Written by Regina Ender
It wasn’t until Matt Ahlquist was already working with a consulting firm that he realized God was calling him to a career in that field. Last summer, Ahlquist interned for innovation consulting firm BCG Digital Ventures where he found purpose and passion in the project-oriented environment. He decided being a consultant would allow him to combine his business savvy with his love of politics, and is now eagerly pursuing consulting after he just graduated in May with degrees in finance and political science. To kick-start his career, he has secured an internship this summer in the Center for National Defense at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C.
Studying at APU taught Ahlquist how to hold true to his faith while also having a competitive career in business and politics. In addition to growing as a Christlike professional, he said his time in college equipped him with a great network of peers and professors, helping him become the best version of himself in his personal and professional relationships. In his time at APU, Ahlquist was a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, Sigma Iota Epsilon, the management honor society, and the National Society for Leadership and Success. He also earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester he was at APU, graduated Cum Laude with both degrees, and was given the Outstanding Senior Award by the Department of History and Political Science.
In addition to his academic achievements, Ahlquist was an active volunteer in both the APU community and his own community. He continued to help his home church with their youth ministry while he was in school, and from his sophomore year on he guided other students in their faith as a Discipleship Group Leader. Ahlquist traveled to Moldova in Eastern Europe as a member of an Action Team and also spent a semester mentoring disadvantaged students at another school, helping them learn important professional skills including building a résumé and giving a presentation.
Words of Wisdom: “Don’t be afraid to explore. APU is unique in that you can explore various majors before you decide and still graduate in four years. Do not be afraid of curiosity and exploration, because it may just be God calling you to exactly where you are supposed to be.”
