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 Abigail Frese, who is graduating with a concentration in Accounting.
Where are you from?
Marietta, Georgia
Where did you go to high school?
Alan C. Pope High School
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
My dad played a pivotal role in my decision to pursue business in college. In 2014, he left his job to start his own company. Watching him, along with a small team of co-workers and friends, build a business from the ground up was incredibly inspiring. Seeing firsthand how he navigated both the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship motivated me to deepen my understanding of the business world and develop the skills needed to succeed in it.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose the Scheller College of Business because of the strong sense of community and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with professors, faculty, and fellow students. In high school, I valued my connections with my teachers and hoped to find a similar experience in college. Scheller's smaller class sizes and the exceptional caliber of its faculty offered the perfect environment to foster these connections while providing access to opportunities and resources to support my growth.
What concentration did you pursue and why?
I chose to concentrate in Accounting because of my strong interest in the financial backbone of business and the structure and security that the field provides. I've always believed that a deep understanding of an organization's finances is essential to making informed decisions and driving success. I wanted to take an active role in not only preparing financial reports but also helping others interpret and leverage that information effectively.
I also received a lot of guidance from professors and peers. Their support made me feel confident in my abilities to pursue a career in public accounting.
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
Recognize your potential and realize what impact you can make today.
It's important that students feel empowered and encouraged by the idea of attending the Scheller College of Business. Scheller is a powerhouse that allows those within it to succeed and grow as professionals while having some fun along the way, and I hope that prospective students know and can communicate the impact they will have on Scheller's mission and vision before they step onto campus.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
I believe Scheller has more individual investment from professors and faculty than any other place on campus!
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology by equipping students with business knowledge and technical skills. Scheller fosters innovation by integrating tools like Excel and Python into the curriculum, teaching students to analyze data, model financial scenarios, and develop data-driven strategies. These technical proficiencies are reinforced through hands-on projects and internships. I believe Scheller prepares graduates to bridge traditional roles and modern, technology-driven solutions.
What was your favorite course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
My favorite course was Financial Reporting and Analysis I. This was one of my first upper-level accounting classes, and it prepared me for further work in accounting, finance, and other work as a professional accountant. I felt challenged to deepen my understanding of financial reports and was supported by Professor Ryan Blunck along the way.
One of the biggest insights I gained was how to analyze and interpret financial statements across various industries and companies to assess a company's financial health. I learned how to articulate a company's performance and stability based solely on its financial reports and filings, which is a crucial skill in any business setting.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Hands down, Professor Eric Condie has been my favorite professor at Scheller. Our relationship has grown over the years—first as his student, then as his teaching assistant, and now as someone I continue to rely on for professional and academic guidance. In fact, Professor Condie even wrote my letter of recommendation for the University of Notre Dame.
As a freshman in Accounting 1, I was determined to pass and truly excel in the course. From day one, Professor Condie made that goal feel attainable. His deep experience in public accounting came through in his teaching, bringing the subject to life and giving me a glimpse into what an auditor's career entails. What stood out most, though, was his ability to connect with students on a personal level. He always remembered my name and greeted me when I came into class. I'll never forget the time he joked about me taking notes on an iPad, saying he'd never seen an accountant do that before. It was such a small moment, but it reflected how closely he paid attention to me and my success.
Beyond learning the accounting fundamentals in this course, I learned the value of hard work and the dedication needed to thrive as a Scheller student. After the course ended, I made it a priority to meet with Professor Condie regularly. Whether it was discussing career paths, navigating job applications, or seeking advice on my studies, he was always there with thoughtful insights and unwavering support. I also convinced him that I would excel as his teaching assistant for Spring 2024, to which he agreed. That experience taught me a lot of the same principles Professor Condie operates on as a professor, as I learned how to care for and communicate with students of various and unique backgrounds.
Ultimately, Professor Condie is the reason I decided to pursue a career in auditing. His mentorship shaped my path, and I'll always be grateful for his guidance, genuine care for his students, and impact on my experience at Scheller.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
Off-campus, I served with Life Teen Summer Camps, where I used my logistical, leadership, and operational skills. I worked to create enthusiastic and safe environments for campers to rest and encounter others while balancing managing programming, budget compliance, and team collaboration. The principles I learned in my business courses—resource allocation, teamwork, and process efficiency—helped me navigate these responsibilities.
On campus, I served as the vice president of Operations for my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This role allowed me to combine practical organizational skills with strategic leadership. I spearheaded various leadership developments, streamlined communication, and collaborated on a weekly basis with our executive committee and national office. I learned how important strategic planning and decision-making processes are, which I first navigated and developed in the classroom. It's wonderful to use the classroom as a no-strings-attached environment to learn various skills and have the opportunity on and off campus to perfect them.
Beyond these leadership roles, I was actively involved in the Society of Women in Business and the Honorary Accounting Organization, where I refined my networking and professional development skills. I also participated in faith-based organizations, which taught me to lead with love, deepening my understanding of servant leadership. Additionally, I devoted time to charitable organizations, where I learned the value of selfless giving.
Each of these experiences was shaped by my business education, which provided me with the tools to approach challenges thoughtfully and effectively, making an impact both on and off campus.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
I served as a summer missionary with Life Teen Summer Camps after my first and second years. I invested in high and middle schoolers there while leading small groups, coordinating programming, and living in a community. During the Summer of 2024, I interned with Bennett Thrasher as a financial reporting and analysis intern.
I also had two wonderful opportunities to support various faculty at Scheller as a student. I worked as a student assistant in the Undergraduate Program Office during the 2023-2024 academic year. I supported the advising and career staff and developed Scheller's undergraduate social media accounts. I also had the unique opportunity to serve as an Accounting 2101 teaching assistant for Professor Eric Condie and Professor Nikki MacKenzie. It brought me great joy to encourage students throughout their journey with Accounting while aiding in their assimilation into Georgia Tech.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I will start my Master of Science in Accountancy and Data Analytics at the University of Notre Dame in January 2025. During the summer of 2025, I will complete an internship with Deloitte in Atlanta as an audit intern, then go back to South Bend to finish the program in Fall 2025. I am hopeful to be in a full-time role beginning in early 2026.
How did the Scheller College undergraduate career education program assist you with your job efforts? Did you end up working or interning for one of your top choice companies?
The Scheller College undergraduate career education program helped me tremendously in not only securing jobs and internships but also in gaining the confidence necessary to become a strong woman in business.
Michael Dutcher, director of Undergraduate Career Education, has worked with me throughout my three and a half years at Scheller, from when I was a student in his class to serving as a team leader in his MGT 1100 courses. Michael would always be willing to review a resume, connect me with a colleague, and celebrate me throughout every milestone in the job recruitment process. I will always be grateful for the support he and this program have provided me.
I ended up securing an entry-level internship in Accounting in my third year and was able to secure offers from all of the Big 4 accounting firms just one year later during my third year. I attribute this success to the help provided by the career education program. I am excited to work and intern for my top-choice companies and well-respected organizations.
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
I want to thank my parents, Paul and Cindy, for always supporting and encouraging me. Whether in academics, my career journey, or academic involvements, I always felt I could achieve whatever I put my mind to. They always encouraged me to try new things, engage in opportunities outside my comfort zone, and meet new people. I am grateful to have them in my corner, and I know they will continue to support me wherever I head next.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I am a triplet, and we all go to different schools. My brother Harrison attends the University of Georgia and studies finance, and my sister Emma attends Auburn University and studies physical therapy. It is sweet to share our different college experiences while having similar upbringings.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy going on walks and listening to various podcasts, especially covering topics I don't know about or see daily. I am always down for a good cup of coffee or a meal, especially after years of having access to all of Atlanta's restaurants and experiences.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
Get married and start a family.