Ryland Mattoon: Real Humans of Goizueta’s MiM Class of 2026
Looking to get an inside look at Goizueta’s Master in Management Class of 2026? Check out Clear Admit’s “Real Humans of Emory Goizueta MiM Class of 2026” for personal insights from current students on their backgrounds, motivations, and experiences in the program. Get a feel for what it’s really like to be a part of this dynamic community!
Meet Ryland Matoon 26MiM
Age: 24
Hometown: Lexington, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Davidson College, Communication Studies
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had recently interned with a prospering start-up and enjoyed my work in business development. After graduating from college, I found myself in a suboptimal job market. After a few months of unsuccessful job hunting and recalling the previous summer’s internship, I decided to apply to business school.
Why did you choose Goizueta? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Goizueta Business School because it was the highest ranked out of any of the schools I applied to, offered the best scholarship, and my sister attends as an undergraduate.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I am “Mr. Reliable.” I have never missed a class, exam, presentation, group meeting, or deadline. I have a strong work ethic and pay close attention to details. Moreover, I am an active contributor with valuable and well-articulated ideas. Lastly, I have used humor and kindness to create unique connections with each individual in my class.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I can run a sub-20-minute 5k (well… I have).
Post-Master in Management career interests:
Operations, Logistics, Product Management, Project Management (either in tech or healthcare).
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
- What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Throw yourself into the essay questions on the application. The more honestly you reflect, the better. It does not have to be a glamorous story as long as you put passion into what you write.
- What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Give yourself plenty of time (multiple weeks) to do the application and always save your work.
- What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
None of it. Sometimes, even the steps that feel unnecessary are in fact the most necessary. If I had to give a direct answer, I would say the video with one chance to record a timed response was one part I would have skipped. To get through it, I made sure to identify the general answer quickly and then just keep speaking no matter what. The best advice I could give is to stay loose and believe in what you say.
- What is your initial impression of the Goizueta students/culture/community?
Goizueta culture is collaborative, busy, and excellent. In my first semester, I formed several strong relationships through hard work and shared struggle. It has been a healthy test of managing personal priorities like mental health and work. I stayed on top of my responsibilities and felt heavily rewarded by the end.
- What is one thing you have learned about Emory Goizueta that has surprised you?
I learned that I am capable of succeeding here. On my first day, I did not know if I was smart or driven enough to pass my classes, let alone stand out as a prominent student. Now that I have been through the core curriculum, I feel more confident than ever. There were some moments of great struggle, but I pushed through to the end. Getting to winter break will be immensely fulfilling.
Learn more about the new Master in Management program.
