Meet Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class of 2018

Rene Meza

Emory University, Goizueta Business School

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I am an eternal optimist who tends to see the best in everyone and everything.

Hometown: Houston, TX

Fun Fact About Yourself: I currently have five living generations in my family from my great-grandmother who is 98 years old, to my son Oliver who is one-year-old. 

Undergraduate School and Major: The University of Texas at Austin, Economics

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Manager, Strategic Projects at FloWorks International LLC; Business Development at Dixie Pipe Sales, Inc.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: The biggest accomplishment in my career so far was getting to implement our largest global supply contract, and the first of its kind at our company. It had visibility to the company’s executives and board of directors. I got to work cross-functionally leading project teams, traveled all over North America, set up new branches, and contributed new ideas to help our client achieve their cost savings goals. It was like being the CEO of my own mini-business.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Rankings are important, but only to an extent. Go to a school that is the right fit for you, and not just because they are a few spots higher. Rankings are fluid from year to year. With that being said, don’t be afraid to apply to your dream school if you have lower than average stats. The schools truly take a holistic view of every applicant and good work experience, extracurricular activities, and an excellent interview can help you overcome a low GPA or GMAT.  Finally, don’t forget the importance of networking. Visit campus once or twice, meet current students, and meet the admissions staff if they come to your city.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? Several factors led me to choose Goizueta. First, the class size at a top 20 school in the south was the right fit for me. This led to extremely responsive alumni and students there were willing to answer questions about the school and my career goals even before I was accepted.  Second, the curriculum was the right amount of rigor I needed. Also, because Emory begins classes earlier than most schools, I thought it would allow me to put my best foot forward in interviews with all of the technical prep I will have received before students at other schools. Finally, the Career Management Center is the best in the land.  They are fantastic at what they do and care so much about your career goals.  They are willing to help in every way they can to place you into the career you want, as opposed to just any job to pad their stats.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life: Currently, my dream job is to be an Associate at one of Wall Street’s leading Investment Banks. The training that the banks provide is unmatched compared to most jobs, and I find it fascinating being able to help clients achieve their goals at some of the most important times in their lives. Long-term, I hope to utilize the skills and networks gained through a career in banking, and help fundraise for an organization I am passionate about called Young Life.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? Rene always had a smile on his face, and had the most optimistic view of life.  He was always willing to help out his classmates and future students, even if that meant losing a few extra hours of sleep.  He was the most devoted husband and father I have ever seen.