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Ariana Dirkzwager

Program/Area:
B.S. Business Administration '25
Class Year:
Fall 2025
Employer/Title:
Human Capital Advisory Associate, KPMG

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas   

Describe yourself in 15 words or less:

I’m passionate, adventurous, and always say “yes” to a good time!  

What advice would you give to an incoming undergraduate student?

Stay open to everything. Be curious!  

What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way? 

I was on the Georgia Tech varsity swim team for three years, and I'm now on the Georgia Tech swimming club. I've also been involved in the Intellectual Property Student Organization, Society of Women in Business, Executive Round Table, Student-Athlete Advisory Board, and worked at Georgia Tech Paper & Clay.   

My business education shaped all of these experiences. Scheller taught me not just technical skills, but also how to be a great person, including how to be confident in presenting myself, how to balance my time, and how to interact with others. These soft skills will stay with me for life!  

What is something unexpected you learned about Scheller College during your time as a student? 

The professors are incredible! I look up to and aspire to be where they are today. I never expected to resonate with so many professionals here at Georgia Tech. Many have been in my shoes at one point, and it’s so inspiring to see just how successful they have become.   

What’s been your favorite memory so far at  Scheller? 

My freshman year ACCT 2101 class with Professor MacKenzie on Halloween. I dressed up as a big fish for extra credit, and I finished with an A! It was the first moment I realized college classes could be fun! Plus, we celebrated with pizza. 

What is the biggest lesson you gained from your Scheller B.S. Business Administration? 

The biggest lesson I learned at Scheller is to be intentional with your choices. Be intentional with your major, your concentration, your classes, your friends, and your internships. They all add up to be part of your identity capital, so make decisions that reflect who you want to be!  

Where will you be working after graduation? 

I’ll be working in Atlanta at KPMG as a first-year human capital advisory associate   

What will you be doing to celebrate your graduation? 

I'll compete at my last Southeast Asian swim competition in Bangkok, Thailand where I will stay in Asia a bit longer to celebrate being done with my undergraduate degree!  

Who would you like to thank most for your success? 

I would like to thank my sister. She has been my role model, guide, and biggest supporter throughout my time at Georgia Tech. From the very beginning, she encouraged me to pursue my goals while also giving me honest advice about what to do (and what not to do). Having a sister who consistently backs you no matter what has been invaluable, and I hope to carry that same level of support and mentorship into my own future. 

What are the top two items on your bucket list? 

  1. Travel to every continent in the world 
  2. Learn how to cook like my aunties 

Which classmate do you most admire?  

Nils has been my rock since day one. It’s amazing to imagine our freshman year selves and see how much we’ve grown, both as people and as professionals. We’ve somehow managed our way through these classes together!  

What's your favorite place you've traveled to, and why? 

Lagos, Portugal is my favorite, because I love delicious sea food, I love stunning beaches, and I just love charming walks in historic cities.   

What is your proudest accomplishment? 

My proudest accomplishment was representing Laos in the Paris 2024 Olympics. I was able to be part of something bigger than myself and make my family proud.   

What did you want to be when you were small? 

When I was small, I definitely did not want to be a consultant. I wanted to be a fairy princess mermaid like in the Barbie movies   

Favorite restaurant in Atlanta:  

Gio’s. I love the food, but mostly I love going with my favorite people.

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