Krishna Collective: Top 5 Takeaways From A Goizueta MBA

It feels surreal to say that my MBA journey has come to an end. As I prepare to move to Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizzas and stunning architecture, I reflect on the transformation in my two years at Emory Goizueta Business School. My experience has been transformational in shaping me into a well-prepared professional and humanitarian. However, I often wish I had received more guidance on navigating the nuances beyond academics, especially as someone who may not fit the traditional MBA mold. After all, I was a 21-year-old entering a full-time MBA program with only one year of work experience—or perhaps I simply didn’t seek out that advice.

Through deep reflection during and after my MBA journey, I have learned valuable lessons that have contributed to my evolution. However, I hope my many lessons help the next generation of MBAs and beyond. Here are my top 5 takeaways that I will carry with me beyond business school.

1. Trust the Process

During my second year, I decided to pivot to Investment Banking from Consulting. This was not an easy decision, but my summer internship experience at Loop Capital played a huge part in my decision to make the switch. Being able to shadow the day-to-day activities of an Investment Banker during one of my internship projects, I had the opportunity to work on an Initial Public Offering (IPO), which sparked my interest in pursuing a full-time role. Often, I felt like I was taking this journey alone, as I was one of the few re-recruiting full-time for Investment Banking.

The preparation of technicals, countless coffee chats, and constant trips to New York are not for the faint-hearted. I received advice from alumni that my chances were low, considering I hadn’t completed a Summer Associate position. However, I was relentless in my choice and my mind was made up. I adopted the mindset of ‘trust the process,’ understanding that if I focused on what I could control and put my best effort forward, things would eventually work out. I remained consistent in my decision to pursue this path regardless of the doors that kept closing or the countless rejections I received.

Three weeks ago, less than a month after graduation, I received a full-time offer to return to Loop Capital as an Investment Banking Associate. Had I not pushed the limits and remained steadfast, I would not have received the opportunity to pursue a full-time career of my choice. I always say you only need one person to give you a chance, and I am forever grateful for my opportunity. Most of my achievements have been a result of trusting the process, being fearless in taking measured risks, and experiencing many moments of failure.

I am learning that dreams truly don’t happen overnight, and sometimes it takes a little longer for things to come together.

2. Live in the Moment

Reflecting on my MBA, there are moments I wish I had spent more time with my classmates. The key moments of going through the rigor of core classes together, attending outings, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments and birthdays are memories you don’t want to miss out on. You don’t ever want to have regrets. Two years truly fly by. Before you know it, you are walking across the stage and entering the workforce.

I felt guilty at times for giving up time with my peers to focus on recruiting and my studies. Sometimes, I felt like I missed out on key experiences by not attending KEGS every week or class ski trips. Relationship building is a crucial part of the MBA journey, as the people you meet may become future CEOs or major industry players, making them invaluable additions to your professional network. Strong relationships with peers not only foster a sense of community, but also ensure you have advocates for your character when opportunities arise post-MBA.

I am now prioritizing showing up for my peers and building those meaningful relationships in my post-grad life and career. Since graduation, I’ve made efforts to meet with classmates one-on-one, whether through a goodbye lunch before heading off to Chicago or visiting mt classmate’s newborn before she relocated to New York for her full-time role. Spending quality time with my peers is my way of expressing appreciation for their support throughout my MBA journey. As a result, I am confident that the relationships I’ve cultivated are not just for now but for a lifetime, enriching both my personal and professional networks.

3. Keep your Options Open

Coming into the MBA program with a non-traditional business background in Public Health, I was constantly exposed to new careers and industries at Goizueta. During my first year, I sometimes regretted not exposing myself enough to the finance industry and focusing all my efforts to consulting, an industry I was preset on joining before the MBA program. an industry I was set on joining before starting the MBA program. If I had attended other industry club meetings, company events, and networking opportunities, I could have taken full advantage of all the opportunities that business school offers early in my MBA.

When it comes to post-MBA life, one key takeaway from business school is the importance of proactive engagement in various networking and professional development opportunities. Engaging in club meetings, company events, and networking opportunities during the program helps explore different careers and industries. This is crucial not only for discovering personal interests and skills but also for establishing valuable connections that can benefit one’s career long after graduation. For instance, during the Goizueta Career Connections—a networking conference with alumni across industries in the first semester—I regret not taking the opportunity to connect with alumni from diverse fields and companies. By speaking with alumni from various firms, I could have gained a clearer understanding of their work early in my MBA journey, which would have helped me better navigate between different career paths offered post-graduation. My practice of active participation and exploration will increase as I return to professional life to ensure ongoing growth and success.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

During my MBA journey, I was often afraid to ask my peers and professors for help out of fear of rejection or appearing inexperienced. This is especially true since I had fewer years of professional and life experience than many of my peers. I struggled with imposter syndrome for most of my first year, but I used my summer internship to push myself out of my comfort zone. I made sure to ask the “silly” questions, especially while transitioning to a new industry, and didn’t let the fear of the unknown take over me. In my full-time recruiting experience, I learned to set aside my pride and inquire about things I was unsure of, such as email etiquette, how to speak with different alumni across Investment Banking firms, and even how to discuss a deal during an interview question. Had I not overcome my fear of looking inexperienced in front of my peers, I might not have had the chance to pursue a full-time career in Investment Banking.

I have learned that everyone has to start somewhere. In order to grow, curiosity is important. It is also important to remember that it truly takes a village to achieve success and accomplish goals. Remember, it’s okay to go up to the professor to ask a question or approach a classmate for help with interview prep.

5. Invest in those, who invest in you.

Throughout my MBA journey, I have formed meaningful relationships with my classmates, alumni, and professors. I have learned that it is important to give back to those who have taken the time to invest in me, whether that’s with a simple ‘thank you’ or by offering a helping hand in return.

Giving back to those who have invested in me has involved helping my peers prepare for interviews, sharing casebooks, organizing an appreciation lunch for my manager to acknowledge a fantastic internship experience, and connecting professors with contacts in my network to support their projects beyond academia.

My MBA journey has underscored the importance of forging strong relationships that can lead to mentorships and future job opportunities. I ensure that everyone who has played a role in my development, no matter how significant, knows that I am just a phone call away. I am committed to continually dedicating time and energy to everyone who has shaped both the professional and the person I am today.

After my MBA experience, I have taken the time to reflect on these five lessons that I wish I had known earlier, but I am glad I learned through my experience. I am excited to apply these important lessons to my life outside the MBA bubble. I hope sharing these insights encourages others to recognize that they are not alone in their endeavors and to remain hopeful, knowing that everything will work out in the end.

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Krishna Thakkar is a second-year student at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, majoring in Finance. Originally from Titusville, Florida, she spent her early years in India. Having graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a background in public health, her experience primarily revolves around social justice nonprofits in the public and education sectors. Krishna is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and narratives, while honing her storytelling abilities.

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