Benj Holladay decided on an MBA at Emory Goizueta to utilize the problem-solving skills he'd honed as an engineer while making the switch to the coveted career of consultant.
Consultancy is a popular destination for MBA students. With the promise of high salary gains, career progression, and interesting potential specializations, it is clear why, according to a GMAC survey, 47% of post-graduate MBA students aspire to the industry.
Emory Goizueta's Two-Year MBA program, with its curriculum and effective network with large consulting firms, helped Benj achieve his goals of switching careers and entering the popular industry.
Transferrable skills for an MBA
Benj worked as a nuclear engineer in the Navy for five years before deciding to use his problem-solving skills to shift careers to consultancy.
"I was thinking about what I wanted to do long term, and I wanted to maintain that problem-solving mentality and that side of the job that energized me from my engineering background. Still, I just wanted to apply it differently to a different industry," Benj says.
Benj was interested in the Atlanta-based Goizueta MBA for a variety of reasons. First, he was looking for a high-ranking business school close to his family in Birmingham, Alabama; he also wanted an MBA with connections to a consulting hub.
"The job opportunities and prospects in Atlanta are great, especially for those wanting to go into consulting, and there's a great pipeline from Goizueta to all different consulting firms."
Atlanta is home to offices of 75% of Fortune 1000 companies, making it a thriving metropolis to learn and build a career.
Goizueta's emphasis on smaller class sizes and intimate teaching was also a draw for Benj. Its Two-Year MBA program has a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio which helps participants to connect, network, and build relationships with faculty, program and career staff, and classmates.
Goizueta's experienced faculty were a highlight of Benj's time. He was inspired by his strategy courses, especially those that Renee Dye, associate professor of Organization and Management, taught. The first was a core strategy course, and the second focused on innovation.
"My time at business school shaped my thinking both at work and in the world," Benj says.
For example, a class on customer lifetime valuation taught by Professor Dan McCarthy an expert and leader in that field, was a highlight for Benj.
"It was inspiring to get to take that class with someone who is a thought leader," Benj explains. "And to see how he would share his thoughts and how people, other business leaders, would engage and respond with his thoughts."
Leveraging the Goizueta MBA network
In Benj's first semester, the career management team at Goizueta laid out the recruiting and application timeline, setting out the steps students should take to succeed in making their career goals a reality. Benj had a career coach whose resume reviews and practice interviews helped him prepare for the rigors of the consulting recruitment process.
Benj was also a member of Goizueta's consulting club called Goizueta Consulting Association (GCA), in which second-year students in consulting shared their knowledge with first-year students and helped them land and succeed in landing their dream jobs.
"It was an invaluable resource," Benj says.
The GCA would organize connections between students and Goizueta alums working in consulting firms.
"Not only do you get to practice with the people you know and representatives who are going to be interviewing you, but it's also another touch point for networking," Benj explains.
While he was tentative about networking initially, Benj found the Goizueta community was incredibly well represented in consulting firms – 40% of Goizueta MBA alumni go into consulting – and was ready and willing to help him connect with companies and provide him with useful information.
Benj describes Goizueta's consulting recruitment process as following a set structure. He started networking in the first September and October of his MBA up until he submitted his applications the following fall.
"The process was almost exclusively networking chats between me and Emory alums at Bain to help me along the way."
Launching a career at Bain
After two years of gaining experience and skills, including an internship at Bain, Benj started interviewing for roles. The interview process for consulting is renowned for being grueling, but Benj says the prep he did during his Goizueta MBA set him up for success.
Now at Bain since June, he works across all industries, using the problem-solving skills he learned in the Navy and honed during his Goizueta MBA to help businesses solve their most complex challenges.
“I'm currently working with a company on a case in the advanced manufacturing and services industry. I’m helping to inform this company's thinking about their supplier relationships and how they can reevaluate it to create value going forward.”
For those looking into consulting at a major firm like Bain, Benj says people with an analytical mindset will succeed.
"I think those who are highly intellectually curious are the people who will succeed and will find a role in consulting fulfilling."
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.
Student
Verified
31/10/2023
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
30/10/2023
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
24/10/2023
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
24/10/2023
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
23/10/2023
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
23/10/2023
On Campus
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.
Student
Verified
25/02/2023
On Campus
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.
Konya
Verified
3/11/2022
On Campus
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.
Jamie
Verified
26/05/2024
On Campus
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!
Linda
Verified
26/05/2024
On Campus
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.
Paige
Verified
26/05/2024
On Campus
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.
