Francesca Malenky, Goizueta MBA Class of 2019
Age: 26
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgia Institute of Technology, business
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 2.5 years, McKinsey & Company
Why business school? Why now? I was passionate about pursuing an MBA for two reasons: 1) I strongly believe in the value of foundational knowledge and business school for me would further strengthen the knowledge I gained while working. 2) An MBA opens up a wealth of opportunities in terms of post-MBA options, which I was excited to explore at this point in my career.
Why Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? The Goizueta culture was the most incredible factor to me. I felt like a part of the family the moment I stepped foot on campus for my interview. I really wanted a place where I felt at home and in which my community had my back, and that has been my experience at Goizueta since day 1. The second most important factor were the career placement statistics. Goizueta is passionate about helping you succeed in your chosen career, and the stats speak for themselves.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? I would say my positivity. Business school can be very stressful between classes and recruiting, and I do my best to help my classmates through that stress and come out on top on the other side.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I’m a stress-baker, so as soon as the going gets tough there are magically fresh cookies in the oven.
Post-MBA career interests? I’m looking to pivot into tech.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? I emphasized the non-business aspects of my profile. I really wanted the admissions team to understand me as a person.
–One thing you would change or do differently? I would have given myself more time to write my essays. Nothing is worse than feeling rushed.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The GMAT. Being patient with myself was key as a I was relearning material!
Greatest highlight so far at Goizueta? As part of the onboarding week we went to a lake resort where we spent time as a whole community bonding and learning about our strengths and weaknesses. I definitely felt like I knew my classmates better after that.
One thing about Goizueta that you didn’t expect before arriving? How amazing the alumni are. They really will do whatever they can to help you.
Thing you’ve been most anxious about in your first year? Recruiting was pretty stressful in terms of time commitment, but the networking has been fun!
Thing you’ve been most excited about in your first year? The chance to take a step back and really evaluate my career and where I’m looking to go in the next five, 10, 20 years.
