Yaritsa Brea, Emory Goizueta MBA Class of 2024, leveraged her business school journey to transition from a banking career into strategy consulting. Drawn to Goizueta’s strong consulting curriculum and tight-knit community, Yaritsa fully immersed herself in academic and extracurricular opportunities. Her summer internship at Accenture confirmed her interest in consulting; now, a Senior Strategy Consultant at Accenture, she credits her “transformative” MBA at Emory with equipping her with the frameworks, storytelling skills, and network that fuel her success. Read on for her story in this edition of Real Humans: Alumni.
Yaritsa Brea, Emory Goizueta MBA ’24, Senior Strategy Consultant at Accenture
Age: 31
Hometown: Lawrence, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Bentley University B.S. in Economics
Graduate Business School, Graduation Year and Concentration: Emory University Goizueta Business School, Strategy Concentration, 2024
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Portfolio Manager, AVP, M&T Bank, 4 years, Banking
Post-MBA Work Experience: Senior Strategy Consultant, Accenture, Technology
Why did you choose to attend business school?
I chose to attend business school because, during my pre-MBA career in banking, I developed a strong foundation in finance, but realized that to drive impactful business outcomes, I needed to complement that expertise with broader strategic and problem-solving skills. I was eager to deepen my understanding of areas such as strategic decision-making, leadership, and operational management—key components that I believe are essential for turning financial insights into comprehensive business strategies. Business school provided the perfect environment to integrate these disciplines, offering both rigorous academic training and a collaborative, real-world learning experience.
Why Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I knew early on that I wanted to pivot my career from banking to consulting, so the strength of a consulting program was my top priority when choosing a business school. Emory Goizueta immediately stood out for its robust consulting curriculum, taught by industry professionals who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Beyond the academics, I was drawn to the school’s smaller, more intimate environment. This allowed me to connect with a wide range of current students—many of whom proved to be incredibly helpful during the decision-making process and have since become amazing mentors and peers. Additionally, the diverse extracurricular opportunities at Emory enabled me to engage in activities that were important to me both professionally and personally. From building community through the Consortium to participating in pro-bono consulting work for businesses in the Atlanta area, I found an environment that fostered both professional growth and personal fulfillment.
What about your MBA experience prepared you for your current career?
My MBA experience was transformative in preparing me for my current career. I took several strategy classes as part of the consulting curriculum that challenged me to think both broadly and in detail, helping me develop robust frameworks for problem solving. There were numerous opportunities to engage in consulting-based projects, where I honed my project management and client-facing skills. Additionally, the strong alumni network at Emory played a pivotal role in enhancing my storytelling abilities—an essential skill I now utilize daily when interacting with clients and colleagues. Overall, my MBA experience provided me with the strategic mindset, practical skills, and professional network that continue to drive my success in my career.
What was your internship during business school? How did that inform your post-MBA career choice?
During my MBA, I interned at Accenture where I worked on a white paper research project. This internship provided a hands-on look into consulting, allowing me to deepen my research and analytical skills while exploring complex business challenges. It was a pivotal experience that helped me assess if consulting was the right career path and clarified what I was looking for in a company. I had a great experience at Accenture, which ultimately led me to return full-time after graduation.
Why did you choose your current company? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to work?
When choosing my current company, I focused on several key factors that aligned with both my professional goals and personal values. I was drawn to Accenture’s robust consulting practice and its innovative approach to solving complex business challenges across various industries, which perfectly complemented the strategic problem-solving skills I developed during my MBA. Additionally, the people at Accenture are among the smartest I’ve ever met—it truly feels like an environment where I can consistently grow and learn, supported by kind and knowledgeable colleagues.
Advice to current MBA students:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of the job search?
One thing I would absolutely do again is to fully leverage the programming companies offer during the recruitment process. I made it a point to participate in a variety of events—networking sessions, interview practice rounds, and conferences. Even though these events could be exhausting at times, they were incredibly valuable. Not only did they expand my network—connecting me with other MBA students and professionals—but they also helped me narrow down the type of work I wanted to pursue and identify which companies aligned best with my career goals.
—One thing you would change or do differently as part of the job search?
One thing I would do differently is to leverage the alumni network more proactively. While some companies had a noticeable presence of Goizueta alums, others didn’t at first glance—but that didn’t necessarily mean there weren’t valuable connections available. In hindsight, I would have made a more concerted effort to reach out to alumni across all companies to tap into their insights and experiences. This approach could have provided deeper perspectives on company culture and opportunities, ultimately enriching my job search.
—Were there any surprises regarding your current employer’s recruiting process?
Yes, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and personal touch of the recruiting process. I initially expected it to focus mainly on technical skills and qualifications, but instead, I found a strong emphasis on cultural fit and personal growth.
—What piece of advice do you wish you had been given during your MBA?
I wish someone had told me it was perfectly okay to try different things during my MBA. I entered the program with a very specific goal and a predetermined path, which made me focus narrowly on that objective. In hindsight, I realize that stepping outside my comfort zone—exploring areas beyond my immediate focus—could have enriched my learning experience and personal growth. Embracing a broader range of opportunities might have opened doors to unexpected insights and skills that have proven valuable in my career.
