Victoria Aguilar, Emory Goizueta MiM Class of 2025
Age: 23
Hometown: Chicago
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Emory University BS Psychology
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I was in the stage of my educational career where I had shifted my passion and focus into a new field and I wanted to carve out my path to success. Going from a career path that’s more clearly lined up for you, such as healthcare, to a career with a less rigid path, such as educational equity, it was really important to me to find a way to maximize my impact, and I thought insight into the business world would allow for that.
Why did you choose Emory Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
During my undergrad at Emory I had the great opportunity to work in the graduate admissions office at Goizueta. Through that experience, I was able to have very insightful conversations with some of the admissions directors, Allison Hill and Cassie Streich, which opened my mind to the possibility of business school as a whole. Knowing the reputation of Goizueta, having had encounters with a few of the faculty staff and students, I knew it would uphold all the things it was offering, both during and after graduation. Ultimately, I had very loose plans after my undergrad, so I only applied to Goizueta, telling myself that if it was meant to be, I would earn my spot.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
Growing up, I was often told that things are the way they are simply because that’s how they’ve always been. This sparked a deep sense of curiosity in me, which I’ve carried through my undergraduate studies and now into my master’s program. I approach information critically, never taking it at face value, but instead analyzing it to uncover the most accurate and authentic answer. I believe it’s essential to question the world to discover where you truly fit, and I bring this inquisitive energy into the classroom. This perspective helps foster deeper discussions and encourages others to think critically as well. I am a first-generation, low-income, Mexican American daughter of immigrants; the values that my identities gift me, along with my inquisitiveness, bring a very unique voice into the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I played on a championship-winning rugby team in high school. Emory has unfortunately not made the sport very accessible, but I’m hoping to join a team again post-grad, wherever I end up. I love it. I played #9 (the scrum).
Post-MiM career interests:
Higher education – Inclusion, Programming, Student Wellness, Sustainability
Nonprofit Management – Youth Outreach, Educational Equity, Environmental Education, College Access,
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend the information sessions, you get to meet people who might be struggling with similar things or having the same questions. It’s nice to not feel so alone through the process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would give myself more time writing my essays, as well as applying earlier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? I feel like every part of the application is integral to the admissions team to get a sense of who’s applying, so I don’t think I would have skipped anything, but the most difficult part for me is the essays. I put a lot of pressure on myself to have a perfect essay as a perfect representation of myself, so I restarted mine many times. I was lucky to have the help of some of my close friends to read over and reassure me that every version of my essays had strength. Having a good support system helps with everything.
What is your initial impression of the Emory Goizueta students/culture/community?
Coming in from the liberal arts side of Emory, I had a certain preconception of the business school. We had the typical b school memes about it being an easier thing than (for example) a STEM major. We were so wrong! I have such respect for every student who comes through here because it is energy-consuming work. It’s like I’ve had to exercise a completely new part of my brain, very challenging but very fun.
What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
I was surprised to learn how truly dedicated the professors are to the students’ learning. They value what they teach and want students not just to get the As but to actually know how to apply what they learned. They really do love to see their students succeed and make themselves very available for us.
