The TI:GER Program (Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results) at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business merges classroom instruction, technology innovation projects, and practical, real-world experiences. It brings together MBA and Ph.D. students who collaborate in teams to develop their entrepreneurial ideas into impactful technology innovation projects.
Meet Jake Satterelli, a Full-time MBA alum and senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton.
How did you find out about the TI:GER program?
I initially heard about the TI:GER program from former students in the program, but I knew very little about the program before I enrolled at Scheller. I received an email about the program during my first semester, read about its outcomes, and was hooked.
What made you decide to enroll in the program?
I have always had an interest in technology and entrepreneurship, so it was a natural fit. Although I didn’t personally have a venture idea at the time, I knew I would enjoy working with other bright and entrepreneurial students.
What were your major responsibilities when working on a project?
For my team’s internal project, I conducted qualitative research and cash flow analyses. For my external project, I worked with a fintech venture to navigate regulatory data sources.
What do you consider to be your major take-aways from being in the program?
The first major takeaway I had from TI:GER was there is a need to balance adaptability and structure when launching new ventures. Being flexible allows founders/professionals to adapt to market changes, unforeseen opportunities, and even prior mistakes. Flexibility is crucial in today’s technologically driven world, where the pace of change is quick, but the direction may be ambiguous.
The second major takeaway I had from TI:GER was the importance of networking and teamwork. Our internal projects would have been impossible to finish without collaboration within our groups. I was fortunate to work alongside Akshar Kota, Branden Pincince, and Johnny Sentmanat, who all greatly contributed to my TI:GER experience. Additionally, we learned from guest lecturers, who not only gave us industry-specific guidance, but also demonstrated the power of leveraging network connections.
Can you describe how your experience might enhance your career after graduating?
I will continue refining my ability to create structure when managing ambiguity and building my network throughout my career. In the short term, I believe these lessons will help me take on more complex, ambiguous work projects. In the long term, I feel more comfortable developing and investing in early-stage ventures.
Would you recommend the program to others? If so, why?
Absolutely. My MBA experience was deepened by actively participating in the program. The program faculty, staff, and students were all phenomenal. Professor Jonathan Giuliano excelled at delivering class material while also positively guiding student development. Additionally, it’s an opportunity for students to build connections with, and learn from, people outside of their primary cohort.