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 Remi Levinson, who is graduating from the Full-time MBA program.
Hometown:
Greenwich, CT
Undergraduate School and Degree:
Emory University, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance
Describe yourself in 15 words or less:
Global citizen fostering authentic connection through music, entrepreneurship and spontaneous adventure.
Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?
Director of Operations at StreamCut Media, LLC
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career?
In the last four years, I've been fortunate to turn my passion into a fulfilling career as a leader in the music industry. One of the most rewarding aspects has been my role in shaping the careers of several outstanding artists. A standout project early in my career was collaborating with the recording artist “Latto,” formerly known as "Mulatto.” Watching this project achieve Gold within two years, followed by Platinum, as well as her Grammy nominations for best new artist and best melodic rap performance, remains a source of immense pride.
Taking on leadership positions within teams working with talents like Latto, Saucy Santana, Gunna, Trinidad Cardona, Ann Marie, Baby Tate, and numerous other exceptional urban artists from Atlanta has been both an honor and a privilege. These relationships have not only enriched my professional journey but have also allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant landscape of the urban music scene.
Why did you choose Scheller?
I chose the Scheller College of Business at Georgia Tech for numerous reasons, with the foremost being its vibrant community. The Scheller MBA Program stands out for its smaller cohort size compared to other global MBA programs, fostering a culture of intimacy and connection. This environment places a strong emphasis on values such as leadership, diversity, inclusion, and “improving the human condition”.
Within this close-knit program, I've had the privilege of interacting with incredibly talented and diverse peers from various industries, backgrounds, and life experiences. Despite its smaller size, the MBA program benefits from being part of Georgia Tech’s extensive global network, being a leading engineering and research institution. This unique position provides boundless opportunities for career growth, exploration, and cross-functional collaboration.
Community work and leadership roles at Scheller:
- Social Committee Leader: As a leader on the social committee, I aim to create a safe and inclusive space for our graduate business students to engage and connect with each other beyond the boundaries of the classroom. I am a strong advocate for creating experiences that encourage creativity, wellness and cultural enrichment that foster deeper connection.
- Georgia Tech Recovery Community Leader: As a leader within Georgia Tech’s Recovery Community, my role involves organizing meetings and fostering a supportive environment for students facing addiction and substance abuse challenges. My efforts extend beyond the business school to include engineers, undergraduates, and graduate students from various programs. Collaborating closely with the director of the counseling center, I am dedicated to raising awareness and enhancing support for Collegiate Recovery across the campus community.
- CHARGE Leadership Fellow: As a CHARGE Leadership Fellow, I am honored to be acknowledged as a leader within the Scheller MBA program. This role provides me with the invaluable opportunity to collaborate and grow alongside other emerging leaders in the program. Together, we aim to embody and foster active engagement within the Scheller community, working diligently to support and strengthen connections among our peers.
- VP of Women in Business, Operations Club and Tech Club: In my role as Vice President of three MBA Student Organizations, I've spearheaded initiatives aimed at delivering enriching events. These events serve to cultivate personal growth beyond the confines of the classroom, foster connections among students, and provide avenues for exploring career interests beyond traditional academic and career services.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during your time at Scheller?
During my time in business school, I've been dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and integration between the business school and the broader Georgia Tech community. Over the past seven years, I have maintained sobriety and worked through recovery from addiction, a journey that began during my college years with struggles related to alcohol. The impact of substance abuse and addiction is pervasive. affecting not only individuals directly but through acquaintances or close personal relationships.
The business world is no stranger to the challenges surrounding alcohol abuse, and I have actively addressed this issue. Through my involvement in the social committee and leadership in Georgia Tech’s Recovery Community, I have prioritized creating safe and inclusive spaces for all students, both within the MBA program and throughout the Georgia Tech campus. Central to this effort has been the organization of events that emphasize engaged connection and community without the need for alcohol.
I have exemplified these values by representing the business school in various capacities, including my participation in the Georgia Tech Concert Choir and my role as a graduate research assistant in Georgia Tech’s Office of Commercialization, working with VentureLab and the Office of Technology Licensing. These experiences have allowed me to extend the reach of inclusivity and integration beyond the bounds of the business school and into the wider Georgia Tech ecosystem.
Who was your favorite MBA professor?
My favorite Georgia Tech professor is Christopher Grahn. Professor Grahn oversees the international practicum for the Nordics and brings a wealth of knowledge and a vast global network to the classroom. Each spring semester, he curates engaging consulting projects for his students, meticulously organizes detailed itineraries for over fifty students to travel internationally, and offers mentorship and opportunities to apply our skills and knowledge to real-world business challenges.
What sets Professor Grahn apart is his unwavering passion for connecting people and nurturing growth, innovation, and cultural enrichment within a global business context. His dedication to providing transformative learning experiences leaves a lasting impact on his students, instilling in us a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the global business landscape.
What was your favorite course as an MBA?
One of the most enriching experiences during my MBA was the International Practicum course. In the second semester of my first year, I participated in a research project focused on obtaining quantitative insights on female leadership in the Nordics, as compared to American culture. Our efforts culminated in a week-long trip to Sweden and Denmark during Spring Break. There, we hosted an inspiring panel discussion featuring accomplished Nordic female leaders, delving into their journeys, the obstacles they've overcome, and the advice they offer to aspiring female leaders.
Moreover, I witnessed my peers engage in consulting projects with innovative Nordic companies, collaborating to develop practical solutions tailored to real-world challenges. This hands-on experience allowed us to apply our knowledge and skills in a meaningful way, making a tangible impact in the business world.
What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at Scheller?
One of the highlights of my business school experience is the MBA Soiree. This year, we're thrilled to bring together both the Full-time and part-time MBA programs for an unforgettable end-of-school-year gala at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. This event provides an exciting opportunity for Full-time MBAs like myself to reconnect and celebrate with our peers from Scheller’s Evening MBA program, ranked #1 part-time MBA in Georgia.
Meeting such driven and successful individuals pursuing challenging careers has been a privilege. As Full-time MBAs, we've had the privilege of not only attending classes and participating in clubs but also engaging with our Evening MBA peers at various events, enriching our overall experience. The OneMBA Soiree serves as the ultimate celebration, uniting Scheller’s MBA programs in an evening where we dress to the nines and dance the night away with our newly forged lifelong friends.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller?
“Georgia Tech is a Leading Engineering Institution.” Yes, this is true, but it overlooks the incredible caliber of Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business. While Georgia Tech may indeed produce some of the finest engineers globally, the Scheller College of Business equally cultivates bright and successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. During my time at Georgia Tech, I have been consistently impressed by the expansive Scheller alumni network from both the undergraduate and graduate business programs. The talent that emanates from Scheller into the workforce is truly unparalleled, and I feel both proud and humbled to join that network.
What did you love most about Scheller’s location in the heart of midtown Atlanta?
Having spent a decade in Atlanta, both as an undergraduate student and a working professional, I've witnessed firsthand the city's vibrancy and endless potential. Atlanta boasts a rich tapestry of opportunities, marked by exponential growth, cultural richness, and remarkable diversity. Serving as an international travel hub and the headquarters of numerous influential corporations and groundbreaking startups, Atlanta, along with Georgia Tech, stands at the forefront of attracting and nurturing some of the brightest and most innovative minds globally.
Where did you intern during the summer of 2023?
I worked at Tech Square Ventures (Engage) as an MBA operations associate.
Where will you be working after graduation?
AT&T - MBA Finance Leadership Development Program
Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why?
Looking back at my MBA experience at Scheller, particularly in my second year, I've been deeply immersed in leadership roles. This journey has taught me that leadership extends beyond merely assuming control—it's about empowering others to rise alongside you, fostering an environment of mutual support and growth as we develop professionally.
Reflecting on my experiences, I recognize the importance of encouraging more of my peers to embrace leadership positions within clubs and committees. In hindsight, I would have focused on one or two key leadership opportunities in my second year, allowing me to maximize my effectiveness and impact while also affording others the chance to step up and flourish.
What surprised you the most about business school?
What surprised me most about business school was the breadth of talent and the expansive array of opportunities and networks beyond what one might expect from a traditional business program. Georgia Tech’s graduate programs draw individuals from an eclectic mix of industries, spanning from Supply Chain and Consulting to Entertainment and Entrepreneurship. Our student body reflects an unparalleled diversity of backgrounds and experiences, providing a rich environment for collaboration and learning.
At Georgia Tech, business students have the unique advantage of connecting with a wide spectrum of talent, including accomplished engineers, pioneering entrepreneurs, and promising venture opportunities. Moreover, nestled within a bustling metropolis, we have access to a dynamic ecosystem of startups, corporations, and small businesses, offering endless possibilities for growth and innovation.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire?
Choosing just one MBA classmate to admire is challenging, given the exceptional individuals I've had the privilege of knowing at Scheller. However, if I were to select one, it would undoubtedly be Xavier Dorsey, who happens to be my closest friend in the program. From the moment we joined the same core team on our first day of school, we formed a strong bond.
Xavier embodies the qualities of a true Georgia Tech scholar: diligence, intelligence, and unwavering determination. Beyond academic prowess, she epitomizes the values of friendship, reliability, and altruism that define the Scheller Community. Our connection extends beyond the classroom—we've traveled internationally together, supported each other through challenging courses, successes and failures, and offered each other unwavering trust and support. Xavier is not just a classmate; she's a confidant and a lifelong friend.
Fun fact about yourself:
Within the first three years of working in the music industry, I led projects for over a dozen records with Latto and other artists that have gone platinum and gold.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
- Embrace the opportunity to live and work abroad, immersing myself in diverse cultures and gaining invaluable global perspectives.
- Establish a business centered around music and live entertainment, dedicated to fostering genuine connections while advocating for a social culture that does not rely on alcohol or substances as crutches.