Nakaiya Turk, Goizueta MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Spelman College, Mathematics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, Technology, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Why business school? Why now?
I worked at HPE for 5 years as a data analyst and as a customer experience leader. Those roles really helped me to further identify my interests in marketing and consumer analytics. Once I had identified a clearer career path for myself, I knew that now was the time for me to merge my skillset and my interest together through pursuing my MBA.
Why Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? The key factor for me was the people at Goizueta, from the staff to the alumnae, from the teachers to the deans. It was important for me to feel that a MBA program fully invests itself into its students, through my conversations with staff and students and my numerous visits to the school I knew this was the program for me.
The people of this community made me feel safe and comfortable and I found Goizueta to be the place where I could find my best energy and be my true authentic self. If the location was ideal (meaning the cost of living was reasonable), if the culture felt collaborative and not competitive, if there were ways to get involved in the community, and if the students seemed relatable…then the school was a fit.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? My most valuable contribution is that I am truly invested in the Atlanta community! I currently serve on the board for my alma mater’s alumnae association, am an active member of the NBMBA Atlanta chapter, a Sister2Sister Spelman mentor, and have completed over 200 hours of community service at Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta. Simply being involved and invested in my community, wherever that is, is very important to me and I think that is part of my value-add.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was selected as one of Jezebel Magazine’s 2017 Most Eligible Atlantans.
Post-MBA career interests?
I am interested in working in marketing or brand management for a Fortune 500 company, and also turning my personal brand, Kandid Kaiya, into a brand that resonates with women everywhere.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely come to every single event that allowed me to interact with the Goizueta community in person. Networking before business school provided me with opportunities to not only assess the people here but gave me a clearer picture of the Goizueta experience.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would definitely take GMAT prep classes and try not to self-study. I could have saved a lot of money and time if I would have just paid for the extra help as soon as I realized I was struggling with the testing.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wish I could have skipped the essay writing, I felt that I could make more of an impact in person than through paper. I got through it by just staying committed to the MBA application process…in its entirety.
What is your initial impression of Goizueta’s students/culture/community?
Goizueta’s community truly does consist of like-minded, free-thinking, business-oriented professionals who want to leave a significant impact on the community and the world through business.
One thing you have learned about Goizueta that has surprised you?
That Goizueta is really at the center of Emory’s community. The business school is the center of attraction for most of the graduate students here, so it’s truly the hub for expanding your network on campus.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
That’s an easy one!….GRADES! But also just adjusting to being a student again and finding a school/life balance.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about expanding my network amongst my classmates and peers, actively contributing to the Goizueta community in an impactful way, and becoming a more business-minded professional.
