Laila Darville, Emory Goizueta MiM Class of 2026
Age: 22
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Oakwood University (Historically Black University in Huntsville, AL); Major: Vocal Performance and Pedagogy; Minors: Business Management, Entrepreneurship
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Immediately after graduation in May 2025, I interned at the Recording Academy (home of the GRAMMY Awards), Nashville Chapter, before moving to Atlanta for the MiM program. My title was Intern – Member & Industry Relations. I served as the primary point of contact for volunteers supporting the execution of high-profile events with up to 650 attendees, ensuring clear communication and smooth coordination. I also assisted the Operations Coordinator with event planning, daily office responsibilities, filing, and membership activities.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In the fall semester of my senior year, I realized I had no idea what I wanted to do next. Each year of my undergraduate education, I applied for every cycle of music industry summer internships and was not successful in securing one. I felt like I’d gotten what I wanted out of four years of classical voice training and knew I did not want to pursue a master’s in vocal performance upon graduation. So, due to my interest in business theory from my two minors, I began researching MBA programs. In doing so, I realized that many institutions required at least three to five years of full-time work experience. This led me to the Master’s in Management degree, which welcomed students directly from undergrad. I loved the idea of being in a program that embraced my liberal arts education and layered business skills on top of it to make me a more well-rounded professional and differentiate me in the job market.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Goizueta because of the people! Information sessions with Anna Gibbons, one-on-one meetings with Mary Hall in graduate admissions, and conversations with former MiM students with interests in the entertainment industry made it clear that Goizueta would support my unique background and desired career path.
The heavy emphasis on early career development with a program-specific, dedicated career coach who researches students’ specific industry interests made me feel like I would no longer be churning out job applications in vain. Rather, I could glean expert tactics and tips to differentiate myself and help me stand out as a candidate.
Further, I loved the idea of being a part of a smaller cohort. As an HBCU alum, I am most comfortable with a small student tofaculty ratio, where I feel that I am more than just a number in a classroom.
It was also highly important to me that the program I chose included an experiential learning component. I am super excited to do our impact project in the spring, where we will get a chance to consult for real firms with real problems, using the frameworks we’re learning in our studies.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
As a musician and performer, I have always excelled at connecting with others. At Goizueta, I utilize this skill to cultivate genuine individual relationships and foster a collaborative community. I lead with vulnerability, listen wholeheartedly, and facilitate meaningful connections within the MiM cohort and the greater Goizueta Business School community that will result in a vast network of mutual support throughout my career and beyond.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to travel! During my junior year, I spent a semester abroad. I visited multiple cities in Spain, Austria, Belgium, France, England, Ireland, Malta, and Italy. I’ve traveled to 12 countries so far, and I hope to reach 25 before I’m 30!
Post-MiM career interests:
With my undergraduate experience in music and the business skills I am gaining in graduate school, I plan to deepen my knowledge of marketing and data analysis to work as an artist relations manager who crafts strategic, informed recommendations for growing artists’ platforms. I am passionate about uplifting diverse artists (particularly female artists of color), fostering collaborations between executives and artists, and creating campaigns to effectively distribute their music.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If I were to apply again, I would identify the individuals I want to write my letters of recommendation early. Diligently following up with them to ensure the letters were turned in on time made the one aspect of my application that was not entirely within my control less of a stress factor because I knew I had given them enough time to allow for any unexpected bumps in the timeline.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
When a school tells you they are test-optional, don’t take the test if you don’t have to! Studying for the GRE during my senior year, while also preparing for exit exams and an hour-long senior voice recital, was absolutely exhausting. Although I believe it enhanced my application by augmenting my unique musical background and demonstrating my ability to reason and think critically, it was a significant drain on my limited resources at the time, which I could have avoided.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Writing my personal essay, sitting with it, rereading it repeatedly, and editing it was a struggle for me. I am an impatient person by nature, and once I write something, I want to submit it. The time I had to dedicate to the full writing process to achieve my desired output was difficult. What helped me get through it was having a few specific people who had agreed to be my editors. The time that I spent sitting with the material after I wrote a draft felt less like twiddling my thumbs because I knew someone with fresh eyes was reviewing it while I ruminated on it. It made the experience feel less like a waiting game and more like a fully involved process.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
Goizueta students are focused, driven, and generous in sharing opportunities others might benefit from. The culture revolves around the idea that when one of us wins, we all win. The numerous opportunities to collaborate and learn from each other have already improved how I contribute to groups and will continue to develop me as a team player.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
It’s been such a pleasant surprise to see how active the alumni community at Goizueta is. So far, every alum I’ve encountered has been eager to connect me with a mutual friend, review my resume, or make time for a call to discuss career advice. Emory is not only well-connected with a diverse alumni network, but Goizueta in particular is full of kindhearted people who are genuinely invested in my success as a current student. That has been invaluable as I navigate my career search.
