As part of our Countdown to Commencement series, we spent some time with a few soon-to-be graduates from our undergraduate and MBA programs to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller College, and what they plan to do with their degrees after Spring 2018 Commencement.
Meet Rohit Bothra from Chennai, India. Rohit earned his bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering at Anna University, and a Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Georgia Tech. He describes himself as a “life-long learner, leveraging artificial intelligence to make the world a better place.” Rohit loves to travel and visited 27 countries before he turned 27. Prior to pursuing his MBA, Rohit worked with semiconductor manufacturers at KLA-Tencor in three continents to help improve manufacturing practices. His work with KLA-Tencor received two patents. Rohit will be returning to his summer internship company, North Highland Consulting, as a Senior Consultant after graduation.
I was looking for an MBA program at the forefront of technology and business that also provided me with an opportunity to pursue a career in consulting.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school?
Scheller College’s access to the Fintech industry inspired me to start a blog where I write about trends in Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. I also work with Professor Sudheer Chava on an artificial intelligence solution for existing technologies. Before applying to Scheller College’s MBA program, I did not know that I would be able to leverage the business school for so many things beyond career growth.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?
At KLA-Tencor, I was working with a semiconductor manufacturer in upstate New York to transform their research and development expertise to mass manufacturing in a cost-efficient way – a problem I had also noticed with clients in Asia. This prompted me to launch an investigation with our clients. We worked to improve their operating costs by automating the process. The client was so impressed with our work that we received a significant sales order, and KLA-Tencor helped me patent the solution. I felt very proud at my year-end review.
Who was your favorite MBA professor?
Professor Steve Salbu. He writes his own cases for the Legal and Ethics course and presents challenging problems in class. He moderates interesting and thoughtful conversations with a diverse group of MBAs. He also ties in his own life experiences in the class – always making it an exciting discussion.
What was your favorite MBA course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
Negotiations and Conflicts by Professor Christina Shalley. The biggest insight I gained was that the deal you get is only as good as your negotiation. One of the assignments in the course was to try some of the negotiating tactics taught in the course in real life. I used the techniques on my apartment’s leasing office managers and by doing so, I saved $1,650 on my yearly rent.
Why did you choose the Scheller College of Business?
I previously attended Georgia Tech for a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. I was looking for an MBA program at the forefront of technology and business that also provided me with an opportunity to pursue a career in consulting. It was an easy decision.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to attend Scheller College’s MBA program?
We have student ambassadors who connect with prospective students. It is always a good idea to learn if you will be a good fit at the school. I prioritized Scheller College based on the clear culture fit.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
The school is for engineers. The school has an incredibly diverse student body from all over the world and all types of professional backgrounds.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
Visiting Antarctica and traveling to the moon (if it’s ever affordable).
“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…”
Working at KLA-Tencor making awesome products for our clients.
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
Eternally cheerful dude who understands Blockchain.