Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business students come to learn, explore, and build community. As they move forward in their careers, they take everything they've learned and use it to power innovation in industries and businesses across the globe. In celebration of Spring 2023 Commencement, we sat down with a few students to learn about their experiences and the wisdom they've gained in the process.
Meet Naomi Davis, who is graduating with a concentration in Information Technology Management.
Where are you from?
Atlanta, GA
Where did you go to high school?
Westlake High School
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
Well, I influenced myself to pursue business in college because I was a business owner in high school. I realized that I could excel in the best of both worlds if I combined my business skills with technology. Pursuing a degree in business in a technology setting allowed me to navigate the ever-evolving technology landscape effectively. I'm excited about the possibilities, and I'm confident that my previous experience as a business owner will benefit my future endeavors.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose Scheller College of Business because of the many opportunities and resources I couldn't get anywhere else. Being part of an engineering school, I knew I would have access to a unique blend of business and technology resources. Scheller is located in the heart of Atlanta, which is home to many well-known companies, providing me with exposure to real-world business situations, networking opportunities, and internships. The combination of location, resources, and opportunities made Scheller the perfect choice for me.
What concentration did you pursue and why?
I pursued a concentration in Information Technology Management because I have a passion for data analytics. Numbers don't lie, but not everyone can interpret them, and being able to focus on this subject opens up a wide range of opportunities. Every business needs an analyst to bridge the gap between business people and technical people, and I knew that this concentration would allow me to do just that. Additionally, with the ever-increasing importance of technology in business, I knew that this concentration would give me a competitive edge in the job market.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
My best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College is to be yourself! It's important to find your niche and explore all of your hobbies and interests. Don't be afraid to pursue your passions and align them with your degree. Scheller values diversity and looks for well-rounded individuals who can bring unique perspectives to the table. So, be true to yourself, showcase your strengths, and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth. Additionally, take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to you, such as career services, student organizations, and networking events. Finally, don't forget to have fun and enjoy the journey!
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
The biggest myth about Scheller is that its students do not know anything about engineering or technology. In reality, we are taught how to manage the technical sectors, working alongside engineers and other technical experts to develop innovative solutions that drive business success. Scheller students are very data-driven, with a deep understanding of analytics and the ability to use data to make informed decisions. We come out of Scheller well-equipped to be great analysts, able to use our technical and managerial skills to drive business growth and success. So, if you're considering Scheller, don't let this myth hold you back - you'll gain a well-rounded education that will prepare you for a successful career in any industry.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Our location in the heart of Tech Square, surrounded by some of the most innovative and forward-thinking companies and startups, provides us with unique opportunities to learn about the latest technological advancements and how they shape the business world. The college's curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's fast-paced and technology-driven business environment. From courses such as Business Analytics and Database Management to our partnerships with companies, Scheller is at the forefront of the intersection of business and technology. We are taught to think critically about the role of technology in business and how we can leverage it to create value and stay ahead of the competition.
What was your favorite course, and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
My favorite course was Database Management. The biggest insight I gained about business from this course is how critical databases are in today's business environment. Almost every modern organization, whether in the manufacturing or service sector, uses database technology to store critical data and manage its operations. Database technology is critical to every functional area in an organization, including marketing, manufacturing, operations, and accounting. With the advent of end-user computing and the proliferation of personal computers and local area networks in the workplace, understanding this important technology is crucial to every employee in the organization. Moreover, understanding basic database development and application provides you with a solid foundation for business intelligence, business analytics, and big data in today's fast-changing business environment.
Who was your favorite professor?
My favorite professor was Michael Lowe. I had the pleasure of taking two classes with him, MGT3300 and MGT4345. He is an amazing marketing professional because of his experience and overall personality and enthusiasm. He is super fun and loves what he does, and this semester I got to work closely with him. He really cares for his students and is very personable. Professor Lowe has a way of making complex marketing concepts easy to understand, and his teaching style is engaging and interactive. I learned so much from him, and I am grateful for the impact he has had on my education and career.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
On campus, I was a part of the Georgia Tech Society of Black Engineers as the historian and social media chair, the Sports Business Club, and the African American Student Union. I also played for the Georgia Tech Women's Club Basketball team and was also the social chair. Additionally, I worked for the Athletic Association and was a mentor/tutor for K-12 students.
As a business owner for eight years, my business education definitely impacted the way I approached my entrepreneurial endeavors. Off-campus, I was an ALTA tennis player, a studio engineer, and a musical artist (I even performed for Georgia Tech's homecoming!), and I also served as a Tech Office of Minority Educational Development (OMED) Challenge counselor. All of these experiences have helped shape who I am today and have allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge gained through my business education in real-world situations.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
Press Sports, WarnerMedia, Google (I was the first Georgia Tech student to participate in the BOLD Program), NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Turner Sports.
Where will you be working after graduation?
As of now, I have signed on to return to Google as an analytical lead for their Large Customer Sales/Digital Strategy team. I am excited to continue my career with such a well-respected and innovative company, and I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that this role will bring. Working for Google will allow me to use the skills and knowledge I gained during my time at Scheller to make a meaningful impact in the field of technology and business.
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?
The Scheller College undergraduate career education program was instrumental in helping me with my job efforts. The career development course (MGT3599) gave me the necessary tools and skills to navigate the job search process and stand out among other applicants. Thanks to the guidance and support from the Scheller College career services team, I was able to secure internships with some of my top choice companies, including Press Sports, NBCUniversal, Google, WarnerMedia, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Turner Sports. The career services team provided me with valuable insights into the hiring process of these companies, helped me tailor my resume and cover letter to fit their specific needs, and even set up networking opportunities with alumni working at these companies. Overall, Scheller College's career education program played a crucial role in helping me achieve my career goals and land internships with some of the biggest names in the industry.
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 several hands-on/experiential learning opportunities during my time at Georgia Tech. One of the most memorable experiences was working with Press Sports, where I amplified the app's new user activity by 264% and grew daily followers by +18%. In addition, I guided the development of the startup app, including conducting competitive analyses, campaign strategies, and budget planning, including performance tracking with Microsoft Excel. I also had the opportunity to work with several other companies, including WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, Google, and Warner Bros. Discovery/Turner Sports.
At WarnerMedia, I served as a project manager and live support for The Match 4.0 and helped deliver over 2,000,000 impressions on 12 digital platforms across three networks.
At NBCUniversal, I created an internal knowledgebase that organizes GolfNOW knowledge to respond quickly to the team's recurring inquiries in Slack.
At Google, I managed a pivot in a summer-long SWOT analysis project on Google’s early career program presented to the Sales program head and managers. I also partnered with AM and AE to generate a pitch deck for an educational Holiday Brand Session, to upsell Google products to clients.
Lastly, at Warner Bros. Discovery/Turner Sports, I extracted linear and digital audience data to create an NBA TVE (multi-platform) analysis that produced recommendations for attracting a younger demographic.
Overall, these experiences allowed me to apply the skills and knowledge gained from my coursework in a real-world setting while helping to make a meaningful impact on the organizations I worked with.
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
There are many people, situations, and circumstances that have helped me get to where I am today. Sometimes it's my own hard work and determination that pave the way, but often it's the support and encouragement of others that make all the difference.
As I reflect on my own success, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. I am thankful for the challenges that have tested me, the people who have believed in me, and the lessons I have learned along the way.
While I may not have a specific person to thank for my success, I know that it has been a collective effort. So, to everyone who has played a role in my journey, whether big or small, I want to express my sincere gratitude.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I love making music. I've written over 300 songs and recorded over 120 of them, all engineered by me. I have eight albums on various music streaming services, and I continue to create new music every chance I get. Additionally, I'm a big sneakerhead with over 45 pairs of shoes and counting! I love collecting sneakers and finding unique pairs that really stand out. It's a fun hobby that allows me to express my personal style and creativity. Whether it's making music or collecting sneakers, I always try to find ways to incorporate my passions into my daily life.
What are some of your hobbies?
Some of my hobbies include collecting sneakers, watching NBA games, dealing blackjack, playing video games like NBA2K and Clash Royale, making music, playing basketball, and playing tennis. Watching NBA games is also a favorite pastime of mine, and I love following my favorite teams and players throughout the season. I also enjoy dealing blackjack and playing video games like NBA2K and Clash Royale, which allow me to exercise my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills in a fun and engaging way. Making music is another passion of mine, and I love creating new songs whenever I get the chance. Finally, I enjoy playing basketball and tennis, which allow me to stay active and connect with friends and teammates.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
The top two items on my bucket list are going skydiving and to sit courtside at an NBA game. I've always been drawn to adventure and the thrill of trying new things, which is why skydiving has been on my mind for years. The idea of jumping out of a plane and experiencing the rush of freefall is both exhilarating and terrifying, and I can't wait to try it. As a big NBA fan, I've always dreamed of sitting courtside at a game and feeling the energy and excitement of the players and the crowd up close. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I hope to make a reality someday soon.