Corina Bravo, Goizueta MBA Class of 2022
Age: 27
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, Caracas, Venezuela. Communications major.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I worked for 3 years in marketing, first as an innovation brand manager at an alcoholic beverage company, and then as a strategy consultant at a branding consulting firm. All of my professional experience has been in Venezuela.
Why business school? Why now?
While studying communications as an undergrad I started to get curious about the business world, so I did a business certificate at Columbia University during two summers that opened my eyes to corporate finance, strategy, and economics. At that moment I knew that an MBA was going to be a part of my professional journey, but first I wanted to acquire robust experience in the field that I’m passionate about which is marketing. As I scaled the corporate ladder in my career, I also felt the urge of getting my MBA to develop further the business acumen that I needed as a leader to make decisions that impacted the long-term growth of the corporation. Nevertheless, I decided to start applying for the MBA when I was in consulting because I felt that in order to be successful in solving the global and complicated problems that my clients were facing, which went beyond marketing, I had to study business. By then, I had the experience, was just married, and my husband wanted to pursue his MBA as well, so we enrolled in Goizueta together.
Why Emory? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I was looking for a top-ranked program, strong in marketing, and in a city that would allow me to pursue many professional opportunities. I decided on Emory because I was fascinated by its focus in both analytics, with its center for marketing analytics and a broad offering of data analysis classes, as well as the many experiential learning opportunities available through the Impact Program. I was also looking for a school focused on leadership and with a medium or small classroom size that allowed me to know all of my classmates and form strong relationships with the professors, and Emory had all of this. I was also impressed by how open and caring the community was from the beginning. As soon as I got accepted, I was receiving many weekly emails from alumni and the admissions office inviting me to speaker series, online events, coffee chats, etc. I just felt part of Emory before I said yes, a very different experience compared to other schools I was accepted to.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I want to take advantage of every opportunity possible to learn from classes, experiences, and my classmates; which makes me very engaged in the school as well as with my group in every subject. I think that coming from a career in Venezuela, I have a very unique experience and perspective that contributes to class discussions and to the overall inclusive culture of Goizueta.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love traveling and I’ve been to 40 countries so far, having amazing memories like riding an elephant in Thailand, swimming with nurse sharks in The Bahamas, and paragliding over the mountains of Switzerland.
Post-MBA career interests?
I’m interested in consulting because of the broad opportunities to explore and gain knowledge over different industries and capabilities with very smart people. I’m also pursuing marketing in consumer products and technology, following my passion, and continuing to developing my expertise in the field.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Diving deep in understanding the value proposition of each individual school. Each MBA is very different, and the research that has to be done to find the school for you is intense but rewarding since it sets you apart on the essays and interviews and helps you make sure it is the best fit for you. I would also encourage applicants to apply early since it gives them more time to make a decision calmly and choose the best school for them.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have taken the GRE way earlier, to be able to start the applications with a lot of time. I felt I was running at the end, writing essays and filming videos for various schools the day before the second round deadlines.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT/GRE definitely. Coming from studying communications as an undergrad I had a hard time with quant, I also got really stressed in the test center and performed way worse on exam day than on practice tests. In the end, I made it through by deciding to change from the GMAT to the GRE which worked better for me based on my skills. I was very strong on Verbal which was showcased on my GRE score and did a lot better with the structure and type of quant questions on the GMAT. The material of both exams in quant is the same and it is very easy to change, and almost all schools accept both.
What is your initial impression of Emory Goizueta’s students/culture/community?
The culture I would say is one of the things that makes Goizueta unique and special. All students and faculty are so committed to helping you go through the first semester and recruiting that they become the most valuable asset for first-year students. I’ve been working with 2nd years in casing, interview prep, electives selection, and much more. The community really works to promote diversity and inclusion, so every member is very supportive of others, which makes it a safe environment to have discussions and grow professionally.
One thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
The commitment of the alumni to recruiting Goizueta students. I’ve been in many company presentations led by alum and have had many coffee chats, being surprised at how dedicated they are to helping me discover my path and to succeed. They have been engaged with me in mock interviews, case workshops, etc. and every one of them has offered to help me and become a resource in my network through a very stressful process.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m anxious about recruiting because most companies I want are extremely popular and every applicant is putting a lot of effort into getting noticed. Nevertheless, I’ve been working hard with the CMC, fellow students, and alumni to make sure I’m putting my best foot forward.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Choosing my electives for the spring semester. The offering is amazing and in Goizueta, you can start to craft your individual path from the second semester choosing most of your subjects and starting to work towards a concentration. The classes and professors have been outstanding and I’m excited about this new chapter.
