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 William Courrèges-Clercq. William is originally from Tallahassee, Florida and is finishing his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in operations and supply chain management. He describes himself as someone who “strives to love others and live life sincerely and authentically.” While here at Scheller College, William had the opportunity to intern at SunTrust Bank and The Coca-Cola Company. In his free time, William enjoys go-karting, CrossFit, running, and traveling.
I felt as if Professor Gaimon and her Management of Technology course helped me to 'supercharge' my business acumen and made exponentially more successful in my internship and beyond.
Where will you be working after graduation?
After a successful internship at SunTrust Bank last summer, I am excited to return as a Systems and Technical Analyst after graduation.
Who was your favorite professor?
Larry Keller, my first business professor. He taught legal aspects of business, and even though many students find the subject dry, I felt I came alive in his class. His class and his teaching confirmed that I had made the right choice in choosing the Scheller College of Business. Professor Keller has always been willing to meet with and engage with students outside of class, and he perpetually exudes positivity.
What was your favorite course?
Management of Technology, taught by Professor Cheryl Gaimon. This course has proved incredibly useful to me. While taking the course, I was interning at Coca-Cola North America working on an IT tool deployment project where many of the questions asked in the office were similar to the theory presented in class. I felt as if Professor Gaimon and her course helped me to “supercharge” my business acumen and made me more successful in my internship and beyond.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
When I began my college search, I did not consider at first the importance of fusing business and technology. When I visited Scheller College, however, I was introduced to the Denning Technology & Management (T&M) Program. As someone who loves cars, machinery, and technology in general, I knew immediately that I wanted to be at an institution that prepares students for a more innovation- and technology-focused business world. I was impressed by the accomplishment, grit, and politeness of the Scheller College students and by the ambitious nature of the Institute itself. Georgia Tech is always growing and refusing to rest on its laurels and heritage.
How do you feel you grew as a business student by being part of T&M?
T&M pushed me hard to better develop my presentation, networking, interview, and communication skills. T&M taught me everything from how to collaborate with people outside of my field to how to gather the confidence to ask for what I want in a business setting. Most importantly, I have taken away an appreciation for hard work and a greater ability to both recognize and leverage other people’s skills and strengths.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
Know that your hard work in high school has rewards later on. Also, try to interact with the people at Scheller College before applying. Georgia Tech students, while competitive and highly motivated, are about as compassionate and generous as they come. The Scheller College community always supports its own and motivates students to keep striving for excellence and personal success. Our Scheller College of Business Ambassadors will gladly welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
How did the extracurricular offerings at Scheller College help you during your time here?
Being a member of the Scheller College of Business Ambassadors was the greatest honor of my undergraduate career, as I was entrusted with the reputation of the College by students, professors, and staff. I had the privilege and honor to serve as the project manager of Dean’s Scholarship Events, arguably one of our most important recruiting tools. It is overwhelming for me to describe what it means to me to have had influence on the initiatives that made me fall head-over-heels with Scheller College myself.
“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be…"
in linguistics school.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
1. Drive from Paris to Ulan Baatar
2. Work abroad
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
I hope that my peers will remember me as someone who exhibited compassion and desired to give others a hand up.