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 2022 commencement.
Meet Nikita Dani, who is graduating with a concentration in information technology management and a minor in computing and business from the Denning Technology & Management (T&M) Program.
Where are you from?
Alpharetta, Georgia
Where did you attend high school?
Johns Creek High School
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business?
One of the biggest lessons I learned beyond academics is how to work with and understand people. Scheller does an amazing job of providing a core curriculum we need to be successful, but I think it’s the emphasis on the community at Scheller that really taught me about the “real world.” My time at Scheller put me in situations where I needed to learn to collaborate, communicate, and compromise with people who have leadership and learning styles very different from my own.
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field?
One piece of advice I would give to a student interested in pursuing a business major is to find work that excites you. I came to Scheller unsure of my path and passions. From my courses at Scheller, I found out quickly what energized me and what did not. I found that I was passionate in an area that was completely unexpected for me so I would encourage students not to be afraid to change course from what they initially expected coming into Scheller and pursue the area where they feel the most energy and connection. This starts by investing yourself in business core curriculum from day one.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Scheller’s emphasis on technology in the curriculum cannot be understated. It is difficult to find a business school that puts such an emphasis on making its student tech-savvy and equipped for a digital workforce. Through my business core classes and the information technology management concentration, I have been able to take multiple courses that integrate the most current business technologies. I have been equipped with a technology toolbelt that will serve me well in a variety of roles, and I am grateful for how Scheller prioritizes technology in the business world.
What was your favorite business course?
My favorite business course was “Analysis of Emerging Technologies” with Professor Overby. This course was discussion-based, and Professor Overby focused on a new emerging technology each lecture. I really enjoyed the discussion and the way Professor Overby incorporated industries and events to help us understand the technology being discussed. I left every lecture feeling like an expert in a new industry, and I loved that we were discussing issues that were current hot topics in the business world. I particularly enjoyed forecasting how we thought the issues with each emerging technology area would play out.
Who is your favorite professor?
My favorite professor at Scheller was Professor Andre Calmon, who taught operations management. Professor Calmon is incredibly passionate about his field and that showed in his lectures. He taught his course in a way that gave me an incredibly thorough understanding of operations. Though certain operations processes were confusing to me at first, Professor Calmon made the subject exciting and easily understandable. He also consistently provided real-world problems and examples of solutions that assisted us with grasping the content. His passion for the subject and kindness to his students really shined in the time I took his course.
What has surprised you most about majoring in business at Scheller?
I chose business as my major when applying to Georgia Tech because I did not know what I wanted to do with my college experience and beyond. I started classes at Scheller unsure if I was even staying in the college. However, I found a community at Scheller that I cherish. I found a community of friends that have defined my Georgia Tech experience, and it’s truly a place I call home on campus.
What were some of your extracurricular activities, community work, and leadership roles during college?
During my time at Georgia Tech, I was involved in the Georgia Tech Student Foundation (GTSF), where I served as marketing director and chief administrative officer. I have also been a Scheller Business Ambassador since my first year, having the honor of serving as president and vice president of marketing and outreach. I was able to spend some of my time at Tech involved in Georgia Tech Student Ambassadors. Additionally, I have been involved in Greek life and was also able to serve as a GT 1000 peer leader.
Which academic, extracurricular, or personal achievement are you most proud of?
One extracurricular achievement I am most proud of that has given me an incredible sense of fulfillment was my participation and leadership in the GTSF. It has a mission to give back to the students at Georgia Tech and enable students to pursue endeavors that benefit the Tech community. Being able to be involved in this organization meant that I got to witness the incredible power of philanthropy and empowering the members of the Georgia Tech community. I am incredibly proud of the work I did there and my role in enhancing the culture of philanthropy and giving back to Tech.
Where have you interned during your college career?
In 2020, I worked as a digital marketing intern with Steelcase in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 2021, I served as an information technology intern for Koch Industries in Atlanta.
Where will you be working after graduation?
After graduation, I will be moving to Seattle to work as a software test engineer for Qualtrics.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why?
One thing I would do differently would be to relax and enjoy my experience more. Looking back on my last four years, I was wrapped up in learning content more for the next test or the next quiz. Being at college was about learning the real skills I’ll need to be successful outside of Scheller’s doors. I wish I had taken more time to enjoy the content and the incredible professors, rather than focusing on the assignments.
Which classmate do you most admire?
One classmate I admire is Emily Salmond. Emily became my first friend at Scheller when she sat down next to me in our “Legal Aspects of Business” course on my first day of classes. Since that day, I have been able to witness Emily’s incredible work ethic. Emily is extremely passionate about achieving her goals, and she is one of the most capable, hard-working, and intelligent people I have ever met. She will go above and beyond to get things done, and I know she will be incredibly successful no matter what she does. Most importantly, however, Emily has always been a kind and supportive friend these last four years.
Who would you most want to thank for your success?
I would like to thank my sister, Samira, for my success. Samira, thank you for being my role model, best friend, sounding board, and biggest cheerleader wrapped into one. You are the most supportive person in my life and the one I turn to with my biggest fears. I cannot thank you enough for how much time, love, and support you have given me since day one. I know I would not be on the path I am on without you!
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
Two items on my professional bucket list are to have a business publication or article published that features a project or initiative that I have worked on professionally and to reach a point in my life where I can spend all my time volunteering.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
Something fun about me is that my whole family was born on a holiday! I was born on Halloween, my sister on Memorial Day, my mom on President’s Day, and my dad on Flag Day!