Meet the Class of 2026: Claudia Schmidt 26MSBA

This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School‘s Class of 2026. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Claudia Schmidt, a graduating MS in Business Analytics student whose journey is shaped by teamwork, curiosity, and a strong sense of community. In this Q&A, she shares how Goizueta helped her grow as both an analyst and a leader, balancing life as a student-athlete while building the technical skills, relationships, and confidence to begin her career in data-driven marketing and consulting.

Hometown: Needham, MA
Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Emory University
Previous Employment: Predictive Analyst and Researcher (Emory University Physics Department), Electrical Engineering Intern (RTX Corporation)
Clubs/Activities: Emory Women’s Varsity Soccer Co-Captain

What initially drew you to Goizueta Business School? 

As a recent graduate of Emory University’s College of Arts and Sciences, Emory has been my home for several years. When I was considering where to pursue my MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) degree, Goizueta felt like a natural next step based on the community and strong foundation I have built here. I was especially excited about the opportunity to join Goizueta’s business environment because of its exceptional reputation and focused, career-driven approach.

As a student-athlete, my schedule isn’t typical, and I valued a program that understood that and supported me as a whole person, not just academically. The faculty and staff were intentional about ensuring that I could succeed both in the classroom and on the soccer field which made a big impact on my decision. I was also drawn to the small program size, strong career services support, and overall well-rounded environment. With around 60 students, the MSBA program feels very close-knit and collaborative. I was also impressed by the hands-on nature of the career support program, especially their one-on-one mentoring and commitment to helping each of us find our own path. Overall, Goizueta felt like a place where I could see myself succeeding and growing both inside and outside the classroom.

The most memorable part of my Goizueta experience has been the community I’ve found and the friendships I’ve formed. I was grateful for how quickly I connected with so
many of my classmates and how many unique experiences and backgrounds they brought to our program. I feel fortunate to have found people who infuse our classrooms with such a sense of love, support, and camaraderie. They have had a hugely positive impact on my experience here.

At the same time, I’ve valued the relationships I’ve built with all the faculty and professors. Every single one of them has been committed to our learning and success as seen through their accessibility, investment, and engagement. I have felt supported as a whole person, not just as a student, and I think that type of environment is very special and is hard to find.

I feel such a sense of belonging within the MSBA program and that is a testament to my fellow classmates and all the faculty and professors who have made my experience so meaningful.

How has your Goizueta education prepared you for your next career step? 

I am grateful to have accepted a role as a Data-Driven Marketing Analyst at First
Manhattan Consulting Group in New York City, starting in July 2026. Throughout my recruiting process, I really valued the support from the career services office. They provided hands-on guidance with resume building, interview preparation, and networking which helped me approach my job search intentionally and with purpose. Additionally, I am very appreciative of the relationship I have built with my advisor and the ways he has continuously encouraged and guided me.

Academically, the MSBA program offered exposure to a wide range of analytics-related topics and learning opportunities. As such, I was able to effectively explore the types of work that sparked my interest in pursuing full time opportunities. I gained experience with a valuable range of tools and technologies that are commonly used in industry which has made me feel well-prepared to transition into a professional environment. Additionally, through hands-on projects, I worked on problems that closely resemble real-world business challenges and built a strong foundational set of skills.These
projects helped me better understand the type of roles that align with my interests and provided me with tangible examples to discuss during interviews

What advice would you give to incoming students in your program? 

Make connections everywhere you can, with your professors, your fellow classmates, and your advisors. These are the people you get to spend the next 10 months with, and they quickly become your support system and community. Investing in those relationships makes a huge difference.

Commit to learning. Be engaged and present in every class, group project, workshop, and event. The program moves quickly, and you get out of it what you put into it. The more engaged you are, the more you’ll learn, and the more meaningful your overall experience will be.

It’s important to be a reliable group member. The program is very project-based, and those group experiences are a meaningful part of your experience. The ways in which you show up in them not only impacts your learning but also the relationships you build along the way.

How do you plan to stay connected with the Goizueta community after graduation?

Throughout my time at Goizueta, I appreciated the chance to connect and engage with alumni who were eager and willing to provide guidance, share opportunities, and support my career-related goals. I’m looking forward to doing the same for future Goizueta students. I’m excited to get involved with the Goizueta alumni network and whenever possible, return to Atlanta to visit, attend events, and meet with students!

What are your long-term career goals, and how do you see yourself making an impact in your chosen field? 

In the immediate future, I’m excited to dive into the consulting and financial services space at First Manhattan Consulting Group. In this role, I’ll be able to leverage the skills I’ve cultivated at Goizueta and apply them to real-world marketing challenges and solutions. I want to use data to help shape how financial institutions approach marketing by better understanding their target audience and ensuring financial products are communicated in a way that resonates with their customers.

Longer term, I’m interested in potentially transitioning into the sports or publishing industries, two areas I feel personally connected to as a student-athlete and an avid reader, and use data to make a positive impact.

Learn more about Goizueta’s MS in Business Analytics program.