As part of our Countdown to Commencement series, we interviewed 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 after Fall 2018 Commencement.
Meet David Boyer:
David is from Columbia, South Carolina, and finishing both his Full-time MBA and master’s degree in Civil Engineering. He wants his peers to remember him as “a good worker who was great at having fun,” and says that a trip to New Zealand and opening a brewery are the top two things on his bucket list. Though David was already a graduate student majoring in Civil Engineering here at Georgia Tech, he saw the benefit of a dual-degree program and chose to pursue a Scheller MBA as “a way to learn a new skill set, validate my leadership experience, and accelerate my path in industry.”
Where did you work before enrolling in business school at Scheller?
I was in the United States Navy.
Where did you intern and what did you do?
I interned with Deloitte on their Supply Chain and Manufacturing Operations (SCMO) team in summer 2017. After graduation, I’ll continue to work for Deloitte in their Government and Public Services division.
I saw the Scheller MBA as a way to learn a new skill set, validate my leadership experience, and accelerate my path in industry.
What was your favorite course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
Lean Six Sigma was my favorite course. From its company project, I learned how one department of a company will “hire” a consultant to prove to another department that something is wrong.
How did the extracurricular offerings at Scheller College help you during your time here? Is there anything Scheller didn’t offer that you feel would’ve helped you succeed?
I really enjoyed the different camaraderie options, especially coming from the military. Whether participating in intramurals, tailgating, attending socials, or working as an ambassador, I felt a strong connection with my classmates.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
I played soccer, participated on the board of a young professionals' organization, and traveled quite a bit. If anything, business school taught me to push myself to do more.
Did you utilize any of Scheller College’s diversity initiatives?
I took part in the Scheller Veterans Group.
Did you participate in a practicum?
Yes; I took park in Strategy, Pro Bono Consulting, and Lean Six Sigma in Spring 2018.
What was the topic/company/business issue for your practicum and how did you address/solve the problem?
For Lean Six Sigma, I worked with Delta Maintenance Services on a warehouse parts picking issue. With Pro Bono, I worked with Global Growers on a sales tracking issue. And, for Strategy, I worked with Morgan Franklin Consulting on market entry strategy.
Why did you select the practicum(s), and how has it impacted your education and preparation for the future?
I knew I was interested in consulting and the practicums seemed to be the best way to get that type of experience. I still feel the same way after participating.
Fun fact about yourself?
I’ve been a bicycle commuter for five years.
“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…"
If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be a transportation engineer!
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
My advice would be to show your enthusiasm for learning and really express your interests in future employment. Don’t say you don’t know what you want to do; instead give options for jobs and industries that intrigue you.