Nicole Rillera, Goizueta MBA Class of 2019
Age: 28
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University at Albany, SUNY; Major, communications; minor, business
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 5 years, product development (retail/wholesale): Toys“R”Us and Caleres (formerly Brown Shoe Company)
Why business school? Why now? When I was 21, I set a long-term goal to go to a top business school and get my MBA by the age of 30. I spent several years “studying” for the GMAT but continued to prioritize work over my own goals. In late 2015, I realized there was no better time to take the b-school application process seriously, as I was no longer fulfilled by my career and responsibilities. I joined the Forte MBA Launch program, buckled down on my GMAT studies, and applied to several schools through the Consortium. As a career switcher, I knew business school was going to give me the quantitative skills I needed to become a successful leader and the opportunity to make connections and expand my network.
Why Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? I went to a high school with 4,000+ students and an undergraduate university with 17,000+ students. Considering I was going to sacrifice two years as a full-time student, I was looking for a program with an intimate learning environment; somewhere my classmates, professors, faculty, and staff would know me personally. After visiting several top MBA programs, I found that Goizueta was by far the perfect one! Located in the global and diverse city of Atlanta, Goizueta fosters a collaborative culture, has a small class size, is a member of the Consortium, and has warmer weather than the Northeast. (I couldn’t bear NYC winters anymore.) Thus far, Goizueta has exceeded my expectations academically, professionally, and socially.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2019 is how inclusive and active I am at Goizueta. Since starting the program, I continuously go above and beyond for my classmates and have been eager to share and help whenever possible. Whether it’s assisting with assignments or notes, interview or recruiting preparation, or just general advice, I’m willing to help because I genuinely want to see everyone succeed! Not only do I support my classmates, but I enjoy playing an active part in the overall Goizueta community. So far this semester, I was the co-chair for the #GoizuetaEngage Women’s Weekend, was involved with Inside Goizueta Diversity Weekend, served as an Goizueta Ambassador, and continue to look for impactful ways to affect change in the CMC.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I’ve been singing, dancing (everything but tap dancing… couldn’t quite get it together), and painting since the age of 7.
Post-MBA career interests? While initially applying to business school, I aspired to be a brand manager at a CPG company. After recruiting and post-core semester, I look forward to working in a General Management Leadership Development Program, to continue to strengthen and expand my skillset. This summer, I’ll be interning at Danaher, working in its dental business in a marketing role. Post-MBA, I look forward to working in a marketing and/or strategy role and eventually starting my own business.
Advice to current prospective applicants: If you can, try to visit any school you’re interested in. You can do research, have coffee chats, and get in touch with current students/alumni, but nothing compares to an actual school visit and experiencing the culture and classes first hand. Visiting several schools prior to applying helped me narrow down my list and feel secure in the schools I was applying to. Try going to as many admissions events as possible—open houses, diversity weekends, MBA fairs, etc. Word of advice for anyone struggling with the GMAT (or GRE) and stressing test scores—please remember that this is only one component of your application! You’ll often hear admissions representatives say this and probably won’t believe it, but it’s true! Your application is comprised of a total package (test scores resume, essays, etc.) and admissions reviews everything to ensure you’d be a good fit for their program! Don’t let the GMAT/GRE haunt you.
Greatest highlight so far at Goizueta? This is a difficult question to answer because there are so many things that come to mind. A major highlight would be Welcome Weekend because that was when I realized Goizueta was the school I’d attend. Meeting all my potential classmates, connecting with faculty and staff, and participating in the programs and events made me confident in submitting my deposit! I even managed to persuade two of my classmates (now closest friends) to commit to Goizueta also. The weekend was filled with networking opportunities and fun, and I knew Goizueta was where I’d call home for the next two years.
One thing about Goizueta that you didn’t expect before arriving? Friday classes during core, which definitely caught me by surprise! (Haha.) Aside from that, I’m thoroughly impressed with the business librarian staff. They have a wealth of knowledge about resources and databases and are willing to go above and beyond to support us as MBA students. I look forward to utilizing the resources and their knowledge while developing my business plan.
Thing you’ve been most anxious about in your first year? Core—everyone fears core! It’s frontloaded with all your required (mainly quantitative) classes, and I didn’t have a thorough quantitative background prior to starting business school. At Emory we take all core classes during our first semester, which is divided into three “blocks” comprised of five to six classes each. You can imagine the levels of stress, anxiety, and “imposter syndrome” I experienced daily! Although it felt impossible at times, working with my core team and having the support of my classmates helped me focus and successfully complete the core semester.
Thing you’ve been most excited about in your first year? Although business school has been a challenging experience, I’ve enjoyed stepping outside of my comfort zone; meeting new people, connecting with companies and employers, and trying new things. I came to Goizueta understanding the curriculum would be intense, but I knew I’d find balance between K.E.G.S., networking and programming events, and fun! Because of Goizueta’s small class size, I can confidently say I’ve developed numerous genuine relationships (that’ll continue post-graduation) and have a personal connection with several professors, faculty, and staff. I can confidently say all of my expectations in a business school program have been met!
