Meet Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class of 2017

Lee Rensch 

Emory University, Goizueta Business School 

Hometown: Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, ND

Undergraduate School and Major: University of North Dakota, BAcc and MAcc

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: PwC – International Tax Consultant

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Start with a short version practice test to gauge where you need to spend the most time. I made the mistake of spending too much time on material in which I already excelled, taking precious time away from the areas that I did need to work on. It may sound odd, but I also recommend taking the test in business professional dress as it subconsciously puts you in the right frame of mind.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? It can be overwhelming to decide on which schools to target. Establish three to four personalized criteria to whittle the list down. Mine were top 25 programs, geographical location, and class size, preferring a smaller community with greater opportunity to make lasting relationships.

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? The application process is best taken in steps. It requires too much concentration and focus to try to do it in a weekend or over a few consecutive days. One of the most important things to remember during an admissions interview is to be yourself and demonstrate what you will bring to the program. Find recommenders with whom you have a deep, invested relationship because someone who cares for you on a personal level will write a stronger letter.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Emory and several other schools met my three initial criteria: Top 25 ranking, geographical location, and class size. During my visit to Goizueta, I experienced the family-like atmosphere where students and alum greet each other with hugs and not handshakes.The school fosters a culture where everyone wants to see each other succeed. Additionally, Emory is in Atlanta –a global, dynamic city with many opportunities.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? Over these next two years I will be immersed in a tight-knit community with some of the top business and non-business individuals in the country. I hope to invest in many new relationships and glean a wealth of knowledge to develop professionally and personally. Lastly, while at Goizueta I hope to foster an environment of community engagement that leaves a lasting legacy for the Class of 2017.