This Commencement season, John Midgette, youngest of three siblings, becomes the third in his family to graduate with an Executive MBA from the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business.
The Midgette siblings—Michael, Laura, and John—found themselves drawn to Georgia Tech not through family tradition, but through fresh eyes with a shared appreciation for excellence and learning.
Originally from Canada, the three moved to Grayson, Georgia in 1998, having already lived in three countries. Their parents instilled a fundamental principle that would shape their approach to education and career: do your absolute best, regardless of the path you choose. Growing up, their parents emphasized personal development rather than strict academic achievement.
The siblings not only chose to attend Tech, but they all chose business as their major for their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Their dad was a leader in healthcare and technology, and as John reported, "I think there was always a bit of an influence from there. 
Michael was the first to pursue a business degree, but I think we've all been interested in being on the front line of business and being close to the customers," he said.
Michael, the oldest and a Double Jacket, received his B.S. in Management in 2011 and his Executive MBA in 2019. He was particularly drawn to the school's unique ecosystem. "The infusion of engineering, computer science, and technology permeates the entire business school, and it something that makes the degree and education one of the best in the country," he noted.
He chose to pursue a career in healthcare technology and is currently the chief growth officer with Thriveworks. He cites the first eight years of his career at McKesson for influencing his current interest in working with industry stakeholders to elevate the standard of healthcare through technology.
"Our parents had high expectations of us, but not necessarily what we did. It was always about being the best you can be at whatever you pursue. That's the mindset that stuck with us. And sometimes it translated academically, sometimes it translated to sports, sometimes to art," said Laura, the middle sibling who is also a Double Jacket. She obtained her B.S. in Business Administration in 2013 and her Executive MBA in 2020. She is currently a director at AT&T.
John, the youngest sibling who graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Marketing, will finish his Executive MBA this month. He was the only sibling who pursued his undergraduate degree out of state.
"I was always independent growing up so by the time I graduated high school, I was attracted to the idea of being completely independent, but within driving distance from home," he noted.
For John, the decision to pursue an MBA at Scheller was easy. "Georgia Tech is a leader in technology and education as well as a top business school so I didn't consider any other choice, especially working in the tech field. I mean, it seemed like an absolute no-brainer," he said. While finishing his MBA this semester, John is also a lead product manager at Cricket Wireless.
The Scheller Executive MBA Experience
Faculty and curriculum played a pivotal role in shaping these graduates' experiences. Professors like Jonathan Clarke, senior associate dean for strategic initiatives and professor of Finance, and Debbie Turner, associate professor of Accounting, brought these courses to life by providing practical applications. In contrast, others, such as Karthik Ramachandran, Dunn Family Professor and area chair in Operations Management, and Frank Rothaermel, Regents' Professor, Russell B. and Nancy H. McDonough Chair in Business, and Sloan Industry Studies Fellow, offered valuable insights into strategy and technological innovation.
Laura summed it up succinctly. "The professors who excel are those who make you think and help you connect the material to your life and work."
It's no small feat to balance an MBA with life's other commitments, particularly for students juggling work, family, and studies. Michael, who welcomed his first child during the program, credited his support system for making it possible.
"It's a sacrifice everyone makes together," he explained. It was helpful, he noted, seeing other MBA students who were also working full-time and raising a family while going to school part-time.
Laura emphasized the importance of mindfulness and effort: "You get out what you put in. Commit to the program fully, and you'll see the rewards."
Advice for Those Considering an MBA
The impact of their Executive MBA journeys has been undeniable. Whether it was John's pivot to product management, Michael's career transformation in healthcare technology, or Laura's enhanced financial literacy and strategic insight, the siblings agreed that the MBA gave them the tools and confidence to tackle their goals. "The promotions and pay raises will follow," John reflected, "but the real value lies in personal growth and capability."
Their advice is clear for those considering an MBA: approach it with intention and passion. The letters "MBA" alone won't open doors, but the skills, networks, and mindset you develop during the program will,” said Michael.
As Laura said, "Choose a great environment, commit yourself to the experience, and you'll reap the rewards." Michael added, "It's not about checking a box; it's about how you apply what you learn to create value for yourself and others."
Ultimately, the MBA journey is a process of discovering your potential, building resilience, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. And for these siblings, it was a journey worth every step.
What stands out in the Midgettes’ story is their individual achievements and their collective approach to education. They supported each other, shared experiences, and maintained their unique paths while remaining close.
Their journey through Georgia Tech and the Scheller College of Business is more than an academic pursuit - it's a blueprint for purposeful, passionate learning.
