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 Fall 2024 Commencement, we sat down with a few students to learn about their experiences and the wisdom they've gained in the process.
Meet Amber Chellis-Omedo, who is graduating from the Evening MBA program.
Hometown:
Ellsworth, Michigan
Describe yourself in 15 words or less:
A nurturing mom, visionary architect, loyal friend, inventive thinker, empathetic, dynamic, resourceful, and balanced.
Tell me about the person who most influenced your decision to pursue an MBA?
When I first finished my M.Arch degree, I said I would eventually go back to school to get an MBA. In 2020, my good friend Maria Del Mar Ceballos (Evening MBA '23) and I decided to apply together to the Scheller Evening MBA program. We started together in the fall of 2020. It was great to take this journey with her.
What was your favorite business course?
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution with Christina Shalley was my favorite course. I had the privilege of taking it alongside many of my Fall 2020 classmates, which made the experience even more memorable. The course was not only incredibly practical but also genuinely enjoyable, as we navigated various negotiation scenarios and challenges together. It was both a learning opportunity and a lot of fun!
What advice would you give to an incoming Evening MBA student?
Have fun! Meet as many classmates as you can and enjoy your classes.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
During my MBA program, I was actively involved with the PTA at my children’s school, several professional architecture organizations, and I served as an MBA Ambassador. However, I had to scale back my volunteer commitments to balance my demanding schedule. Now that I’ve completed the program, I’m excited to regain more free time and re-engage with these meaningful activities.
What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at Scheller?
My favorite events were the Crawfish Boil and football tailgates.
What was your career journey in the Evening MBA program?
I chose to pursue an MBA to differentiate myself in the architecture field where having a master’s degree and licensure is the norm. When I began the program, I was working as an architect with Georgia Tech’s Design and Construction Group. Today, I’m proud to lead the Campus Planning and Architecture teams at Purdue University—a testament to the growth and opportunities this journey has brought me.
What was a moment when you had to practice persistence and/or resilience while in the MBA program?
My MBA journey has been testament to persistence and resilience. Throughout the program, I navigated significant life and work changes, all while balancing my role as a single mom to two wonderful kids (currently 12 and 15 years old) and two energetic dogs. Before starting, I had heartfelt conversations with my children about how demanding this chapter would be, and their understanding and support have been nothing short of incredible. Their patience and encouragement have been my greatest motivation throughout this challenging yet rewarding experience.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from your Scheller MBA?
The most valuable lesson I gained from my MBA is the importance of adaptability and perseverance. I also discovered that even classes outside my area of focus or expertise can be incredibly engaging, insightful, and surprisingly enjoyable, broadening my perspective in unexpected and meaningful ways.
What will you be doing to celebrate your graduation?
I will be celebrating with my children, friends and family. Several close friends will be in Atlanta for graduation weekend, and I am celebrating later in December with friends from architecture school.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I grew up on a farm and know how to milk cows and drive a tractor. My family still lives on that farm, but I have lived in cities for the past 25 years.