Pouchy Guerrier

Emory University, Goizueta Business School

“Haitian-born language enthusiast striving to empower the underprivileged.”

Hometown: Cambridge, MA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I was born with 12 fingers

Undergraduate School and Major: Colgate University; Economics and French

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Fidelity Investments; Research Analyst

What makes Atlanta such a great place to earn an MBA? The warmth of the people, low cost of living, and opportunities across a range of industries make Atlanta one of the most attractive cities. Atlanta is a vibrant city rich in culture. Home to the tenth largest economy in the U.S. and the 20th largest in the world, Atlanta offers endless opportunities for MBA students outside the classroom.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Emory Goizueta’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Emory provides the resources to ensure MBA students’ needs are met regardless of the career path they select. Thanks to the small, close-knit community, Goizueta gives each student individualized attention to make the most of their time on campus. I attended a small liberal arts institution and experienced what a difference such a personalized experience can make in terms of personal and professional growth. I wanted a similar experience in business school.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Emory Goizueta? I’m mostly excited about the Global Experiential Modules (GEMS). GEMS allows students to explore a current topic internationally and engage with local companies, businesses, and government leaders. I’ve always loved learning about new cultures and aspire to work in international sustainable development long-term. I studied abroad in France during undergrad and wanted an MBA program with global experience geared towards developing diverse business acumen. Therefore, GEMS was a big draw in selecting Goizueta because I get to explore my interests in other cultures, while actively working on interesting business problems.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In my previous position, I created a mentoring program, which has been my most satisfying professional achievement. My team was working remotely during the pandemic, like everyone else, and communication was difficult. I saw that the more recently hired associates had difficulty establishing relationships virtually. I reflected on my time as an associate and the impact that being present in person had on my ability to advance within the organization.

I decided to create a mentoring program that pairs junior associates with senior employees of the company. The objective was to give employees a platform to deepen their relationships with the company, as well as a chance to grow and build their brand. Every new associate is recommended to join the mentorship program, which has been an amazing success. Even after leaving the company, the program is still operating. Because of it, several associates have been assigned to new projects and grown within the organization.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why? I recently read Man’s Search for Meaning by David Frankl and I highly recommend it. In the book, Frankl shares his experience in a concentration camp during Hitler’s reign. He delves into his pain and suffering and how his experience helped him discover the meaning in his life. I found the book particularly insightful because Frankl touches on how he sees pain and suffering as a part of life.

Suffering isn’t necessary to find life’s meanings; however, he stresses that meaning is possible in spite of suffering. He also stresses the importance of having a why. Finding your meaning in life is a lifelong journey of exploration, but it is important to understand the meaning of your life at a specific moment. Having a why allows us to remain hopeful through the suffering.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Emory Goizueta’s MBA program? Engage with the Goizueta community. I know it sounds cliché, but the school is small by design. Show the admission committee that you not only want an MBA, but you want an MBA at Goizueta; highlight the aspects of the school that are unique to you and articulate how they will contribute to your personal and professional growth. Also, Emory is investing in you as much as you are investing in them, so don’t forget to touch on the impact you expect to make on campus.