4 Professors, 4 Perspectives Series: Matthew Callahan
This article is a part of a four-part series featuring interviews with four distinguished professors of practice from the Providence College School of Business. Each professor represents a core discipline within the School of Business and brings invaluable real-world experience into the classroom. This piece features Matthew Callahan, a highly experienced senior professor of practice of finance. Through Professor Callahan’s insights, we explore how these professors bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, helping students prepare for the dynamic world of business.
To better understand how these disciplines prepare students for the professional world, we asked each professor the same four questions:
What is your professional experience?
I began my career on Wall Street, spending more than a decade at Bear Stearns, where I served as a senior managing director in the mortgage trading department. I managed a multi-billion dollar portfolio of mortgage-backed securities and helped structure complex derivative products for institutional clients.
After leaving Bear Stearns, I founded Ash Creek Capital Management, an investment fund focused on private equity, fixed income, and special situations. I also became managing partner of Bridge Street Properties, a commercial real estate development on the Hudson River, where I oversee financial strategy, development, and operations. I continue to run both businesses today, which helps keep my teaching grounded in real world experience.
Since 2014, I have served on the finance faculty at Providence College, where I teach undergraduate and graduate courses, lead the Quantitative Finance (FinQ) track, and co-direct the Huxley Capital fellowship program. I also mentor students preparing for careers in investment management and financial services. Teaching has been an opportunity to bring together my professional experience and my passion for helping students develop the skills and habits that lead to long term success.
What are some traits or skills that you found to be important in the business sector for young professionals to have?
Success in business, like anything else, comes down to preparation, effort, and the willingness to keep learning. The most successful young professionals I have seen are the first to arrive and the last to leave. They dedicate themselves to mastering their craft and understand that hard work and consistency will always set them apart.
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, things are changing faster than ever. You need to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to learn new tools as the landscape evolves. Employers want people who pair strong technical skills with human skills such as communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence. Being able to think critically, read the room, and manage yourself and others with professionalism will take you far.
Find a mentor early. Learn from those who have already walked the path, ask questions, and seek out feedback. Do not limit yourself to doing only what is required; ask for more. Volunteer for tough projects and show that you are eager to grow. That kind of initiative gets noticed.
Finally, be a voracious reader. Every successful businessperson I know reads constantly. Stay informed about your industry, but also read about the wider world—economics, history, literature, and philosophy. It sharpens your judgment and broadens your understanding.
Remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Success comes from steady progress, curiosity, and the daily commitment to get a little better than you were yesterday.
How does PC Business help develop skills that the job market demands?
Providence College’s School of Business prepares students for the working world through a combination of values-based education, real world experience, and personal mentorship. The goal is not just to produce graduates who can analyze numbers, but professionals who can think critically, act ethically, and communicate effectively in any business environment. Our curriculum blends the liberal arts with rigorous business training, giving students the critical thinking, writing, and interpersonal skills that employers consistently value. Experiential learning through internships, consulting projects, and extracurriculars, help students learn to connect theory with practice and solve real business challenges.
Just as importantly, the emphasis on ethical decision making, collaboration, and professionalism ensures that graduates leave with a sense of purpose and integrity. The strength of the Friar Family is another defining advantage. Our alumni are deeply engaged and always willing to mentor, connect, and open doors for current students. Those relationships create a powerful network that supports students not only in landing their first job but throughout their entire careers.
At its core, PC Business helps students become well rounded, thoughtful, and resilient professionals. It encourages them to stay curious, to work hard, and to approach every opportunity with integrity and confidence. Those habits, combined with a strong sense of purpose, prepare our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
What advice would you give to current students to get them ready for the working world?
My biggest piece of advice is to take full ownership of your learning and your career. The working world rewards those who go beyond what is expected, who ask thoughtful questions, and who put in the extra effort when no one is watching. Show up early, stay late, and treat every task, no matter how small, as an opportunity to build your reputation for reliability and excellence. Do not be afraid to start at the bottom or to make mistakes. The most successful people I have met are the ones who stayed humble, learned from setbacks, and kept moving forward. Be open to feedback and always look for ways to improve. A strong work ethic and a willingness to learn will carry you further than talent alone ever could.
Do not worry if your first job is not your dream job. The goal early on is to find a good company or organization where you can learn, grow, and develop the skills that will serve you throughout your career. Focus on gaining experience, building relationships, and understanding how successful organizations operate. If you commit yourself fully, opportunities will follow.
Keep reading, stay curious, and continue to build your understanding of the world beyond the classroom. Read the news, study the markets, and explore history and literature. The most successful businesspeople I know are voracious readers who draw insight from many different fields. The more you read, the more perspective and judgment you bring to every conversation and decision. Surround yourself with good people, mentors, colleagues, and friends who challenge you to be better. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, stay steady, and remember that consistent effort, integrity, and curiosity will always open doors. Also, try to enjoy the ride!
This conversation with Professor Callahan offers a valuable glimpse into how Providence College’s School of Business equips students with the tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. Through our professors’ diverse professional experiences and shared commitment to student development, these professors of practice demonstrate the power of blending academic skills with practical insight. Their advice and reflections serve as a guide for students preparing to transition from the classroom to the working world—ready to lead, innovate, and make an impact.
