Emily Ciavolino
Emily Ciavolino, MBA@UNC Class of 2026
Sales Manager | Guidde
Where did you land your internship or full-time role?
I’ve stayed at Guidde throughout the program, and since starting my MBA I’ve been promoted to Sales Manager.
Briefly describe your experience in landing this role. What challenges did you overcome?
Landing this role started with a leap of faith — leaving a large, successful startup I’d seen through IPO (monday.com) to join a much earlier stage company (guidde). It felt like a risk, but I trusted the team and believed in the vision. I began as a founding AE, building the foundation of our sales process from the ground up, and when it was time to scale, I moved into management to focus on growing and onboarding the team.
How did UNC, Kenan-Flagler Business School, the MBA program, or MBA Career Services help you secure this opportunity?
I’ve seen an immediate impact from two things: first, the new community of peers and mentors I can lean on for advice, and second, the way the program has pushed me to get more creative and apply fresh ideas in my work every day. Beyond that, UNC Kenan-Flagler has helped me sharpen my ability to think several steps ahead and much longer term — a shift in perspective that’s had countless subtle but important effects.
What are your long-term career goals?
My goal is to help shape the future of sales — building AI-driven, high-impact teams that work smarter, scale faster, and deliver greater value than ever before
What’s one lesson or insight you hope every MBA student takes with them after graduation?
My immersion in Portugal and Morocco was a defining moment in the MBA program. Experiencing innovation, sustainability, and leadership in action — from companies to nonprofits to community leaders — showed me what it looks like to work with deep purpose. Seeing organizations plan on 50- and 100-year timelines reframed my perspective: short-term challenges are just speed bumps on the path to lasting impact. That shift has changed how I view my work and my life.
Can you share a moment or success story that’s stuck with you during your time in the program?
Our team established a great working relationship from the beginning. Because of this, we’ve been able to challenge and support each other often to get the most out of each class so far. It’s been a wonderful experience.
Is there anyone (e.g., faculty, peers, mentors) you’d like to recognize for their support?
Kaitlyn and Dave did an incredible job leading our immersion — they made it both meaningful and fun, and I’m grateful for the experience they created. Camille Walton has given me invaluable advice and helped point me in the right direction time and time again. My classmates are the real MVPs — too many to list, but I’ve learned so much from them about how to study, work, and live.
| Originally published on Octotber 30, 2025 | Return to the main Spotlight Series page. |