After sitting down with Holy Cross alumnus Matt Bellomo ‘13, I gained valuable insights into how a liberal arts degree can pave the way for a successful career in business. His journey perfectly illustrates the power of a well-rounded education in today’s competitive business landscape. Matt is currently an Associate at Bentall Green Oak, a real estate private equity firm headquartered in New York City.
Matt graduated from Holy Cross in 2013 with a degree in Political Science. From there, Matt began his professional career by landing a job with Commonwealth Financial Network, where he spent most of his time in back-office operations. After almost eight years, Matt decided he wanted to transition into the Real Estate world. After utilizing his Holy Cross alumni network, Matt found himself at Bentall Green Oak.
When I asked Matt how his liberal arts education prepared him for a career in real estate, he shared a thoughtful response. He began by explaining that his classes at Holy Cross ignited his curiosity and instilled in him the ability to learn independently. This foundation allowed him to explore any topic that piqued his interest after graduation. He described how this passion for continuous learning was particularly impactful as he transitioned from financial services to real estate. Matt believes that studying at Holy Cross cultivates a lifelong desire to seek knowledge, giving students an ongoing curiosity to expand their knowledge.
Matt highlighted how his experience at Holy Cross has shaped him into a more well-rounded individual and made him a stronger candidate in the job market. He emphasized that the diverse and comprehensive education he received provided him with a unique edge over peers from business schools, where many students followed the same narrow curriculum. This broad perspective, he believes, has been invaluable in his career.
Matt elaborated on how real estate is fundamentally a people-driven industry, where the ability to build and maintain relationships is crucial for success. He reflected on the exceptional interpersonal and communication skills he honed during his time at Holy Cross, emphasizing how these abilities have been instrumental in his career. The diverse interactions and experiences he had at the College prepared him to connect effectively with a wide range of individuals in the field.
Matt is yet another Holy Cross graduate who exemplifies the endless possibilities of pursuing a successful career in business.
Written by Kevin Birenbaum ’26