Meet the MBA Class of 2024: Patrick Forrestal
Patrick Forrestal
Emory University
Goizueta Business School
“Former football player, turned Marine, turned triathlete heading to Goizueta for an MBA.”
Hometown: Albany, GA
Fun fact: I swam from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco.
Undergraduate school and major: United States Naval Academy, B.S. Systems Engineering
Most recent employer and job title: United States Marine Corps, Aviation Supply Officer
What makes Atlanta such a great place to earn an MBA?
Atlanta is a vibrant, fun city that is expanding very quickly. Not only is it home to several Fortune 500 company headquarters, but Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport makes it a great jumping-off point to get wherever you want to go. The people are friendly, and the culture is rich.
Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
The small class sizes were a major draw for me. This allows students to get a very personalized experience and to grow close to their classmates. It is also great for maintaining relationships down the road.
What course, club or activity excites you the most at Goizueta?
Goizueta Consulting Club. I’m excited to prepare for recruiting and interviews and get close with my classmates who will be doing the same.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:
I was deployed to Kuwait for seven months starting in March of 2020, right at the beginning of the pandemic. I oversaw a team of 30 Marines who formed great chemistry and overcame global supply chain barriers to beat previous performance metrics.
What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to prospective MBAs? Why?
I read The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer. It helps put your priorities into perspective, which I think is valuable heading into an MBA program.
What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Goizueta’s MBA program?
Figure out what makes you unique and figure out how to articulate your story. Don’t be afraid to reach out to current students! Everyone is willing to give you information about the program and application process.
Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.
