Zion Richardson, Emory Goizueta Business School MBA Class of 2026
Age: 25
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Wisconsin-Madison; B.S. Industrial and Systems Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Management Consulting Senior Analyst at Accenture for 2.5 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Although I enjoyed my work over the past couple of years, I felt like there was room for improvement in my ability to lead large groups. I’ve always had a strong desire to empower others and create a positive impact, but my academic and professional experiences did not equip me with all the tools necessary to achieve this on a larger scale. Business school presented the best opportunity to expand my perspective, refine skills essential for leadership in consulting, and prepare for the future by stepping out of my comfort zone. Initially, I was just trying to see if business school was a feasible option for me in the future, but the decision to attend became clear once I started to receive full-ride offers through various fellowships. These opportunities confirmed that this was the right time for this new challenge.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Emory Goizueta’s MBA programming is extremely intentional and impossible to ignore. You can see this intention shine within every department at Emory. The academic affairs team does a phenomenal job of hand-crafting diverse core teams for the first-year students. The admissions staff are all very intentional about getting to know who the students are behind the application. Each of the professors are intentional about how they’re challenging the students to think outside the box and expand their perspectives. This intention throughout the community made Emory feel undeniably like home.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I use a future-oriented approach in everything I do. As I begin my MBA journey, I envision myself on graduation day, reflecting on potential decisions and impacts. I ask myself: How can I best support my peers and classmates? These guiding questions shape my actions to maximize value for my campus community. This mindset drives me to pursue leadership roles, contribute academically, and empower my peers. It also pushes me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace unique opportunities. By projecting myself into the future, I’m able to strive towards being the best version of myself and make meaningful contributions to the Class of 2026.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love poetry! My dad introduced me to poetry through a movie called Love Jones, and I love to write and perform poetry in my free time.
Post-MBA career interests:
I plan to return to the consulting industry as a Strategy Consultant, where I will help new clients develop innovative solutions to unique problems. My goal is to leverage the strategic thinking and leadership skills gained during my MBA to drive impactful results and create long-term value for organizations across various industries.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would visit the schools that I was seriously considering. It’s essential to step foot on campus and see if you can genuinely see yourself spending the next two years there. I visited Emory and several other schools multiple times before making my final decision. These visits not only helped me make an informed choice but also allowed me to start building a strong network, regardless of where I’d end up.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start building out my application timeline much earlier. By the time I realized I was going to apply to business school, my options were limited because I missed the opportunity to apply to my preferred MBA prep program. If I knew then what I know now, I would have started considering deadlines at least a year in advance, in order to stay organized and keep everything in front of me.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, I would have skipped the waiting period after submitting my applications. I was eager to see the results, and initially, I found it challenging to be patient. However, I came to realize that my time would come when it was meant to. During that waiting period, I focused on decompressing and mentally preparing for the important decisions ahead. In hindsight, students should view this downtime as a gift because once things pick back up, it can get extremely busy.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
Emory’s community feels like home. From day one, the staff’s hospitality and personalized attention stand out, and this support continues throughout the entire MBA journey, right up to graduation. It’s very easy to buy in to Emory’s dynamic of connecting and contributing to the greater community. As someone coming from all the way from Chicago, this welcoming environment has made building my Atlanta network feel both natural and comforting.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
Emory is full of surprises! One thing that really stood out to me was learning about The Hatchery, a center for innovation on campus. Through The Hatchery, students can apply to incubators and accelerators designed to help them develop and iterate on business ideas and ventures. As someone interested in entrepreneurship and nonprofit work in Atlanta, this resource was exciting to discover. I’m looking forward to engaging with The Hatchery during my time here.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’ve heard from many that the first year of an MBA can be incredibly busy. Although I’ve always prided myself on strong time management skills, I know they’re about to be tested at a new level. A quote that resonates with me is, “We can do anything, but not everything”, so I’ll be intentional about prioritizing experiences that will help me grow and learn.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about several experiences, but the one that I look forward to the most would have to be Emory’s Global Experiential Modules. These faculty-led global study trips provide a unique opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world situations in diverse international settings. While I’ve traveled before, I’m excited to expand both my worldview and network through these immersive experiences, which will push me to grow personally and professionally.
