McKenzi Carter, Emory Goizueta MiM Class of 2025
Age: 23
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Tulane University (Major Exercise Science, Minor Psychology)
Pre-MiM Work Experience (role, company, years, if applicable): Played Division I basketball for four years. (Devoted an average of 40+ hours per week to conditioning, meetings and travel responsibilities)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I made the decision to attend business school to deepen my understanding of strategic decision-making and develop a broader skill set that supports well-rounded, informed leadership. Why now is because I am building on the foundation of my undergraduate education and using this gap before entering the workforce to strengthen my professional and personal growth.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Emory Goizueta because of its academic reputation and the welcoming, supportive community. The Master in Management business school’s curriculum and strong faculty were significant factors, but the people truly helped my decision. From the admissions process to now, I’ve been consistently surrounded by encouraging individuals who have made me feel confident in my choice to join Goizueta.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
My most valuable contribution is my ability to thrive in team environments, provide positivity, and manage time effectively. These qualities come from my experience as a college basketball player, where collaboration and resilience were crucial to both personal and team success. This background has helped me understand not only how to excel individually but also how to build up others to achieve shared goals.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have four dogs—Marfa, Tucker, Monkey, and Buster!
Post-MiM career interests:
I hope to become a sport psychologist dedicated to helping college-level student-athletes overcome the mental challenges of their sports and reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would have one-on-one conversations with the admissions team. They helped me understand the faculty’s expertise and the incredible people who would be guiding me throughout my masters.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Since I am in the inaugural class this was not feasible, but I would hope to talk to students who have completed the program to know their perspective and advice.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the back-to-back, two-day orientations if possible. However, meeting new classmates and forming connections made the experience enjoyable and worthwhile.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
My first impression is that the students are hardworking, are committed to success, and have a positive energy about Emory.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
I learned how interconnected the Goizueta community is—everyone seems to have a connection or knows someone within the network. It truly feels like a tight-knit family.
