Nick Brown, Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class of 2024
Age: 26
Hometown: Vienna, VA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Virginia, BA, Government
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, United States Marine Corps
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had such an incredible and transformative experience during my four years in the Marine Corps, but I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in business. Attending business school was the logical and most effective way for me to develop core business skills and build relationships that will last throughout my new career.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Emory’s Goizueta Business School because I wanted to belong to a relatively small, tight-knit community where I would have the opportunity to get to know each of my classmates. I also wanted to be near a major city and spend time living close to my family. And lastly, during my MBA recruiting process I met students from many different schools. But the Goizueta students stood out to me because of how welcoming they were to prospective students. Their passion for Goizueta and the Emory community was evident, and that was meaningful.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I served in several unique and highly rewarding roles in the Marine Corps and served alongside some of the most dedicated and hardest working people I have ever met. I’m excited to share those experiences.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I facilitate a weekly mindfulness meditation practice.
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment banking!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
Enjoy the MBA recruiting process. Don’t focus too much on the outcome.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Believe it or not, studying for the GMAT! I spent a lot of time preparing for the test, and the preparation really helped strengthen my study habits and academic discipline.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time engaging with the admissions teams from the different schools that I applied to. I focused my networking on speaking primarily with current students, but I know that the admissions representatives would have been able to provide meaningful insights from a much different perspective.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through
it?
I would have skipped the period in between submitting my applications and hearing back from the schools that I applied to. It’s not possible, for good reason, but if only business schools were able to give an immediate admissions response to its applicants. If you’re reading this, and you’re waiting to hear back from schools about your acceptance, you know the feeling!
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
Incredibly supportive and welcoming. I knew from the first day of onboarding that I made the right decision to come here.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
I’m surprised to see just how far the faculty and staff are willing to go to ensure that every MBA candidate succeeds during their time here. And the best part is that all the MBA candidates are willing to go just as far for each other.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Not taking full advantage of every opportunity! There are so many opportunities in business school, from job recruiting and extracurriculars and clubs, to hanging out with friends and exploring the city. It’s impossible to do everything, so it is important to prioritize and balance how you’re spending your time.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Spending time with such a diverse and talented group of classmates.
