FAQs
What will I learn in GMSC?
In GMSC, students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in various disciplines including: marketing, strategy, consulting, survey design, data analytics, conducting focus groups, team building and management, advanced presentation skills, and structured problem solving.
What makes GMSC different than other classes at Goizueta?
GMSC combines elements of a case competition, consulting or marketing internship, and traditional MBA coursework. Students work on pressing business issues in a real consulting environment with clients that pay a significant fee to support the work of the project team and GMSC organization. Similarly to a professional consulting engagement, the projects assigned to GMSC students are important to executives within their assigned organization. The reason clients choose GMSC is because they want to benefit from the innovative thinking and experiences of GMSC students on projects that they otherwise do not have the time or manpower to do the thorough analysis needed to address the problem. Clients are invested in this project as much as the students are which often result in recommendations that are actually implemented by their organizations.
Who should participate in GMSC?
Any Goizueta student! Regardless of students’ professional backgrounds or specific career goals, GMSC provides a variety of both specific and general business experiences that are essential for success both in summer internships and future careers. Typically, students concentrating in marketing, consulting, or strategy participate in GMSC, but all backgrounds are welcome as long as the student is willing to work through the GMSC process.
What is the weekly time commitment associated with GMSC?
There is no set time commitment for GMSC students outside of the official class meeting and two individual team meetings per week. However, GMSC has historically been a time-consuming course for students due to the project demands and consulting schedule. Therefore, it is recommended that students balance the rest of their course load with the time they plan to commit to GMSC.
What kinds of projects do students work on?
In past years, GMSC students have been commissioned to analyze strategic business initiatives including:
- Repositioning or launching a product or service
- Assessing new or existing market potential
- Maximizing marketing budget to increase profitability and market share
- Bundling products and services together to improve margins and customer satisfaction
- Utilizing new channels or partnerships to reach new customers
- Leveraging social media and new technology to meet marketing objectives
What clients has GMSC worked with in the past?
Please click here to view a list of prior clients.
How are GMSC teams selected?
Student teams are selected to maximize the potential success of the project deliverables. The GMSC leadership team strives to create balanced teams by incorporating many different backgrounds and specialties in addition to students’ passion for the project. Student teams are selected after spring registration and announced prior to winter break.
How are the GMSC teams structured?
Teams are comprised of five to eight students and are assigned a second year student as a team guide. This team guide will attend team meetings and offer guidance and support as much or as little as the team needs throughout the GMSC process. Each team member will be assigned a leadership role such as Client Liaison, Deliverables Coordinator, Presentation Lead, or Team Leader.
How are the students/teams evaluated?
Students/Teams are evaluated by a combination of deliverable grades, peer feedback, class/meeting participation, and client feedback.
How will GMSC help my internship?
During a typical MBA internship, students are given a vague business problem to solve. GMSC is a similar experience. Through the project and class courses, students will learn and practice essential skills that will be directly applicable to their summer internship.
Will GMSC get me an internship?
Possibly. GMSC provides students will multiple avenues to network with clients, alumni, and Atlanta business executives. Additionally, GMSC provides real world experiences students can use in interviews. This can be especially useful for career-switchers that want to enter the marketing or consulting fields.
Do you have fun?
Absolutely! GMSC is the definition of work hard, play hard. In addition to the project itself, there are also multiple events and banquets where you can mingle with current and previous GMSC participants.
I am a student in the One Year Program. Can I still participate in GMSC?
Yes!
How do I get more information about GMSC?
Feel free to email any member of the leadership team for more information.
GMSC is a part of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization