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 2024 Commencement, we sat down with a few students to learn about their experiences and the wisdom they've gained in the process.
Meet Sergio Guifarro, who is graduating from the Evening MBA program.
Hometown:
Orlando, FL
Describe yourself in 15 words or less:
A mix of a creative and innovative thinker, and a people person who loves collaboration
What was your favorite business course and why?
The Sustainable Business Practicum was one of my favorite courses in the program. It provided a foundation on how to approach, analyze, and generate solutions to today’s business problems. It was like consulting 101. This class offered an opportunity to work with participating companies and try to solve real-world problems they are currently encountering. I was able to collaborate with a team made of very smart individuals. We challenged and supported each other’s ideas, which brought out some of my best work.
What advice would you give to an incoming Evening MBA student?
I went into my first couple semesters head down into my studies. I realized by the end of my first year that this was a mistake. I robbed myself of what I would consider the true value of the Scheller MBA—the relationships you develop. Classmates, faculty, and alumni are included among the extraordinary people I collaborated with on projects. I enjoyed attending tailgates, field days, sporting events, and other festivities with them as well. So, my advice is to get to know your classmates. They will become your good friends. Join the clubs. Go to the tailgates. Attend as many events as you can and have fun! Don’t just let it be about the coursework.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
On campus, I participated in several events. I joined the consulting club and attended many casing workshops. I also enjoyed volunteering whenever I could. I helped set up and take down the annual Alumni Crawfish Boil at Scheller. The summer field day was one of my favorite events, providing a chance to play team sports with my cohort at Piedmont Park.
I also served as the vice president of marketing for GEMs for the 2022 - 2023 academic year and volunteered as an Evening MBA ambassador.
What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at Scheller, and why?
The Spring Soiree. I will attended my second one in April 2024. It’s an amazing event where I get to spend time with the friends I made over the semesters. It gives us a chance to relax and overall have a good time while looking our best!
What was your career journey in the Evening MBA program? Did you pivot, get a promotion, or change jobs?
When I got accepted into the program, I was an implementation project manager for a robotics-as-a-service tech startup. During the program, I got the opportunity to come onboard as a consultant for a boutique consulting firm here in Atlanta. Over time, I was able to apply what I learned at Scheller to my client work with amazing results. I am excited for the next chapter in my professional life upon graduating with my MBA!
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
First, is to be on the partner track for a consulting firm that focuses on strategy, revenue-growth, or technology. Second, I’d love an opportunity to contribute and have an impact with the world’s leading sneaker and sportswear company.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from your Scheller MBA?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve gained from the Scheller MBA is my approach to solving business problems. I’ve learned how to interpret a situation or concept, develop a global perspective, apply frameworks, and balance considerations. It is important to be flexible and evaluate my decisions as I go.
What will you be doing to celebrate your graduation?
I am ecstatic for graduation because this year’s ceremony falls on my birthday! I plan to have family and friends, coming from across the country, join me in celebrating this milestone!