For Andrew Eskander, the MBA experience at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business was far more than earning a degree — it was the beginning of a lifelong community. From the moment he joined the program, Eskander felt an immediate bond with his classmates and professors.
“I felt a real sense of community where everyone was working to support each other as we transitioned to new careers,” Eskander recalls. “I wanted to be part of that community and pay it forward to the students who would come after me.” That spirit of connection didn’t end at graduation. Inspired to stay involved, Eskander joined the Young Alumni Advisory Board (YAAB) and went on to establish a fellowship specifically for veterans pursuing an MBA at Scheller.
Supporting veterans has become a personal mission for Eskander. Having navigated the GI Bill himself, he understands the complexities military students face in accessing graduate education. Thanks to Georgia Tech’s guidance, he was able to maximize his benefits — but he quickly realized that many veterans, especially Junior Military Officers (JMOs) with shorter service tenures, often don't qualify for the same level of financial assistance.
That realization fueled his drive to create a fellowship that eases the transition from military service to the business world.
“Creating the opportunity to pay it forward to fellow service members while drawing them to a program that genuinely cares about individual success seemed like a perfect match,” he says.
Eskander hopes the fellowship will continue to grow, making Scheller more accessible for veterans and providing the kind of support that shaped his own career journey.
Beyond financial aid, Eskander wants transitioning service members to know they don't need to have everything figured out right away.
“It’s important for any transitioning member to understand that it’s okay to take time and find out what their new passion is,” he says. “Their first career was filled with purpose and leadership, but this next chapter is an opportunity to focus on what they truly want to do.”
He adds, “You don't necessarily have to have a plan. Take the time to figure out what you like — and what you don’t.”
Career support played a critical role in Eskander’s transition into the business world. He credits the Jones MBA Career Center with helping him secure positions at Accenture and, later, Protiviti.
“The Jones MBA Career Center had a real pulse on the job market, salary comparisons, and case study preparation,” he says. “Their network opened doors to opportunities that weren’t always posted publicly.”
One such opportunity led him to serve as the Marine Program Manager for Mercy Ships in the Canary Islands — an experience he says would never have happened without the Career Center’s support.
Now, as an alumnus, Eskander remains deeply committed to strengthening Scheller’s recruiting pipeline.
“Business school is known for one thing — networking. Every year we pass the torch to the next class, it’s our responsibility as alumni to represent the Scheller brand,” he says. “As new graduates join companies where alumni work, it elevates the value of the MBA program as a whole. Recruiting top talent into Scheller helps us recruit top talent into the companies we represent.”
The connections Eskander built during his MBA have shaped every step of his journey, from internships to career moves. More importantly, they’ve resulted in lifelong friendships.
“On a personal level, the relationships I formed have turned into lifelong friendships,” he says. “Whether it’s celebrating milestones, offering advice, or simply staying in touch, the Scheller network remains a constant source of support and encouragement.”
That strong community also made Eskander’s transition to Atlanta after graduation seamless.
“The Scheller alumni network has been invaluable,” he says. “Whether it’s connecting with fellow Yellow Jackets in the workplace or meeting potential clients, I continue to see the power of the Georgia Tech name firsthand.”
His commitment to staying involved extends beyond personal relationships. Through his work on the Young Alumni Advisory Board, Eskander helps ensure today’s students have the support they need to succeed.
“YAAB has been a unique experience,” he says. “It offers real, actionable insights to both the Career Center and current students. While the Alumni Board focuses on the long-term success of the MBA program, YAAB zeroes in on the immediate needs of today’s students — from job searches to salary negotiations.”
Through his veteran fellowship, alumni leadership, and continued mentorship, Eskander embodies the idea that the Scheller experience extends far beyond graduation. His advice for students and recent alumni is simple:
“Get connected and stay connected,” he says. “Joining clubs, committees, and volunteering with admissions are great ways to build strong bonds. As you approach graduation, continuing those connections with alumni, the Career Center, and admissions is the best way to give back.”
Eskander’s journey proves that graduation isn’t the end of the Scheller experience — it’s just the beginning of a lifelong connection that grows stronger with time.
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