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 Katie Crawford, an Evening MBA student and manager of sustaining product at Acuity Brands.
How did you find out about the TI:GER program?
I found out about TI:GER when I was researching different MBA programs in the Atlanta area.
What made you decide to enroll in the program?
I enrolled in the program because I believed that working with a startup would be a unique and interesting opportunity. This experience would not only enhance my resume but also provide insights into how a fledgling business operates compared to a large publicly traded organization.
What were your major responsibilities when working on a project?
In my first two semesters, I collaborated with Cristina Dow to develop our own startup as part of introductory classes. We covered essential steps in creating a company, including identifying our target market, interviewing potential customers, sizing the market, developing a business model, and creating an initial marketing strategy.
What do you consider to be your major takeaways from being in the program?
The most important lesson I gained from the program was the critical importance of understanding the market a startup aims to enter. Even with an excellent product, failure is likely if the target market isn’t accurately identified. Early insights and a deep understanding of the customer are key to success.
Can you describe how your experience might enhance your career after graduating?
I now have a well-rounded understanding of business operations, which is crucial for advancing my career. Additionally, my time in the TI:GER program provided valuable consulting experience, teaching me how to manage client deliverables and expectations.
Would you recommend the program to others? If so, why?
I would recommend the program. I think it allows you to take what you've learned from the MBA program and apply this knowledge to an actual company. In doing so, you learn how to adjust and pivot products to fit a market need while also trying to figure out how to become profitable.