Student Spotlight: Meet P.J. Beidel 25MBA

Read in: Español

In our latest student spotlight, we feature P.J. Beidel, an MBA candidate at Goizueta Business School. In this insightful Q&A, P.J. shares his experiences balancing family life, a professional career, and academic pursuits. Join us as he discusses his motivations for pursuing an MBA, the challenges of managing multiple responsibilities, and his aspirations for the future.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? What motivated you to pursue an MBA at this stage in your life?

I’m P.J. Beidel, a dedicated professional currently pursuing my One-Year MBA at Emory’s Goizueta Business School while balancing life as a husband and father of two daughters (soon to be three)! After a decade in New York City, I saw an opportunity to advance my career through higher education while reconnecting with Atlanta’s business community. My decision to pursue an MBA stems from my passion for finance and strategy, coupled with my ambition to take on greater leadership responsibilities. This journey has been made possible through the incredible support of my family, particularly Morgan, my amazing wife, who has been instrumental in making this transformative step possible. Morgan is one of the busiest and most successful people I know. She’s always encouraged me to pursue my MBA, reminding me that it’s important to create as many options for yourself as possible. That way, you’re in control of your happiness and what you choose to say yes or no to in life. 

Balancing an MBA program with family life, especially with two young children, sounds challenging. What inspired you to take on this journey, and what do you hope to achieve?

The inspiration came from wanting to set an example for my daughters about the importance of continuous learning and pursuing your goals, no matter the stage of life. My wife, Morgan, is truly a superwoman. She never once hesitated to take on the role of primary provider and parent while I focus on completing this degree. I firmly believe that any investment in yourself – whether through education, staying physically active, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle – always yields positive returns. I hope to achieve not just career advancement, but also personal growth. This journey has already taught me so much about time management and prioritization. Ultimately, I want to be in a position where I can provide more opportunities for my family while also having the flexibility to be present in their lives.

Why did you choose Goizueta Business School for your MBA? Was there something specific about the program that aligned with your personal and professional goals?

Goizueta Business School was the perfect choice for me. As a top-ranked institution, it offers world-class education right here in Atlanta, where I grew up and plan to raise my family. The strong local network and deep connections to Atlanta’s thriving business community were major factors in my decision. Additionally, the school’s reputation for excellence in finance and strategy, coupled with unique opportunities like the Center for Alternative Investments Fellowship and the Delta Leadership Coaching Fellowship, provided the ideal platform to enhance my skills while remaining rooted in the community I call home.

Many students struggle to manage work-life balance even without the added responsibility of a family. What strategies do you use to balance your academic workload with family responsibilities?

Effective time management is key. My wife and I use a detailed calendar to block out study time, family time, and work commitments. I’ve also learned to be present in the moment – when I’m with my family, I try to focus entirely on them, and when I’m studying, I give it my full attention. My wife and I have a tag-team approach to parenting, which allows each of us to have dedicated time for our responsibilities. We’re incredibly fortunate to have both sets of grandparents nearby, and they’ve been a huge help with childcare and family support. They’ve really gone above and beyond, and it’s been wonderful to see them spend so much time with their grandchildren.

What does a typical day look like for you as a Goizueta MBA student, a parent, and a professional? How do you stay organized and focused?

A typical day starts early with getting the kids ready for school and dropping at least one of them off. I then fight through rush hour traffic to get to campus for classes. I took seven classes in the fall, so I was usually on campus all day. Between classes and my 20-hour work week at Tech Square Ventures, I use any breaks to catch up on readings or work on assignments. In the evenings where I don’t have classes at night (Tuesday and Friday), I make it a point to have dinner with my family and spend quality time with my daughters before putting them to bed. After that, I usually have an hour or two of study time. It’s been an incredibly demanding schedule, but my wife has been amazing at organizing and carrying the extra load at home during this intense period. She is unreal and I can see why she is a successful COO. We are both looking forward to a more relaxed schedule this spring.

What has been the most rewarding part of your MBA journey so far, and what has been the most challenging aspect?

The most rewarding part has been seeing how the frameworks and skills I’m learning are already applicable in real-world scenarios, especially in my internship at Tech Square Ventures. It’s incredibly fulfilling to bring fresh insights home and discuss them with my wife, friends, or former colleagues. The most challenging aspect has been managing the guilt of missing some family moments. However, my wife’s unwavering support and reminders of the long-term benefits for our family have been invaluable in overcoming this challenge.

Do you have any advice for other parents or working professionals considering going back to school? What’s one thing you wish you knew before starting the program?

My advice would be to have open, honest conversations with your family about the challenges and benefits of pursuing an MBA. Their support is crucial because this journey will be incredibly demanding on everyone – both mentally and emotionally. Don’t underestimate the power of efficient time management, communication, and self-care. One thing I wish I knew before starting is how important it is to set realistic expectations – both for yourself and your family. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect all the time; what matters is the overall trajectory and growth. I’ve found it really helpful to involve my daughters in my daily routine. I’ll ask my oldest how her day went in kindergarten, and she’ll return the question, asking about my day at school. It’s also crucial to get a babysitter or ask a grandparent to step in when my wife and I need a break—even if it’s just a quick trip for coffee or, if we’re lucky, a weekend getaway.

Looking ahead, how do you see your MBA from Goizueta impacting your career and family life? What are your aspirations after graduation?

I see my MBA from Goizueta as a catalyst for meaningful impact in both my professional journey and personal life. My aspiration is to leverage my business education to drive positive change in organizations, whether through organic & inorganic growth, strategic leadership, operational transformation, or innovative solutions to complex challenges. I’m particularly drawn to roles where I can help businesses grow sustainably while making a positive impact on society. I’m energized by the possibilities ahead and deeply grateful for my family’s support throughout this transformative experience.

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

Read in: Español