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 Sam Rubin. Sam is from Woodstock, Georgia, and is currently finishing up his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Spanish. He describes himself as “a passionate, overly outgoing, focused and happy-go-lucky kid soaking in life’s moments.” While pursuing his studies, Sam interned at SunTrust and General Electric. On campus, Sam also served as President of the Scheller College Student Development Board, which focuses on alumni-engagement and promoting the College to post-graduates.
Scheller College’s location fosters relationships between the nearby tech start-ups and students, preparing us to fully explore both the business and technological aspects of our academic and professional projects.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I am really excited to return to SunTrust after graduation in their Wholesale Development Program here in Atlanta, GA
Who was your favorite professor?
Professor Jonathan Clarke for Security Valuation. I absolutely loved his class and learning from him as a professor. He made an effort to share applicable global news every class we had and encouraged us to do the same. It sparked my interest in the material, and I came to class eager to learn. I believe that his course helped me succeed in my internship, which led to receiving a full-time job offer. I still stay in touch with him to this day and plan to in the future. He was also instrumental in coaching me on Personal Finance through his pilot class. Professor Clarke is an incredible instructor, mentor, and friend.
What was your favorite course?
Security Valuation with Professor Jonathan Clarke. The course discussed leveraged buy-outs, discounted cash flows, free cash flow statements, and firm valuation. I LOVED it. While it was very difficult, it was the first course I’ve taken that has truly sparked my interest in financial material. I learned more from the course and professor than just the written course material.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
When I came to tour the Scheller College of Business, I walked in the beautiful, naturally-lit atrium and the Scheller College of Business Ambassadors were waving and conversing with fellow students and professors. I was excited to experience this potential learning/living environment for the next few years. At the conclusion of the tour, Craig Womack shared the incredibly high job placement, average starting salaries, and emphasis on work experience during our time in school. I was sold. This was the place to be.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
The fact that Scheller College is literally in the intersection could not be a better metaphor for what the school represents and how it shapes its pupils. The College’s location fosters relationships between the nearby tech start-ups and students, preparing us to fully explore both the business and technological aspects of our academic and professional projects. The College itself fully embraces the intersection of business and technology through its dedication to enhancing its strategy and innovation platforms.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
Get involved in high school. Play sports, join drama, play a musical instrument, join the Science Olympiad, do something. I grew more when I was in groups or organizations and had to work alongside others. Show that you loved life and contributed to your high school in some manner, so that it shows you will contribute to your future home, Scheller College, when you walk through the beautiful glass doors.
“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…”
Either studying industrial engineering or marine biology
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
1. Buy my parents a beach house
2. Start my own animal sanctuary
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
I hope to be remembered as a very hard-working, resilient individual who can always make you laugh.