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 Spring 2021 commencement.
Meet Brett Broughton who is graduating with a concentration in information technology and a minor from the Denning Technology & Management (T&M) Program in computing and business.
Where are you from?
Buford, Georgia.
Where did you attend high school?
Mill Creek High School.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business?
To double check everything. It doesn’t matter how skilled or experienced you are, it’s all in the details of getting the problem right and verifying.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field?
Be open to different opportunities even if you don’t think that you will like it. It’s really the opportunities that you may be quick to brush off that might make a significant impact on your college career.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
As an alumnus of the Denning Technology & Management (T&M) Program, I feel like I have had more than enough opportunities to obtain computer science experience while getting the fundamentals of accounting principles. We are right down the street from so many Fortune 500 companies, it’s not unusual to run into recruiters and job opportunities just walking to class.
What was your favorite business course?
Financial Management.
Who is your favorite professor?
Dr. Jacqueline Garner is my favorite professor for several reasons. She would come into class every single day with so much energy that it made me want to learn and participate more. I sat in the front of the class because I didn’t want to miss anything she said. She was always so relatable to the students and I loved just having conversations with her. Dr. Garner never cared about the formalities of things and that’s what made her class so fun. Instead of usual examples, she would incorporate sports to make a problem more comprehensible. And if that didn’t work, then she would spend extra time making sure she could find a way for everyone to understand the concept at hand. JG (her nickname in class) is definitely one of the many shining stars at Scheller.
What has surprised you most about majoring in business at Scheller College?
The amount of support that I have received from Scheller really made it a home to me. I have had students help tutor me, advisors help guide me (and correct my registration issues), and professors help better me. I just enjoy the fact that Scheller really leaves no man or woman behind. We are all here to become successful professionals.
What are some of your extracurricular activities, community work, and leadership roles during college?
African-American Student Union finance chair, treasurer, and vice president; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, Nu Mu chapter social chair, academic chair, communications; Scheller Business Ambassadors; Center of Student Diversity and Inclusion Student Development Board.
Which academic, extra-curricular, or personal achievement are you most proud of?
Being named most outstanding black student organization member my senior year meant a lot to me because I have worked hard to help improve the African American experience on Georgia Tech’s campus. I love the fact that we have several safe spaces, and more importantly, that we are still coming together as community.
Where have you interned during your college career?
START intern at PwC, and financial analyst intern at Apple.
Where will you be working after graduation?
As a financial development program analyst at Apple.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why?
I would have earned a certificate in something like data analysis. I think that it is so useful when it comes to a career and I would want to gain even more experience in manipulating data.
Which classmate do you most admire?
Benjamin Jameson Barnett is an exceptional student. I don’t think there’s ever been a time that a problem came along that he couldn’t solve. He works hard and he’s a true inspiration with all the things he has accomplished and more importantly, the things he will accomplish. He’s a great leader at Scheller and I know he has had an impact on several of the students he’s interacted with. He just has a positive and laid-back energy that sometimes is much needed when you’re dealing with balancing school and organizations. All in all, he’s a good student, a great leader, but most importantly, my best friend.
Who would you most want to thank for your success?
My mother is someone that has never given up on me. I can’t thank her enough for the support and words of advice that got me through the four years here. But it goes much farther than that for me. I remember times as a kid that while everyone would be outside, I would read a book for at least 30 minutes. She would test me on my multiplication tables in car rides to school. She would sign me up for summer reading programs. She would stay up through the middle of the night helping me write papers for class. My mom has never stopped encouraging me that I can do whatever I want to do if I put my mind to it. Her support has really gotten me this far, and I can’t wait to make her proud with the next chapter of my life.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
To have the opportunity to mentor someone in my same career path and to work in another country, preferably Europe or Australia.
Fun fact about yourself:
I met Quavo on Georgia Tech’s campus while playing basketball.