From Pre-MBA Career to Goizueta: Pooja’s Decision-Making Journey

Pooja Bhatt’s decision to enroll in Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in Atlanta, Georgia, the United States, was driven by her goal to expand her professional network and enhance her business skills. Before joining the Two-Year MBA program, Pooja had a diverse background in science. She worked in forensic sciences and nanotechnology and later moved into the pharma sector. Pooja transitioned into an executive sales role, combining her scientific background with sales and consulting. Inspired by her sales role, she wanted to gain a broader understanding of business to leverage alongside her scientific knowledge.

Feeling ready for the next step of her career, she decided to pursue an MBA. Goizueta’s emphasis on personalized education and data-driven leadership perfectly aligned with her aspirations. From the start of her admissions journey, she felt the experience was personal and engaging. She notes that the small cohort and internship opportunity made the program stand out for her.

She adds, “I really felt that it was an authentic and genuine place, and that’s what really called me and attracted me to it.” (04:28)

Emory Goizueta offers various programs, including full-time and part-time MBA options, a One-Year and Two-Year MBA, an Evening MBA, and an Executive MBA. The MBA programs are known for their culture of support and collaborative learning environment, with personalized feedback from faculty and career coaches. 

The Two-Year MBA is a full-time, two-year, on-campus program. It boasts a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, providing an immersive and supportive experience. This close-knit academic setting fosters strong relationships, enabling more profound learning and growth.

A Dynamic and Inclusive Student Life

Student life at Goizueta is immersive, dynamic, and deeply collaborative, emphasizing inclusivity and engagement. Pooja particularly enjoys the dynamic student life, where she can meet new people, socialize, and expand her network. (06:21)

She also stresses the importance of interacting with students from various programs, which broadens perspectives and enriches discussions. She highlights, “There is no limit to how much you can socialize and how much you can network and learn from other people. Not just in the MBA but also from other programs like the Executive MBA, Master’s in Management, Master’s in Finance, and tons of other programs with whom we get the opportunity to talk, meet, and discuss.” (07:19)

One standout aspect of Goizueta’s community-building efforts is the social tradition called “KEGS,” an acronym that stands for “Keeping Everyone at Goizueta Social.” 

Pooja shares, “Every Thursday, we all meet. There’s food, music, dogs, kids, partners. Everyone is welcome to this really happy, socializing event.” (08:10) These events foster an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where students and their families feel welcome and connected. In addition, there are dinners with faculty and many other networking opportunities and social events.

There are also many extracurriculars available. Pooja has taken on leadership roles, such as being elected president of the Graduate Business Association, which allows her to create impactful programming and support for her peers. She reflects, “It was very surprising but very fortunate for me to get this opportunity to really practice my leadership.” (09:14) 

She is also actively involved in the Graduate Women in Business Association, which aims to create a supportive space for women to share their experiences and become better leaders. The association also invites women business leaders to speak at their events, allowing for more networking opportunities. Pooja is also a Social Enterprise Fellow. The fellowship is one of many ways Goizueta encourages students to balance their academic journey with personal growth.

She emphasizes how these opportunities allowed her to immerse herself in the local community and build skills beyond the classroom.

Internships and Real-World Learning at Goizueta

Goizueta strongly emphasizes experiential learning through internships and global immersion programs. Goizueta collaborates with top firms like Amazon, Bain & Company, McKinsey & Company, Microsoft, and Deloitte to help students secure internships (and ultimately full-time employment offers) that align with students’ career aspirations. 

Pooja’s internship experience at Analytik Jena has been one of her highlights. She explains, “The internship that I had with Analytik-Jena, which is an Endress+Hauser company, over the summer, was truly an eye-opening experience.” (13:17)

Goizueta offers more than just internship opportunities; it provides extensive career coaching and preparation to ensure students succeed.

This practical application of skills exemplifies the value of Goizueta’s immersive and hands-on approach to business education.

Career Prospects and Rankings

Emory Goizueta Business School’s MBA program consistently ranks among the top in the nation. In 2024, Fortune ranked it 17th  for full-time MBA programs, and U.S. News & World Report ranked it 18th among full-time MBA programs.

The school’s focus on preparing students for successful careers is evident in its employment outcome. 96% of the Class of 2023 received job offers within three months of graduation. Median salaries for these graduates reached $163,000, with the total compensation rising to $193,000, including signing bonuses​.

Pooja shares, “There were general interpersonal skills that I was able to develop throughout the process, including networking and recruiting, that were real golden keys for me that I could also use during my internship.” (14:21) 

With many Goizueta alumni in leading organizations, the school’s extensive network ensures graduates have the resources and connections necessary to excel in their careers. Additionally, Goizueta’s STEM-designated MBA program allows international students on an F-1 visa to gain extended work experience. This designation enhances the program’s appeal, especially for students aiming to work in the U.S. after graduation​.

Discover the Goizueta MBA Experience

Emory Goizueta Business School offers a comprehensive MBA experience that blends academic rigor, real-world application, and global exposure. 

The school’s intimate learning environment and robust career support system create a unique professional growth platform. Pooja Bhatt’s journey is a testament to the program’s strengths, showcasing how a Goizueta MBA can provide the skills, network, and opportunities necessary to excel in today’s business world.

Explore more about Emory Goizueta Business School and connect with their student ambassadors.