Timothy Lam, Emory Goizueta’s MBA Class of 2023
Age: 29
Hometown: Sydney, Australia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Emory University, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, Consulting – Financial Services
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I started my career in consulting working with bank and fintech clients on their toughest risk management and regulatory compliance issues. During that time, I’ve found my passion in helping expand financial inclusion within financial services, particularly leveraging technology. As I started to see the wider industry shifts towards technology and blockchain, I wanted to gain a stronger understanding of how organizations and industries operated and to become a stronger leader.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I enjoyed my experience at Emory during my undergraduate studies and have had to watch from afar as Atlanta grew leaps and bounds as a startup and tech hub. Microsoft, Airbnb, and Visa are just a few of the tech companies who have announced or opened new regional offices in Atlanta. I’ve been itching to go back to pursue my MBA and get involved with the Atlanta tech ecosystem. The location combined with the intimate class size appealed to me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
Prior to business school in the United States, I grew up and attended school in both Hong Kong and Sydney. I believe that my experience in other cultures allow me to apply a different viewpoint to conversations as well as problem solving.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I have traveled to Kyiv, Liverpool, Boston, and Charlotte to watch Liverpool FC.
Post-MBA career interests:
I enjoy creatively solving problems and I would like to combine this with my passion in for FinTech to pursue a role in product management or VC.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend the time upfront to dig deep into your story and your motivations for attending business school.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
To take a step back and take a breath periodically during the application process. It is an incredibly stressful time, compounded by the world we live in. I think your sanity and applications can both benefit from a breather.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
No surprises, the GMAT. The support of my friends and family, as well as friends going through the GMAT got me through this step.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
It is a collaborative and supportive community. Given the smaller class size, you are able to get to know more of your classmates on a personal level.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
The openness of both the current student body and alumni to help you in your MBA journey. I had reached out to countless alumni and current students during my year deferred, and every single one of them responded and spent the time to help me prepare for what was to come. This also rings true as a current student, as 2nd year students have been tremendously supportive.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
I had to defer attendance for personal reasons so the COVID-19 pandemic delayed my business school start date. However, I was fortunate to have an extra year in my role to explore my interests within the firm’s FinTech and Digital Assets practice group.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Drinking from the fire hose! There are so many things to get involved in from an academic, professional, and social perspective, and there is limited time.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting out of my comfort zone both inside and outside the classroom. When else do you have the safe environment to try new things and fail?
