Mark Saporsky

When veterans come to Goizueta seeking an MBA, there is no question they will be greeted with a plethora of opportunities, as well as a welcoming community. Mark Saporsky served in the U.S. Army for six years as a linguist translating Arabic and Korean and decided to pivot his career in the military to a career in business and law. Mark entered the One-Year program at Goizueta but also entered the law school with the hope to use his two degrees to start a new career. “My goal coming into Emory was to utilize both the JD and the business degree to put myself into a career in tax where I integrate skills from the law school, understanding the tax law and the tax code, and then the business school, as well helping businesses understand what their goals should be in terms of aligning with their values and long-term goals and strategies.” 

Transitioning from the military to a student can be an overwhelming experience for some veterans, but Mark says the Goizueta community has been nothing but helpful. “They've helped me by showing me how to be a professional in a suit in a civilian environment, what excellence looks like outside wearing a uniform, and I'd say the community here, not only the veteran community but also the civilian community, has been very helpful.” 

Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program offered by Emory University, Mark has found a variety of other opportunities for veterans to feel supported, including working directly with Lieutenant General USA (Ret.) Ken Keen. “He teaches a lot of leadership classes which are excellent,” Mark says. “Overall, I'd say the environment has been not only welcoming, but I would say they've been eager to have my input and my perspective here, which makes me feel very valued as a student and as a veteran.” 

One of Mark’s most impactful experiences in the program is participating in the Delta Leadership Coaching Fellows program where he had the opportunity to build personal leadership awareness and skills. “It was an incredible opportunity to really practice the leadership skills that I was learning in the classroom and apply them to a real-life practical experience,” Mark says.

From learning key leadership and communication skills to opening numerous doors to endless career opportunities, Mark says getting an MBA at Goizueta has been invaluable. “The value that an MBA brings to me as an individual is absolutely incredible,” Mark says. “I don't know if I could put even a dollar amount on the value of this education because it's been so tremendously impactful for me.”