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 Matthew Pinto, who is graduating with a concentration in Finance.
Where are you from?
I'm from Brookhaven, Georgia.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to Marist and am still actively involved in the community, from speaking to the Marist Investment Club to attending alumni events. It's a family affair, as six Pintos have attended Marist.
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
I grew up learning business from my Dad. Whether it was discussing investments or watching Shark Tank, business was always a constant growing up. Seeing him as a leader in the community inspired me to pursue a similar track.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose Scheller because of its strategic positioning in Atlanta and its strong ties to entrepreneurship. I wanted to get plugged into Atlanta's entrepreneurial ecosystem and have been fortunate enough to do so.
What concentration did you pursue and why?
I pursued finance because it provides a strong foundation for understanding and communicating how a business is performing, whether that is to employees, investors, or business partners.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
Demonstrate how you are going to take advantage of the resources that Scheller provides. At Georgia Tech, anything is possible. It is up to you to make your dreams a reality and seek the building blocks to make them happen.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
One thing I thought coming in was that I had to have it all figured out. That could not be further from the truth. Scheller does a great job of helping you learn how to trust the process and use your four years to mature and refine what you want out of life. Keep an open mind and learn from those around you.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Businesses are always being revamped with new technologies. At Scheller, we see how that applies not only in the classroom but also outside and throughout Tech Square. Georgia Tech and Tech Square have such a strong brand with innovative technologies, and as business-minded individuals, we can capitalize on that.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor is Professor Narayanan Jayaraman. He has gone above and beyond to support my entrepreneurial career, from the topics I learned in his class to the excellence he brings into everything he does. This semester, I have met with him every Monday to discuss where I am in my entrepreneurial endeavors, and it is one of the highlights of my week.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
During college, I was involved in Theta Xi, the Catholic Center, Life Teen Catholic Youth Ministry, the Scheller Business Ambassadors, and the Inventure Prize. My business education impacted how I view Theta Xi as an organization, from how our dues are spent to how we motivate and support our members.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
VIVA Finance, PwC, Rising Tide Growth Partners, and McKinsey & Company.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I'm going through Create-X with my Startup Greek Connect while also being an active real estate investor.
Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
When I came to Georgia Tech, I knew I wanted to intern with a startup. Through many conversations, I found a startup that took a big chance on me, VIVA Finance. I fully realized that I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and I came to the conclusion that I would have to give it everything I had if I was to become a successful one.
Did you participate in any hands-on/experiential learning opportunities? If yes, which projects/companies did you work with, and how did you help them?
I have had the opportunity to work under a mentor, shadowing his business meetings, sourcing deals, and building relationships. Under his guidance, I've read over 40 books and accomplished two big goals that he challenged me with. We even traveled to a conference together in Columbus, Ohio! It has, hands down, been my most profound professional experience in college, as it has opened my eyes to possibilities I never would have seen otherwise.
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
I want to thank my Mom and Dad for always supporting me in everything that I do; my younger brother Chris for his unfiltered candor; my girlfriend Mariana, who's been with me since high school; my mentor Cade Joiner, who has shown me the Third Door; my mentor Jeb Stewart for helping me find the way; Charles Mixon who has taught me about capitalism; Mike Shannon for showing me what a servant leader is; and Father Branson for guiding me spiritually.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
A fun fact about myself is that I'm currently competing in the Intermural Pickleball league and hoping to be the Campus Champion to top off my senior year.
What are some of your hobbies?
Tennis, spending time with friends and family, traveling, service projects, reading
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
Travel to all four Majors for Tennis (two more to go) and refurbish my parent's antique car.