Nolan Fisher, Emory Goizueta Business School MBA Class of 2027
Age: 25
Hometown: Bloomfield Hills, MI
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Purdue University, Daniels School of Business, Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Consultant, Manufacturing, NTT DATA, 3 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to attend business school to further develop my business acumen and expand my knowledge—especially in strategy and M&A. Beyond the academics, I’ve always placed immense value on building meaningful relationships with talented and driven people, and I see business school as the ideal environment to do that. Lastly, after spending my entire life in the Midwest (which I’ve truly loved), I felt ready for a change and eager to experience a new environment that would challenge and inspire me.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There were a few things about Emory that really stood out to me. I was drawn to the small, intentional class size and a curriculum that focuses on growth, leadership, and understanding real business impact. The program’s strong emphasis on leadership development was another big factor, offering plenty of ways to stretch myself and build new capabilities. What’s made the biggest impression, though, is the culture—everyone I’ve met, from the admissions team to alumni and now my classmates, has been incredibly thoughtful, supportive, and professionally driven. Furthermore, Goizueta’s MBA program is known for its rigor — one of its core values — which translates into strong access to leading consulting firms and exceptional recruiting opportunities. And of course, the warm weather and energy of Atlanta doesn’t hurt—so many businesses are moving to the South, and it feels great to be part of all that positive momentum.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring an ability to connect with people and create momentum across teams. Whether organizing alumni coffee chats, mentoring peers, or bringing energy and structure to group projects, I naturally build bridges that help others feel seen, supported, and confident. I strive to foster an environment where everyone can bring their best selves forward and succeed together.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love cooking and hosting dinner nights for friends. I’ve grilled duck, crafted beef Wellingtons, and baked all kinds of fish. The process is both entertaining and therapeutic for me, and there’s nothing better than seeing it all come together around a great meal with great company.
Post-MBA career interests:
My MBA career interests are strategy consulting, corporate strategy, and corporate M&A.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Outside of attending MBA events—both virtually and in person—I made it a priority to connect with at least two alumni from each school I applied to. These conversations helped me gain authentic insight into each program and gave me something unique to reference during interviews. It showed genuine dedication to the process and made my applications much more personal and informed.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started my GRE/GMAT prep much earlier on. Balancing test prep, essays, and a full-time job all at once was a lot to manage. Having the exam completed ahead of time would have given me more space to focus thoughtfully on applications and interviews.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’d love to say the standardized tests—but they’re part of the journey and help reorient your mind toward academic focus and discipline. I joined a GRE study program and created strict daily study blocks, taking one practice test each weekend. That structure turned out to be great preparation for MBA life and consulting recruiting—it built time management habits and mental endurance that I still rely on today.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
As mentioned earlier, I’d describe the Goizueta culture in one word: engaging. The program is small enough that you can truly get to know everyone, which creates a strong sense of community that extends across students, alumni, faculty, and staff. The leadership team and previous cohorts have done an incredible job cultivating a supportive, collaborative culture in the heart of a dynamic, world-class city.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’ve joined the Goizueta Consulting Association and the Goizueta Food & Wine Club. The Consulting Association has been instrumental in helping me prepare for recruiting—through networking, casing practice, and overall guidance on staying on track for success. The Food & Wine Club is my fun outlet—I’m a big foodie and wine enthusiast, and it’s been an awesome way to explore Atlanta’s food scene and connect with classmates across cohorts.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
What surprised me most is the level of intentionality behind the program’s design. From the pacing of the academic calendar and built-in reflection weeks to the structured recruiting preparation and leadership focus, every element feels purposefully crafted to help us learn effectively and grow holistically. Seeing how all these moving pieces come together in the first semester has been both impressive and inspiring.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited for Growth Week in December—it’s the first time Goizueta is launching this program. It’s a weeklong consulting-style project focused on identifying growth levers for a company, culminating in a presentation to the CEO. I can’t wait to apply everything we’ve learned so far in a hands-on, high-impact way with my classmates.
