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 Lonnie Williams Jr.:
Lonnie is an Atlanta native and finishing up his undergraduate Business Administration degree with a concentration in Information Technology Management. Lonnie will be working at the Boeing Company as a member of its Information Technology Career Foundation Program (ITCFP) in Charleston after graduation and is grateful to Scheller College of Business for providing him "with the network, skills, and opportunities to begin a promising career after graduation.”
Describe yourself in 15 words or less:
I am a responsible, resilient, and autodidactic individual who motivates others to achieve their goals!
Where did you intern/co-op and when? What projects did you work on during your internship?
I interned with the Boeing Company on three occassions:
End Point Controls Team, Summer 2016: I aided the product manager in support and implementation of Bit9, specifically for the Moscow Design Center (MDC). I also performed Mac Malware evaluation and maintenance of policies in Application Controls at the Bellevue, Washington, site.
Proactive Network Analysis Team, Summer 2017: I served as technical investigator on the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) team, inspecting Dell OS for Controllers, Whitebox Switches, and Automation for the entire Boeing South Carolina site.
Executive and Site Support Team, Summer 2018: I supported executives at the Charleston site with VTC setup, along with laptop, tablet, and mobile phone support. I also prepared its delivery center for special site events by imaging computers for airline customers.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
Scheller College of Business has provided me with the network, skills and opportunities to begin a promising career after graduation. I enjoyed my interactions with all of the faculty and staff within the College of Business Undergraduate Programs Office. They took the time to get to know me and my career aspirations. This gave me a sense of pride. I looked forward to succeeding in my classes and keeping everyone updated on my progress as I knew they were truly rooting for me to graduate and enjoy my collegiate experience.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Marius Niculescu was my favorite professor. It was in his class that my interest in the Information Technology Management program at Scheller began. In his class, he also spoke about the role of IT at many companies, including Boeing. I have kept up with him years after being in his class and was extremely pleased to let him know of my official offer from Boeing.
What was your favorite course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
Business Data Communications (Mgt 4053); In this class, I learned to discern the implications of technological advancements for business operations and their effects upon business strategy. I remember learning how to prepare logical and physical network designs and preparing request for proposals in terms of network provisioning. This unique exposure gained my interest and proved to be beneficial as it was used in my IT internships.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Scheller provides a model example of the combination of both business and technology. The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, complimented with the Information Technology Management concentration, is a hot commodity with employers, as Scheller is producing students with the business acumen and critical thinking skills to excel in developing IT roles at companies within all industries.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
To find your motivation and hold on to this feeling when times get rough; the feeling of accomplishing your goals and graduating is one to cherish for a lifetime!
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
I was told majoring in business administration at Georgia Tech would not be effective, but I have learned that the reputation of the program and respect among other universities makes this one of the most incredible experiences on Georgia Tech’s campus.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
Shawn Dommer, Assistant Director of Academic Advising & Student Programming greatly influenced my decision. While attending the major fair for Scheller students, I first met Shawn. Shawn genuinely wanted to find where I best fit at Scheller and asked me about my interests and experiences and made me feel confident that I could thrive in the business school environment. From this meeting, I knew Scheller was the place for me, and by the grace of God, love of family, and the encouragement of the entire Undergraduate Programs Office I am overcome with gratitude to be completing the vision he saw in me from that day by graduating this Fall.
How did the extracurricular offerings at Scheller College help you during your time here?
While at Scheller, I attended the Management Information System (MIS) Club meetings that regularly had companies attend and speak of the varying roles and opportunities within IT at their respective companies. This is an incredible opportunity for Scheller students as they are given the rare opportunity to get to know these companies in a comfortable, stress-free environment.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
Management Information Systems (MIS) Club; Student Alumni Association (SAA) Marketing Committee; National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE); and Chair of Finance Chair and Public Relations.
Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
Yes; The Boeing Company has been my top choice since my sophomore year and I was blessed to intern there for three consecutive summers and be extended a full-time IT position offer upon graduation this fall!
Fun fact about yourself:
I enjoy discovering motivational quotes and inspiring others.
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
That I always made time for not only myself, but for what was important to my family, friends, and peers.
“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…"
If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be complacent, not knowing of the opportunities the world has to offer.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
To take my family to visit the motherland continent of Africa and to have mentees and people who look to me for guidance through life, career, etc.