Touch MBA named Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business one of its top full-time MBA programs in the country to launch a high-tech career. Among an impressive list of top U.S. business schools, this recognition further validates Scheller College’s unique position at the intersection of business and technology.
“It’s our immersive tracks and experiential learning and practicums, as well as programs like Technological Innovation: Generating Economic Results (TI:GER), that provide Scheller College students with what it take to succeed in today’s high-tech industry,” states Dean of Scheller College, Maryam Alavi.
Scheller College’s immersive track offerings allow students to apply the business acumen they learn in class to real business situations. As more companies transform from brick-and-mortar businesses to click-and-mortar enterprises, Scheller College business students learn how to lead and manage these digital transitions. Students gain technology consulting skills through real-world projects and internships with leading companies, often located in nearby Tech Square.
Geographically, Scheller College is strategically located at the intersection of business and technology in Atlanta’s Tech Square district, providing unique opportunities to engage in this exciting, innovative ecosystem. “Students benefit from our location— they are next door to over 100 startups, more than 50 accelerators and incubators, and over 20 corporate innovation centers, and in a city that is home to 17 of the world’s Fortune 500 headquarters,” Dean Alavi explains. “The experience students gain during their time at Scheller College is invaluable and prepares them for a strong future following graduation.”
In addition to being located in Tech Square, Scheller College MBA students enjoy experiential learning programs through concentration-focused practicums and immersive experiences like the West Coast Trek, a week-long trip to Silicon Valley to meet high-tech companies and shake hands with Georgia Tech alumni living in the Bay Area and Seattle. This in-person, in-depth experience provides students a hands-on look into life after graduation and prepares them for the second year of their MBA when they can complete a Management of Technology Certificate program.
Brian Jennings, associate dean of MBA Programs and Executive Education at Scheller College, designs each trip with a team of Scheller College faculty to ensure the students receive the most impactful experience while in Silicon Valley. "The annual Scheller College West Coast Trek allows our students to gain unparalleled exposure to technology businesses along the west coast. From meeting with top-tier technology companies and applying their classroom learning, to having face-time with C-level executives and Georgia Tech alumni networking opportunities, we leave each trip confident that our students will be poised to excel after graduation. As a result of our trip, this year one of our MBA students will be joining Autodesk for a summer internship.”
One of Scheller College’s most comprehensive high-tech experiences is the TI:GER program. TI:GER is a nationally-recognized, award-winning program that teaches the entire technology commercialization process. Each TI:GER team comprises Scheller College MBA students, a Ph.D. student from the Colleges of Science, Computing and Engineering and Emory University law students. This competitive program helps Ph.D. students turn their research into reality, by implementing the business strategy of the MBA students and legal guidance of the law students. This well-rounded group of students forms a team to address the multidisciplinary issues involved in technology commercialization, often winning business plan and pitch competitions in the process.
Katie Lloyd, executive director of MBA Admissions, spoke earlier this year with Touch MBA about Scheller College. Lloyd stated, “We really feel like it is Georgia Tech’s time to shine. We’re well-positioned to be the MBA program for the 21st century, from practical application, to our position at the intersection of business and technology, to business analytics… everything the world is moving towards, we’re already there and we’re continuing to do better and better. I think for students who are looking for an innovative program and a leading technology-based education, Georgia Tech provides it all.”
Please take a moment to listen to the Touch MBA podcast featuring Katie Lloyd.