After working as a management consultant at Accenture, Taylor Benford (Goizueta, ‘21) chose to go to business school to develop as a leader and build finance and strategy skills. By focusing on finding an MBA program that focused on the 3 C’s (Community, Commitment, and Career Placement) Benford enrolled at Emory University’s Goizueta MBA program, where she recently started her first year. In this interview, Benford walks us through her journey to Goizueta, and her advice for prospective MBA applicants trying to navigate the MBA admissions application process.
MBASchooled: What did you do before business school, and why did you choose to pursue an MBA?
Prior to business school I worked as a Management Consultant at Accenture. I pursued an MBA to strengthen my core finance & strategy skills, expedite my development as a leader, and learn to comfortably navigate ambiguity.
MBASchooled: What was the hardest part of the MBA application process, and how did you work through it?
The most difficult part of the application process was balancing GMAT studying and essay writing with a hectic work schedule. What worked for me was learning how to distinguish between ‘glass balls’ versus ‘rubber balls’ in terms of prioritizing. Glass balls are immediate priorities and rubber balls are tasks that can be delayed. Also, how to say no to social outings with friends helped out a lot.
MBASchooled: Why did you choose Goizueta?
I chose Goizueta for a few reasons but the top 3 were: the people, the community’s commitment to our GBS Core Values, and demonstrated career placement. Everyone I met during the application process was genuinely helpful and I was able to meet students whose footsteps I aspired to follow in from a career perspective.
MBASchooled: Most applicants understand why culture is important, and to look for it, but what specifically stood out to you about Goizueta?
Goizueta has a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. The culture is very collaborative with classmates and professors alike being fully invested in your success and willing to help prepare you for interviews and networking opportunities.
MBASchooled: Due to COVID-19, MBA applicants know they need to engage virtually with schools to learn about them but what should they be looking to learn or looking to get out of those opportunities?
While networking I would recommend inquiring about career opportunities (e.g., which companies recruit at the school) and understanding which classes and clubs are available to help you meet your post-MBA goals.
MBASchooled: You are just about to start your MBA experience. What did you do leading up to starting school this summer? How did you prepare?
I attended a couple virtual pre-MBA programs hosted by MBB firms to learn more about their respective cultures and opportunities. The Goizueta Career Management Center (CMC) also began working with my (then future) classmates and I in April to prepare for The Consortium’s Orientation Program conference. That preparation proved to be invaluable! I would definitely recommend taking some time off to recharge before transitioning back into the school environment as well.
MBASchooled: Certainly COVID-19 is impacting all of us. How would you encourage prospective MBA applicants to evaluate this as they think about deciding to go to business school?
Go for it! Don’t let the pandemic discourage you from pursuing your MBA if it is your goal. Now is a great time to upskill and invest in yourself.
MBASchooled: What advice do you have, for students who are considering applying or applying to MBA programs right now?
Commit to the process! The application process can seem daunting and overwhelming at times but remember that it’s a temporary sacrifice for a long-term gain that can change the trajectory of your life. It’s also a great idea to reach out to current students at your target schools on LinkedIn to learn about their firsthand experiences at their programs.