As part of the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business Countdown to Commencement series, we interviewed a few soon-to-be graduates from our Undergraduate program to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller, and what they plan to do after the Fall 2020 commencement.
Meet Louis Hou, a fifth-year student graduating in December with an information technology management concentration.
Where are you from?
I’m from Marietta, Georgia.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
My dad always believed that I could excel in business. I was always passionate about exploring business, building relationships, and finding opportunities.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose Scheller because of the endless opportunities within the program. The academic opportunities provide students with real-life, complex, business problems and the freedom to explore concentrations and certificates. The networking opportunities allow students to build a community within the College, and everyone here is extremely positive and friendly. The professional opportunities allow students to connect with companies for exposure to internships and co-ops.
What concentration did you pursue and why? How has this helped prepare you for your future?
I chose Information Technology Management as a concentration because the possibilities in technology are endless. As the world continues to grow digitally, I want to be on the bridge between business and technology. With this concentration, I am able to confidently connect with technical professionals, understand their objectives, and provide value. As I pursue a full-time role in tech consulting, I am grateful for the classes that placed a strong focus on the technical piece of business, such as databases, analytics, and programming while also showcasing project management principles.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
Southern Company, The Home Depot, Boeing, Stackfolio, Sideqik, and Toolio.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I will be a Solutions Engineering Analyst for Deloitte in Seattle, Washington.
Who was your favorite professor (and why)?
My favorite professor was Michael Lowe - MGT 3300 (Marketing) because he made the class very interactive and fun. He also wrote a song and performed it during class, which was amazing.
What was your favorite course (and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it)?
My favorite course was MGT 4102 (Foundations of Strategy) because it highlighted the ethical part of the business world. Even though a company might be flourishing in terms of revenue and profits, that company still has a responsibility to be a leader in striving for an ethical operation. There is also a huge need for companies to be environmentally conscious and to focus on sustainability.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Scheller College places a strong emphasis on emerging technologies and provides curriculum opportunities for students eager to learn about fast-growing and innovative technology. Students also walk through Tech Square to get to their classes, and Tech Square is home to the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC). The ATDC is always looking for bright Georgia Tech Scheller students to fulfill internship positions. I personally have interned at the ATDC, and it was an amazing experience!
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
I was involved in Habitat for Humanity. This is non-profit organization I actively participated in during high school. Throughout college, I helped lead the Georgia Tech chapter. I took over as president my senior year, serving as the liaison between our school and the Atlanta chapter, providing building and volunteering opportunities to more than 100 members. I also served in leadership positions for Consult Your Community, a pro-bono consulting club on campus and for my Greek fraternity. My business education allowed me to connect with individuals in my organization, empowering me to take on responsibilities, delegate tasks, and motivate a group.
How did the Scheller College undergraduate career education program assist you with your job efforts? Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
Scheller provided two unique classes that focused on professional development (GT 1000 and MGT 3599). I appreciated how structured both of these courses were, covering topics from resume building to professional etiquette. I was able to secure a few career opportunities because of some of the tips/advice I had learned from these classes.
Did you participate in any hands-on/experiential learning opportunities? If yes, which projects/companies did you work with and how did you help them?
I participated in the Carbon Reduction Challenge through Georgia Tech, interning at Boeing during Summer 2019. My team and I proposed a lighting schedule recommendation that could save over six million pounds of CO2 and $700,000 per year for a Boeing campus in Washington.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
State your short-term and long-term goals and understand why you want to pursue them. I would also recommend getting in touch with a student currently in the Scheller program through LinkedIn to learn more.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
Although Georgia Tech is known for its engineering programs, the other schools (including Scheller) do not get overshadowed. Scheller College offers a challenging curriculum, preparing students with diverse knowledge and collaboration opportunities for the business world.
Fun fact about yourself:
A fun fact about me is my name. My parents moved from China to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my dad attended LSU for his Master’s. They named my sister “Anna” and me “Louis.” Together, we form Louis+Anna--- Louisiana.
Hobbies:.
Personal fitness, basketball, tennis, concerts, hiking, biking, cooking, foosball, chess, Catan, and traveling.
If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be a....
Computer Engineer.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
To explore Alaska and complete an Ironman triathlon.
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
I would like to be remembered by my peers as someone who always made them laugh and made a positive impact on their lives.