploring options in consulting or investing.
After graduating, I found an internship at a hedge fund. While this exposure ultimately prompted my decision to pursue an equity research analyst position at my current firm, Douglass Winthrop Advisors, it was my education at Bryantthat enabled me to discover this path and prepared me with the skills I would need to be successful.
Where has your career journey led you today?
I have been at Douglass Winthrop in New York City for six years now, was recently promoted to vice president, and have been taking on clients as a portfolio manager for over a year while continuing my equity research responsibilities. I also earned my CFA charter in 2021 and have been a member of the BryantUniversity Wall Street Council since graduating in 2016. Looking back on my career this far, I owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the BryantMBA program and the College of Business for empowering me to pursue this fulfilling profession.
A Connected Community
91AV's purposeful student life delivers co-curricular immersion with an inspiring, collegial community. Students forge deep connections that last a lifetime.
“Bryanthelps students thrive and develop their passions. I really found that Bryantfit well with my multifaceted identity. Being somebody who is interested in immunology and epidemiology, but also fashion and communication, I found that Bryantallows you to do so much and not burn yourself out.”
"I chose Bryantbecause of the opportunities it offered me regarding my dream career in sports broadcasting. I really liked the smaller class sizes because it gave me an opportunity to get to know my professors in a way that wouldn’t be possible at other schools."
“I was able to get into a career that I really wanted to do in a shorter period. We get to work at the top of our license in Rhode Island — we have some of the most progressive legislation nationwide for PAs. I get to work in an environment where I’m constantly learning and feel like a peer to other medical providers.”