If you want to attend a US business school, an MBA in Atlanta has plenty to offer
If you want to attend a US business school, an MBA in Atlanta has plenty to offer
From a thriving movie industry to fintech breakthroughs, Atlanta, Georgia has some great opportunities for ambitious professionals, making it a popular study destination.
In fact, the US as a whole remains the number one study destination for today’s MBA applicants, with 52% of them listing the US as the place they want to study most.
To find out more about what Atlanta has to offer its business school students, read on, as we list five reasons to choose Atlanta, Georgia for your MBA.
1. It has a flourishing movie industry
In 2019, the US movie industry was worth over $11 billion, and Atlanta is one of its creative epicenters. In fact, movie and TV production in Georgia in 2018 brought in an impressive $9.5 billion.
Attracted by friendly tax regulations, diverse filming locations, and plenty of talent, a growing number of filmmakers are choosing Georgia over California when it comes to shooting scenes.
This atmosphere has attracted everything from blockbusters like Avengers: Infinity War to Netflix hit Stranger Things.
As well as spotting the odd celebrity, MBA students in Atlanta can take advantage of career opportunities created by the industry when they graduate. MBAs are well prepared for roles ranging from publicist to studio executive.
At the local , MBAs can prepare for a career in the entertainment industry by taking courses in the Media and Entertainment concentration while they study.
Goizueta ranks among the best business schools in the US, and the school's MBA was the highest ranked in Georgia by the Financial Times in 2020.
With scores of production companies nearby—including Pinewood Atlanta and Greenway Entertainment Group—there are also plenty of internship opportunities for MBA students.
2. It’s a FinTech hub
Since 2018, 70% of all financial transactions went through companies headed in Atlanta, earning it the unofficial nickname of ‘Transaction Alley’.
Atlanta has become a fintech hub in recent years, thanks to companies like WorldPay, First Data, and Global Payments choosing to head up their operations in the city.
The Georgia Center of Innovation for Information Technology has also given fintech a boost, coordinating with local schools to provide fintech companies with the resources they need to thrive.
Since digital payments are set to reach $4 trillion in 2020, Atlanta’s fintech scene offers some exciting opportunities for business school grads in the fields of finance, strategy, marketing, and tech consulting.
In fact, finance is the third most popular industry for Goizueta’s grads. Goizueta alumni Zach Perret and William Hokey were able to found financial services startup, Plaid, after graduating.
In 2020, Plaid was acquired by Visa for $3.5 billion—twice its final private valuation.
Additionally, around 27% of each MBA cohort at Goizueta choose to hone their skills further with an internship in the finance sector.
3. There are opportunities In Healthcare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a famous Atlanta landmark, and this healthcare hub offers plenty of opportunities for local students.
Business schools like Goizueta work with the CDC on research in healthcare strategy, and encourage students to explore the industry with events like the Goizueta Futuring Competition.
During this event, teams of students work together to present a scenario for what the healthcare landscape could look like in 2040.
At Goizueta, MBA students with a flair for healthcare can study the healthcare consulting concentration. The school also offers a joint MBA and Master of Public Health (MPA) degree, which can open doors in the industry.
The CDC regularly employs MBA graduates, with roles ranging from public health advisory to managing public affairs or a specific health program.
4. It has a rich and varied culture
Atlanta is a vibrant hub for arts and culture. As a local, you can explore the Museum of High Art, take in a play at the Alliance Theatre, or go to see the Grammy-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
You’ll also find festivals, firework displays, and sporting events from Major League Baseball to NFL games.
As the birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr, Atlanta has an equally rich history of progressive thinking, making the city an open and friendly place to study.
Atlanta houses the Center for Civil and Human Rights, which has been committed to civil and human rights education since its doors opened in 2014.
The Center’s first president and CEO, Dough Shipman, is an Emory alumni, and ties between the two institutions remain strong. In 2019, students from Emory took part in a conference at the Center to develop strategies to secure people’s right to vote.
5. It's a highly liveable city
Undertaking an MBA is a huge investment—both financially and in terms of time. Along with fees, living costs can quickly add up, so choosing an affordable area can ease the strain.
According to data from the Expatistan Cost of Living Index, Atlanta beats out several popular college towns like New York City, Washington, San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago when it comes to affordability.
Atlanta is also one of the most accessible cities in the US, home to Hartsfield-Jackson International, the busiest airport in the world. Because of this travel hotspot, 80% of the US population live within two hours of Atlanta.
Student Reviews
Emory University Goizueta Business School
Excellent institution with valuable resources
In general, Emory University is an excellent institution with valuable resources. The majority of the professors I encountered were outstanding and displayed a genuine concern for their students. Furthermore, Atlanta provides a plethora of opportunities and experiences.
Pleasant weather, campus and professors
Emory enjoys pleasant weather for the most part, with warmth and mild conditions. The only drawback is the spring season, particularly due to the heavy pollen presence. Everything becomes coated in layers of pollen, which can be problematic for allergy sufferers. Fortunately, this pollen season is relatively short-lived. During the spring and fall, the weather can be quite unpredictable, swinging from scorching heat to chilly temperatures. You'll often find students relaxing or studying outdoors on campus with Professors ever ready to attend to students personally.
Outstanding academics
At Emory, the academics are outstanding! It takes a lot of effort and commitment, but the results are well worth it. Teachers are very approachable and like answering inquiries from students. Nobody ever turning away a student that I know of. The campus is beautiful and tidy at Emory, with many places to relax and study.
Academic performance surpassed my expectations
Emory University's academic performance surpassed my expectations. Achieving good grades often requires substantial effort, and the academic rigor varies depending on your chosen major. Nevertheless, I encountered highly knowledgeable professors, well-equipped to teach their respective courses. Emory offers a wide range of subject areas to choose from, providing students with diverse academic opportunities.
Outstanding institution with stunning aesthetics
Emory University is an outstanding institution! The campus boasts stunning aesthetics, the individuals are friendly, and there is an abundance of activities available in the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Undoubtedly, my most cherished aspect of Emory was its people. I forged numerous friendships and encountered individuals from diverse backgrounds. Academically, Emory provides a manageable experience. The majority of my professors were excellent, although, as is the case with any university, there may be certain classes or professors that one may not enjoy. Nevertheless, conducting some inquiries and perusing online reviews should provide a fairly accurate insight into what to anticipate in each class.
Professors skilled in interactive discussions
I take great pleasure in the small class sizes and the professors' skill in creating interactive discussions. The professors demonstrate a strong enthusiasm for their subjects, consistently making the course content fascinating. Moreover, I am captivated by the beautiful campus, and its location is equally appealing.
Exceptional faculty members
Emory University takes pride in its exceptional faculty members who are highly educated and committed to utilizing innovative and successful teaching techniques.It is widely recognized for its extensive research endeavors, offering students a wide-ranging knowledge foundation that can be readily applied to a variety of academic disciplines.
Review of Emory university
The Professors are awesome and you get a lot of opportunities to get involved both on and off Campus. The campus is very lovely. The community of people are welcoming, super nice, and entertaining. The dining halls have popular music from throughout the decade playing and the overall atmosphere is super relaxing and enjoyable.
Batch'20
Emory is an amazing campus and a school with a nice social scene. I always wanted to see what it was like living in the states and this made it happen. Loving making new friends, acquaintances and some for life bonds as well as learning new subject every week. Emory is a great choice.
Professors are always enthusiastic
Emory University is simply outstanding. They have excellent academic programmes with a vast selection of engaging courses. The instructors are extremely informed and enthusiastic about their subject matter. Additionally, the student support services are excellent. They have advisors that help you at every stage and offer resources for career counselling, mental health support, and tutoring. Emory genuinely cares about your prosperity and welfare. This university is fascinating and forward-thinking at the same time!
Lending a helping hand
The instructors at Emory University are redefining what it means to be helpful. They support us academically and serve as supporters, mentors, and confidants in addition to being educators. They are always there to provide advice and support, whether it is by remaining after class to address unanswered questions or by getting together for coffee on the weekends to talk about our professional goals. Their commitment to our achievement goes well beyond the school day, demonstrating time and again that students at Memory are people with dreams, not just a name. It's all possibilities when you have instructors like these.
Exceptional mentorship
Emory University is a refuge for both intellectual prowess and individual development. These instructors motivate students in addition to instructing. They go above and above to make sure every student succeeds, offering anything from spontaneous office hours to late-night emails that explain difficult subjects. Their commitment to us doesn't stop in the classroom; they support and encourage us as we overcome both academic and personal obstacles. In addition to being competent, Emory's faculty members have a personal stake in our success, both within and outside the classroom. Emory stands out for the kind of help he provides.
