As part of Scheller’s Countdown to Commencement series, we are interviewing a few soon-to-be graduates from our Evening MBA program to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller College, and what they plan to do after Spring 2020 Commencement.
Meet Braddon Calloway, Evening MBA
Where will you be working after graduation?
I will be working at PNC Corporate & Institutional Banking as a Vice President in the Equipment Finance division located in Atlanta, GA.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
My reasons for choosing Scheller College of Business were both personal and professional. My father, Anthony Calloway, actually attended Georgia Tech as an undergraduate from 1969 - 1971, but unfortunately did not complete his degree. Because of this, I’ve always had an affinity for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Ironically, I lost my father when he was just 51 years old and I will be receiving my MBA 51 years after he enrolled at Tech. This confirms it was meant to be and I know that he was with me every step of the way. Additionally, Scheller College of Business stood out to me as a forward-thinking business school in terms of curriculum, flexibility, and connection to Atlanta’s growing tech and business community. The location wasn’t bad either.
Who was your favorite professor (and why)?
That’s tough, but my favorite professor would have to be Professor Hackett who teaches Brand Management. His course was extremely engaging and allowed us to experience what it’s like to be a brand manager, conduct research, and make strategic branding decisions.
What was your favorite course (and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it)?
My favorite course was Strategic Management taught by Professor Oettl. The biggest insight I gained centered around business competition and the ways in which companies can and should respond to new entrants and/or copycats. Each strategic decision requires a careful assessment of the risks as well as the rewards.
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 fully embodies the intersection of business and technology throughout its curriculum as well as through impactful events such as its Digital Disruption and MarTech series. At these events we learn about cutting edge technology, new trends, and have the opportunity to network with Atlanta business and technology leaders.
What is your best piece advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
Focus on your why and articulate that in every interaction you have with Scheller staff and student ambassadors.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
The biggest myth regarding business school is that your social life ends. I found the exact opposite at Scheller College. I enjoyed our Spring Socials, GEMS socials, happy hours, and tailgates.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? (A parent? A teacher? A role model?)
In my hometown of Dalton, Ga., I saw firsthand how being successful in business could elevate my family. There were numerous small businesses throughout the community that were thriving as well as large corporations that were expanding globally. I was fascinated by this and decided to pursue business in college in order to work in corporate America and eventually start my own business.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
I served as Co-Chair of the Evening Marketing Club and as VP of Alumni for Blacks in Business. I also served as Vice President and later President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. - Rho Pi Lambda Chapter (Graduate). My business education helped in terms of assessing event plans, developing new ideas, collaboration, leadership & motivation, and last but not least, public speaking.
How did the Career Center assist you with your job efforts? Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
The Career Center’s “Career Advancement Workshop” thoroughly prepared me for interviews and also helped me optimize my resume and LinkedIn profile.
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?
Yes, I had the opportunity to help Beachfront Technologies improve their digital marketing plan, DDP Yoga improve its integrated marketing communication strategy, and Animation South Africa evaluate market opportunity and global partnerships.
What concentration did you pursue and why? How has this helped prepare you for your future?
I pursued Marketing and Entrepreneurship because I want to help companies expand into new markets and start my own company one day. This concentration helped me further understand how to develop a business plan and financial models, perform market research, develop a branding strategy in a digital age, and value a business.
Fun fact about yourself:
I rock climbed the Otter Cliffs in Maine as my first outdoor climb. In hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend it as your very first outdoor climb. The waves crashing below were nice, however.
If you hadn’t gone to business school:
If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be mixing records for various music acts.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
Visit the Great Pyramids of Egypt and visit the majority of the National Parks in the U.S.
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
As a team player and someone who left Scheller College a little bit better than he found it.