Meet Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class of 2018

Alison Martinez

Emory University, Goizueta Business School

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I’m independent and ambitious, but I’m also that person who talks to strangers in line.

Hometown: Miami Lakes, FL

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am one of four siblings, and we were all born within 5 years.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, B.A. Economics and Public Policy Minor

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Senior Analyst, Revenue Management and Specialist, Sales Operations at Delta Air Lines

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I joined the Sales Technology team within Delta’s Sales Operations department with no technology or project management experience. After just a few months on the job, I was able to take complete ownership of a newly-released project. I traveled to clients on my own and managed the continued operation of the application. My new manager shared with me that my learning curve had been significantly shorter than anticipated, and his confidence in my ability to take over the project allowed him to move my predecessor onto a new project earlier than planned.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? I think one of the most important things to do during the admissions process is to have your individual voice come through in your application. While writing your essays, focus more on sharing the experiences that have been particularly meaningful to you rather than what you think the admissions team wants to hear. Take advantage of the essays, recommendations, and interviews as opportunities to communicate your authenticity and the value only you can bring to your class.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? All of the top MBA programs offer amazing academic experiences, and Goizueta is no different.  What really set Goizueta apart for me was the strength of its community. Every interaction I had with a member of the school was extremely personal and highlighted the school’s commitment to a collaborative environment. I knew that the individualized attention and support that Goizueta would provide was what I needed to excel in the next step in my career.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? As of now, my dream job is one that combines my two most significant professional interests, real estate and finance, in a fast-paced and challenging environment. The job that fits that profile will offer opportunities to develop myself professionally while pursuing my passions. My dream job will continue the learning and growth that begins at Goizueta.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? After graduation, I hope my peers say I earned their trust and respect both in the classroom and on a personal level.