Meet the Class of 2025: Amber O’Donoghue 25MBA

This year, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of Goizueta Business School’s Class of 2025. As commencement approaches, we’re highlighting outstanding graduates from each program who have made their mark during their time at Goizueta. Meet Amber O’Donoghue, a graduating One-Year MBA student whose journey has been shaped by leadership, creativity, and a deep commitment to community. In this Q&A, she shares how her experiences—from Spelman to Accenture to Goizueta—are fueling her next chapter in marketing and strategy.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Previous Education: Spelman College

Previous Employment: Accenture, Marketing and Communications, Planning & Operations Lead

Clubs/Activities: Admissions Fellow & Ambassador, Consortium for Graduate Study in Management Member

Student Leadership: President – Goizueta Association for Media, Entertainment and Sports (GAMES); Founding Member – Goizueta Student Led Speaker Series; 1Y Representative – Black MBA Association

What initially drew you to Goizueta Business School? What unique aspects of Goizueta’s culture, curriculum, or community made it stand out from other business schools you considered?  

I was initially drawn to Goizueta Business School because of its intimate culture and “small by design” approach. From the moment I was admitted, the warmth of the community was undeniable, starting with a personal call from my admissions officer, followed by a thoughtful welcome gift from the school. Dean Brian Mitchell even took the time to greet us on a personal Zoom call, reinforcing the program’s commitment to truly knowing and valuing its students. 

When I visited campus, I was struck by how well the admissions team understood my story and resume. They knew my professional background and actively connected me with current students on similar career paths, making me feel like I already belonged. That level of personalization was rare and spoke volumes about the kind of experience Goizueta fosters. 

Beyond the admissions process, I was drawn to Goizueta’s strong ties to Atlanta’s business ecosystem. Having already built a life in Atlanta, I knew I wanted to deepen my roots here. Goizueta’s relationships with top companies in the city and the broader Southeast region presented invaluable opportunities to grow my network and career without relocating. 

What truly set Goizueta apart from other programs, though, was the diversity. The One-Year MBA class is a fascinating mix of professionals, from dual-degree students pursuing MDs, JDs, PhDs, and DPTs to military veterans and international students. This creates an intimate classroom filled with varied experiences and viewpoints, making discussions richer and more thought-provoking. 

Ultimately, Goizueta stood out because it wasn’t just a place to earn an MBA, but a place where I felt seen, valued, and challenged in ways that would help me grow both personally and professionally. 

What has been your most memorable experience during your time at Goizueta?  

My most memorable experience at Goizueta was traveling to Denmark with my One-Year cohort as part of a Global Experiential Module (GEM) to study work-life design for the modern MBA. Not only was the trip a core memory, but it also challenged and changed the way I think about work and what it means to find balance, meaning, and fulfillment in my career.  

Denmark is consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, and after spending a week there, I completely understand why. Play is woven into everyday life. There are trampolines on sidewalks, slides in museums, and a general mindset that life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. That same philosophy extends into the workplace, where people work smarter, not longer, and leave at 4:30 pm to enjoy their evenings.  

Some major highlights were visiting companies like Lego and Pandora, where we saw how innovation and sustainability are integrated into every aspect of their business. We also visited Copenhill, a waste-to-energy plant that doubles as a ski and climbing facility. It’s the perfect example of how the Danes blend function with fun, reinforcing the idea that work and play don’t have to be separate. 

Beyond the professional takeaways, what made this trip truly unforgettable was the shared experience with my classmates. Biking through Copenhagen, swimming in the harbor, staying out way too late, and eating way too many Danish pastries, was the kind of bonding that can’t be replicated in a classroom. 

Denmark reminded me that success isn’t just about career milestones, it’s about building a life that feels fulfilling. As I prepare to re-enter the workforce, I hope to live more “Danishly”—setting clear boundaries, nurturing hobbies, and making time for play—while still focusing on business productivity. 

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

Even within the shorter accelerated One-Year MBA program, Goizueta has allowed me to refine my skills to confidently re-enter the workforce. I initially pursued my MBA to deepen my expertise in marketing while strengthening my foundation in strategy and operations. However, this experience has been so much more. I’ve challenged myself to explore new areas like real estate and finance, gaining exposure to industries I hadn’t previously considered. 

Some of my favorite courses while in the program were FinTech, Real Estate Development, and Entrepreneurial Private Equity. Goizueta has not only prepared me to excel as a strategy and operations leader but has also equipped me with the knowledge and skills to explore new business ventures in the real estate and private equity space.  

As I look ahead, I’m excited to leverage my Goizueta education to step into a role in marketing strategy, brand management, or business development. Whether I’m driving brand growth, developing strategic partnerships, or identifying new market opportunities, I feel confident that Goizueta has positioned me for long-term success. 

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

My biggest advice for incoming students in the One-Year MBA program is to plan ahead and be intentional about what you want to gain from this experience because it goes by really fast. This program is a great option for experienced business professionals who can achieve their career goals without a summer internship while still benefiting from everything the Full-Time MBA program has to offer. However, with only the summer and two semesters to fit everything in, it’s important to be strategic about how you spend your time. 

Think about what matters most to you. Which courses are your top priorities? What global trips, conferences, or extracurricular activities do you want to participate in? Which clubs or leadership roles align with your goals? It’s easy to miss out on opportunities simply because time flies, but it’s just as easy to overcommit out of “FOMO” (Fear Of Missing Out). Finding the right balance will help you make the most of your experience without feeling stretched too thin. 

Also, start saving as much money as possible now because you’re definitely going to need it! 

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

I plan to stay connected to the Goizueta community long after graduation. I believe in lifting as I climb and hope to continue to be a resource for both current and prospective students, whether that means offering guidance, sharing my experiences, or helping them navigate their career journeys. One way I plan to do this is by participating in the alumni mentorship program, ensuring that future Goizueta students have the same level of support and encouragement that I’ve been fortunate to receive. I will also always be available to support the Career Management Center as an alumni representative at recruiting events and panels. 

I’m also grateful to be part of organizations like The Consortium, which fosters strong alumni engagement through initiatives like career prep for the annual OP conference and the CFAM reunion. These events provide meaningful opportunities to stay involved, support incoming students, and continue building relationships within the Goizueta network. 

Goizueta has given me so much, and I fully intend to pay it forward through mentorship, active involvement, and financial support. Staying connected is a priority and personal commitment to the community that has played such a pivotal role in my journey. 

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

While I still don’t have a definitive blueprint for my career, I know the kind of impact I want to make. I am passionate about driving economic growth, fostering inclusivity, and creating opportunities that extend beyond the corporate world. Whether through mentorship, strategic advising, or investing in private equity opportunities that revitalize distressed communities, I want to help build businesses that generate financial success and meaningful social impact. 

As I explore different paths, I see myself stepping into leadership roles in marketing, brand partnerships, or business development, using strategy and creative storytelling to shape how brands connect with their audiences. I’m also interested in entrepreneurship, with a long-term goal of acquiring and growing a business. Eventually, I hope to start a business of my own as well. 

Regardless of where my career takes me, I am committed to making a lasting impact by uplifting others and creating opportunities that extend beyond myself. 

Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.