Tips for Emory Goizueta’s 2023-2024 MBA Essays

At Emory’s Goizueta Business School, the MBA program is rooted in its mission of creating ethical leaders.

“There is a large emphasis on developing leaders who operate at the intersection of business and society. I think that’s the future of business schools,” Alumni and Associate Dean Brian Mitchell tells P&Q. “I think we have to actually create leaders and structures that address societal issues. Business schools have a special opportunity and obligation to society to fix things.”

Goizueta strategically designs its application to seek out promising leaders with potential. The B-school’s three required essays ask applicants to demonstrate how they plan to utilize their MBA education to have an impact on business and society. Stacy Blackman, founder of Stacy Blackman Consulting, recently broke down the three essay prompts and offered guidance on how applicants should tackle each one.

ESSAY ONE: POST-MBA CAREER GOALS

The first required essay asks applicants the following:

Define your short-term post-MBA career goals. How are your professional strengths, past experience, and personal attributes aligned with these goals? (300-word limit)

This essay is all about identifying how your career thus far has aligned with your goals.

“Show the connection from past experiences to your Emory MBA to your goals,” Blackman says. “For example, say you have been working in management consulting and want to move to internal strategy.”

The goal, Blackman says, is to identify a few defining career moments and describe what strengths and experiences have helped you get to where you are.

“Perhaps your management consulting experience gives you comfort with presenting to executives,” Blackman says. “And, you enjoy variety and the different projects you have been exposed to. Finally, what core strengths does management consulting reveal? And how will you leverage those strengths after you graduate in your post-MBA career?”

ESSAY TWO: BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

The second required essay asks applicants the following:

The business school is named for Roberto C. Goizueta, former Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, who led the organization for 16 years, extending its global reach, quadrupling consumption, building brand responsibility, creating unprecedented shareholder wealth, and demonstrating a commitment to values and positive impact on society. Roberto Goizueta’s core values guide us in educating principled leaders to have a positive influence on business and society.

Provide a specific example of your leadership and explain what you learned about yourself through the experience. (300-word limit)

The second essay is a behavioral question designed to gauge how you think, act, and behave. Since the prompt asks for a past leadership example, Blackman recommends applicants to utilize the STAR framework.

“First, start with the situation,” Blackman says. “Then, explain the task in front of you. Finally, describe the actions you took and the result. Also, think about the lessons you learned. Remember that a recent leadership example is the most convincing.”

It can also help to show that you’ve done your research on the Emory MBA program as this prompt specifically asks about the school’s namesake.

“Keep a laser focus on the school’s leadership and values,” Blackman says. “Finally, include insights gleaned from thorough school research to customize your essay.”

ESSAY THREE: WHY GOIZUETA?

The third required essay asks applicants the following:

What are you looking to gain from Goizueta’s MBA degree, and how do you see yourself contributing to the Goizueta community? (200-word limit)

The best way to understand “Why Goizueta” is to visit campus or speak with current and former students. Blackman stresses the importance of being specific when writing this essay.

“For example, you can describe specific classes that will help you achieve your career goals,” she says. “Also, professional clubs at Emory may help you gain relevant industry experience and academic knowledge.”

The second part of your essay should consider the personal and community aspects of the Goizueta MBA experience.

“How will you contribute?” Blackman says. “This essay may be a place to describe volunteer and community experiences. Or, you can explain hobbies or interests that will be an asset to the community.”

Sources: Stacy Blackman Consulting, P&Q