Matthew A. Gilbert, MBA

I recently had the opportunity to attend the induction ceremony for the newest members of Beta Gamma Sigma at Coastal. BGS is an international honor society that recognizes high-achieving students in business programs accredited by AACSB. I had the good fortune of being inducted in 2021 as a faculty initiate and was chosen as the Professor of the Year by the student members in 2023.

On April 10, 2021, I virtually delivered my TEDxRITDubai talk, "Moving Forward from Failure." Drawing on personal challenges including my younger son's near-death experience, my older son's autism diagnosis, my grandfather's passing, and professional setbacks, I explore how moving abroad to Dubai became the catalyst for rebuilding.

Using the PIVOT framework and the World War II story of engineer Beatrice "Tilly" Shilling, I argue that failure isn't the end. It's feedback. Moving forward requires the courage to shift strategy, learn from every "close, but not quite" moment, and rediscover who you're meant to be.

I invite you to watch the full talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ny_ttKXMzo4

Moving Forward from Failure | Matthew A. Gilbert | TEDxRITDubai In his talk, Matthew takes us through why, what, and how to pivot over, under, or around any obstacle. He does so by taking us through his life-changing even...

I completed faculty and staff training for the Green Bandana Project this week along with Coastal President James Winebrake, Javier Hernandez, and 62 others. The Green Bandana Project is a mental health awareness program that trains participants to recognize signs of distress and connect others to support resources. Those who complete the training wear a green bandana to show they are a safe person to approach if someone needs help or guidance.

On Wednesday, April 1, I had the opportunity to judge stop motion animation projects created by 4th and 5th grade students at the 17th Annual Horry County Schools Technology Fair. I was paired with WMBF News Chief Meteorologist Jamie Arnold. This was my fourth year serving as a judge, and each year I leave even more impressed by the students’ curiosity and creativity.

I welcomed Caroline Lee to my classes last week to discuss employment opportunities with Total Quality Logistics (TQL). With more than $8 billion in annual sales, TQL is one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the nation. They are looking for recent graduates without prior sales experience to join their “fast track sales program.” It includes a $2,500 sign on bonus and paid relocation to one of their offices in Cincinnati, OH for a six-month training program. From there, new hires have an opportunity to work in any one of TQL’s 60 offices where they can earn uncapped commission on sales.

I recently shared insights with WalletHub about building credit responsibly. I reflected on my first experience as an authorized user on my father’s card and discussed when people should open their first account.

I emphasized reviewing interest rates and fees carefully, recognizing how companies often target college students, and considering secured cards when rebuilding credit. My message was simple: treat credit as a tool that requires patience, discipline, and informed decision-making through each stage wisely.

You can read my answers to the five questions I was asked via the link below:

https://wallethub.com/credit-cards/first/ =Matthew_A._Gilbert

IP Block

I recently participated in a panel discussion for the Coastal Carolina University chapter of Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity with seven colleagues from the Wall College of Business. We were asked a series of prepared questions about life, work, and learning plus several questions from students in attendance. Participating in something like this is one small way I can give back to the young adults who make my career so meaningful.

According to this article, AI is reshaping the college-to-career pipeline and weakening the value of a degree. Employers are cutting internships and entry-level roles as AI takes over routine tasks, leaving recent graduates with fewer opportunities and higher unemployment than older workers. Students struggle to gain experience, raising concerns about return on investment. The article argues colleges must adapt by integrating practical, work-based learning into academic programs.

It's Starting to Look Like AI Has Killed the Entire Model of College As AI appears to do much of the work of entry-level job seekers, the entire premise of a college education seems to be collapsing.