A First Look at Goizueta’s Vienna Maymester Experience

When Emily Donoghue 27BBA 27MAcc began planning her academic journey at Goizueta, studying abroad didn’t seem like it would fit into her schedule. As a student in the joint Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accounting program, she is balancing an accelerated academic path while preparing for a career in accounting. Thanks to Goizueta’s first-ever Vienna Maymester program, however, Donoghue found an opportunity to combine her interests in business, sports, and global learning during a two-week immersive experience at Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU). In this Q&A, she reflects on studying international sports business abroad, exploring Austrian culture, and stepping outside her comfort zone in one of Europe’s most historic cities.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Emiy Donoghue and I am studying marketing and accounting at Goizueta Business School. I am a part of the joint Master of Accounting (MAcc) program and am a rising senior.

What is the Vienna Maymester program, and what made you interested in participating?

As a MAcc student aiming to obtain both degrees within four years, I did not think I would have time to study abroad. Then, I learned about this incredible new program at Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU) from Declan Clear, the director of international programs. As a Maymester program, this gave me the opportunity to study abroad after the spring semester ended and before my internship began. It was a two-week intensive course during the second half of May where we packed a whole semester of learning and tourism into a short period of time. Not only was the timing perfect within my busy schedule, but the actual course topic was extremely exciting: International sports business. As a soccer fan, I was intrigued to learn about the business side of sports from a professor who works for one of Vienna’s oldest soccer clubs. I am so grateful I was able to study abroad, especially in the beautiful city of Vienna.

What was your experience like?

The program was organized in a way that allowed us to maximize our time in the city. In the morning, I attended class. For the first couple of lessons, it was a typical lecture, but as we progressed into the research part of our project, they took us on experiential learning field trips to meet local industry experts, try emerging sports technologies firsthand, and see the inner workings of two Viennese soccer clubs (First Vienna FC and SK Rapid Wien). In the afternoon, we got to experience local culture and see the city. Through the program, we got to go on a walking tour of Innere Stadt, the historic first district of Vienna, where we got to see the iconic landmarks and learn about the history from the city’s beginnings as a Roman Empire outpost all the way up until modernity. We also got to experience a traditional Austrian dinner alongside our WU classmates. During the second week, we attended a waltz class as a group, and I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed it (I’m not usually one to dance). During other afternoons, we had time to either work on our research or explore the city, balancing both “study” and “abroad.” At night, we experienced Vienna’s vibrant nightlife scene and met locals, other study abroad students, and tourists alike.

What stood out to you most during your time in Vienna?

The city’s architecture is what stood out most to me. The more historic areas are full of beautiful architecture spanning centuries of styles. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is jaw-dropping and is located right in the middle. On the other hand, the WU campus has a combination of different modern architectural styles, creating a very unique and exciting look.

Can you share a specific moment or experience from the trip that stuck with you?

The moment that stuck with me the most was on my last day. I decided to do the river walk along the Donau river. I ended up walking a couple of miles, just admiring the landscape, people watching, and reflecting on my incredible maymester. It felt like the perfect grand finale of an amazing program.

How does this experience connect to your time at Goizueta?

This intensive project-based course really showed me how useful all of my classes at Goizueta are for the real world. While we learned about the local soccer culture, new technologies, and First Vienna FC, I already had the skills I really needed to complete the project from Goizueta. From research skills to presentations, I really have a newfound appreciation for my education here.

What makes this program especially meaningful or unique to you?

This program was especially meaningful to me because I didn’t think I was going to have the chance to study abroad. I am so glad now that I jumped at this opportunity because I can’t imagine not doing it. I got to experience a whole new culture, city, and school. While it was a short program, I know my time in Vienna will stay with me for the rest of my life.

What is something you’ll take with you from this experience moving forward?

I feel like I really stepped out of my comfort zone during this trip. I didn’t really know anyone going into it, nor had I even been to Austria before, so everything was very new. I made an effort to talk to people, especially locals, whom I didn’t know, in situations where I normally would not have. Going forward, I hope to take that skill with me and continue meeting new people no matter where I am, because while it was uncomfortable at first, I got to know some incredible people I never would have otherwise met.

What advice would you give to other students considering a global experience like this?

Do it! This is an incredible experience that you will never forget.

Is there anything else you’d like the Goizueta community to know about this experience?

This is the perfect opportunity to study abroad for people who love sports, are interested in an immersive cultural experience, enjoy fast-paced environments, and want the opportunity to experience Vienna.

Emily Donoghue is a joint Master of Accounting and BBA student going into her senior year at Goizueta Business School. She is interning in Tax Services at Andersen Tax this summer.

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.