Kara Swain

Kara has always been fascinated with foreign affairs, particularly the study of how global policymakers reach agreement during challenging negotiations. What makes delegates decide to compromise over digging in their heels? How can conflicts seemingly at an impasse reach a peaceful resolution? It was with this focus that she arrived at Emory, determined to discover the science behind the “art of the deal”.  During her first two years at Emory, Kara switched her major four times - from political science to psychology to economics to international relations, before finally landing on a BBA with area depths in Organization & Management and International Business.

Reflecting on her time at Goizueta, Kara recalls, "If I had to describe the culture of the BBA program, I would direct them to put the lounge of the CMC on a timelapse. You will see students rushing in with anxiety about an upcoming interview or an email they needed to send (this was frequently me) and leaving with a sigh of relief after talking to the experienced upperclassmen coaches. You may hear Professor Burdette's booming voice down the hallway as she holds the rapt attention of her classroom while discussing property law. Wes Longhofer and Emily Bianchi may come through to discuss the latest research on personal and societal well-being. BBA program staff will drop in to get student perspectives on the latest Goizueta initiatives, and visiting alumni peek inside to catch up with their favorite faculty members from their time at Goizueta. The coaches themselves discuss how the student organizations they lead can better collaborate and, most importantly, study for the upcoming trivia rematch at a local pizza joint."

One of Kara's most memorable experiences was serving as a fellow for the John Robson Program, fearlessly led by Thomas Jefferson award winner Dr. Jeff Rosensweig - or as his students call him, "Dr. J". The annual Robson Conference held at the Carter Center explores the intersection of business and government and unites Goizueta alumni and esteemed speakers from around the globe. Kara found it to be incredibly rewarding to plan and attend the conference with her peers, and she benefited tremendously from the intentional mentorship of Dr. J, whose eminence in academia is second only to his investment in his students.

Kara took on more leadership roles than most.  When asked which was the most rewarding, she singled out founding the Goizueta Case Competition Team.  Through that endeavor, Kara had the opportunity to travel around the country (and, virtually, the world) competing alongside the best and brightest classmates and friends.

Kara is returning to Deloitte as a Strategy Analyst, where she is looking forward to exploring the intersections between strategy and human capital.  She found that Goizueta's BBA Program, particularly BUS 365 (BComm), BUS 380 (Professional Development) and the Career Management Center, have equipped her to thrive as a full-time consultant.  That being said, Kara believes Goizueta's unique competitive advantage is in our focus on collaboration. "From my experience in conversation with students from other business schools, Goizueta has a heavier emphasis on group projects and building genuine trust between classmates, an exercise I found invaluable working in consulting. I always advise students coming into Goizueta to 'find your people' - while it's easier said than done, I could not be more grateful to the late-night group projects that served as a foundation to my dearest friendships."