As part of Scheller’s Graduation 2020 Profiles series, we interviewed a few soon-to-be graduates from our Undergraduate program to learn about their backgrounds, why they chose Scheller College, and what they plan to do after Spring 2020 graduation.
Your Name:
Hannah Koenraad
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
Clutch Technologies - Summer 2017
UPS Customer Solutions - Summer 2018
EY Risk Advisory - Summer 2019
Georgia Tech Institute Communications- Spring 2017- Fall 2019
Engage - Spring 2020
Where will you be working after graduation?
E&Y Business Advisory in Charlotte, NC
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose Scheller College of Business because of the community I saw when touring the school. The students, faculty, and staff all seemed to know and care about each other. No one in Scheller is just a number, we all come together with unique perspectives and talents to provide and receive a world-class education.
Who was your favorite professor (and why)?
My favorite professor was Karie Davis-Nozemack. In both courses I took with Professor Davis-Nozemack, she exceeded all of my expectations as a teacher. She made lectures about law and tax interesting, often applying the material to our day-to-day lives. She cared for her students beyond the classroom, offering many students career guidance. I am so honored to have learned from her.
What was your favorite course (and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it)?
My favorite course was Management of Financial Institutions. This course was taught by another one of my favorite teachers, Peter Simasek. Professor Simasek did an incredible job of explaining how the financial sector ties into the economy. The biggest insight I gained about the business aspect of it was how interconnected we are as a society.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Along with its physical location, Scheller is full of technological opportunities. As students, we are constantly introduced to new programs and systems to facilitate our learning. Our professors want us to be best-in-class when it comes to technology associated with industry, so not only are we encouraged to work with our counterparts on Tech’s campus, but we are also consistently exposed to relevant technology. This combination makes the learning curve much smaller when we jump into our internships and full-time jobs.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
The best piece of advice I can give to an applicant would be to embrace what sets you apart. It can be easy to get caught up in numbers and statistics (I know- I go to Georgia Tech), but what really makes this school special is the people and experiences behind the numbers. We learn from minds that are different from our own, so embrace and emphasize the different perspectives and experiences you can bring to our community to help us grow.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
One of the biggest myths about Scheller College of Business that I’ve heard is that there isn’t enough study space. I have never had an issue finding a place to set up, and with the new Undergraduate Commons, there is even more space! Whether it is in a breakout room, in the S-curved pods, or on the high-top tables, there is always a place.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? (A parent? A teacher? A role model?)
I pursued business in college because of how my tour guides were so in touch with the world. Across the college, news played on flat-screen TVs, and teachers spoke about how their material intertwines with the headlines. I wanted to be aware and involved like they were.
What activities were you involved with on or off-campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
Scheller Business Ambassadors, Alpha Delta Pi, Society of Women in Business, Tech the Halls, Student Alumni Association, Mentor Jackets, Core Power Yoga, Orange Theory Fitness, Christo Rey School Mentorship
My business education has challenged me to think critically about all the decisions I make in both my professional and personal life. It has taught me how truly interconnected we are as a global community and how my decisions have lasting impacts on others.
It has also taught me that businesses that create and implement strong strategies are the ones that are most likely to succeed. For that reason, I consistently set my strategies and goals in everything I do so that my efforts are meaningful and successful.
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 assisted me by teaching me about the value of connections and developing professional relationships. The staff there taught me that I have something to bring to the table as a student in Scheller College of Business. Through encouragement to meet and network with Georgia Tech alumni, I landed several internships and a full-time job!
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 had several hands-on learning projects through Scheller College of Business. The first one that comes to mind was an operations project for Fellini’s Pizza, an Atlanta favorite when it comes to pizza. In this project, my group and I went to Fellini’s a few times to analyze their operations and act as consultants on how they could improve their operations. We found bottlenecks in the customer experience and interviewed the staff and manager about any operational inefficiencies, such as inconsistent supplier lead times and restaurant layout problems. At the end of the project, we were able to provide them with recommendations, and the project allowed us to experience what it is like to be a consultant.
What concentration did you pursue and why? How this helped prepare you for your future?
I have a finance concentration with an accounting certificate. It has helped prepare me for my future working in the Financial Service division of E&Y’s Business Advisory program. The Finance concentration has allowed me to dive deep into how my new clients’ businesses work, and industry trends.
Fun fact about yourself:
I am a licensed real estate agent.
I have been bitten by a poisonous snake (twice!).
“If I hadn’t gone to business school, I would be… (Complete sentence)
An engineer! I love Georgia Tech, so I would’ve picked a different major here.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
I want to see the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands where my Dad is from.
I want to own a boat.
In one sentence, how would you like your peers to remember you?
I want to be remembered as a reliable friend who encouraged and helped others to achieve their goals.