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 Jacoby Golden, who is graduating from the Evening MBA program.
Where are you from?
Fairburn, GA
Describe yourself in 15 words or less:
Family and friendships mean the world to me.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college? (A parent? A teacher? A role model?)
My dad always wanted me to go to school and get a master's degree after I stopped my first master's program in mechanical engineering when I was not getting the proper support. I chose to pursue an MBA because I thought it would help the most in moving up the management ladder.
What was your favorite business course and why?
My favorite was Technology Strategy because it made me think about how to market technology and intellectual property depending on the industry.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
Two activities I’m involved with the most through Scheller are Blacks in Business and the GEMS board. Blacks in Business provided me connections with people who have similar cultural experiences. GEMS allowed me to feel like I’m helping create change to make the program better.
What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at Scheller?
My favorite MBA event would be the Evening MBA Prom. This allows us to dress up and party together while also meeting our classmates’ partners.
What was a moment when you had to practice persistence and/or resilience while in the MBA program?
I took accounting my first semester, and even though I was learning a lot, it kicked my butt. Once I tackled the first semester, completing the program felt more achievable.
What was your career journey in the Evening MBA program?
I have had two promotions at work since starting the program, but I’m still looking to make a pivot to another industry.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from your Scheller MBA?
The biggest lesson is that the Scheller MBA program as a whole is a community. Over the past two years, I have made connections with Full-time and Evening MBA students that have provided help and insight academically and professionally. Scheller is like one big cheerleader wanting to see people succeed.
What advice would you give to an incoming Evening MBA student?
Do not give up. You are not alone in this program. You are here, and that means you desire to be here as a student to learn new things. We are all here learning new things together.
What will you be doing to celebrate your graduation?
I will be going to the graduation parties of my fellow classmates and hanging out with my family and friends that weekend.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
People would never believe this,. but before I went to preschool I did not like talking to people.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
The top two items on my professional bucket list I will have accomplished this May. The first was earning a PMP certification, which I received in May 2020. The second is getting an MBA. After graduation, I will eventually have to take some time to think of the next things I would like to achieve.