Aahil Makhani, Emory Goizueta Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 26
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Auburn University, Supply Chain Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Operations Manager at Target, Pricing and Inventory Analyst at Carter’s, Logistics Analyst (Material Handling Equipment Strategy Team) at Home Depot
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After a few years doing various roles in and around the supply chain (a passion of mine), I noticed that, oftentimes, the input of those that are on the ground doing the grunt work goes underappreciated by those that create the processes. The desire to elevate those voices, to bring my ground floor experience to the boardroom, and to accelerate my career is what pushed me to apply for business school.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Emory Goizueta stood out early on in my search, as I would’ve been able to attend one of the best business schools in the world without having to uproot my life, but it was the care I felt from the Goizueta community that made my decision for me. Attending Inside Goizueta last November let me see that community firsthand, as I found myself surrounded by like-minded people that made it clear that I was not only welcome, but wanted.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I try my best to be a strong supporter of the people around me. Nothing makes me happier than making sure the people I love feel safe, secure, heard, and seen.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Before business school, I moonlighted as a trivia host around metro Atlanta and I recently appeared on The 1% Club, a logic-based game show on Fox!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m primarily interested in consulting, with a particular focus on strategy and operations.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I found the pre-MBA informational events hosted by schools to be very informative and the single best source of information on the differentiating factors of each school.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have taken more advantage of programs offered by diversity-focused organizations like Consortium, ROMBA, and Forté. These orgs do excellent work and so many of my classmates agreed that they helped to demystify the application process tremendously.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The interviews were probably my biggest source of anxiety throughout the application process. Thankfully, reminders to myself to breathe and the reassurance I received from my interviewers helped me get through in one piece.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
Goizueta is a unique and special place. Here, you are valued for who you are and how you show up for others, both by classmates and by the faculty and staff that put in tireless effort to make sure you get out of the experience exactly what you want.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve already joined some career-focused orgs like the Goizueta Consulting Association and the General Management & Operations Club and identity-focused groups like the Goizueta Pride Association and Consortium. I’m looking forward to finding even more ways to get involved, like with Goizueta’s chapter of Net Impact, or to just have a good time, like with Goizueta’s Food & Wine Club.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
By far, the intentionality and effort that the Career Management Center puts into getting us job-ready. Not only are they giving us the tools we need to be successful, but the coaches put in tremendous time and effort to understand our career goals and provide personalized assistance to get to where we want to be.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to make life-long connections with all of my fellow students! Goizueta’s small by design format ensures we have the opportunity to really get to know all of our classmates, which is perfect for someone like me, who thrives on being a big fish in a small pond.
