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 2025 Commencement, we sat down with a few undergraduate students to learn about their experiences and the wisdom they've gained in the process.
Meet Charlotte Lawson, who is graduating with a concentration in Accounting and a certificate in Marketing.
Hometown:
Suwanee, Georgia
Where did you attend high school?
Lambert High School
Who most influenced your decision to pursue business in college?
My parents are both in the business world, and I was inspired by their work and the opportunities they had throughout their careers.
Why did you choose Scheller College of Business?
I chose Scheller, because I wanted to learn more at the intersection of technology and business. I wanted to develop unique skills for an increasingly data-driven world. Plus, I loved that the campus was in the heart of Atlanta with so much to do and explore!
Why did you choose an Accounting concentration?
I chose to pursue an Accounting concentration because the classes aligned well with my analytical mindset, and I loved the professors that I had for my introductory accounting courses!
What is your best piece of advice to an applicant hoping to get into Scheller College?
My advice is: Be authentic and passionate.
What is the biggest myth about Scheller College?
The biggest myth is that students can’t have a work-life balance because Georgia Tech is so rigorous.
As a business student in the heart of Tech Square, how do you think Scheller College embodies the intersection of business and technology?
Each Scheller course integrates traditional best practices and emerging technology to help us understand the progression of business across industries. We can apply this knowledge in real-world internships with innovative companies.
What was your favorite course and what was the biggest insight you gained about business from it?
My favorite course was Seminar in Advanced Accounting Topics, which focused on major accounting events, including Enron, WorldCom, and HealthSouth. This was my first look into forensic accounting, and I learned key lessons from previous accounting and oversight failures.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Professor Ryan Blunck was my favorite professor. I’ve had the opportunity to take four classes with Professor Blunck, and each time I’ve gained a deeper understanding of accounting and financial analysis. Each topic that we’ve covered has helped me in a real-world situation, and his style of teaching makes extremely difficult concepts manageable.
Beyond his lectures, he is always the first to help us connect with employers, plan our schedules, and prepare for our CPA exams. When I decided to become an Accounting concentration, he was there to explain the CPA process to me, and he was one of the first to know how my FAR exam went.
What activities were you involved with on or off campus, and did your business education impact those activities in any way?
I have been a member of the Scheller Business Ambassadors since my second year, and I was the vice president of events during my third year. I am also a member of the Society of Women in Business and the Honorary Accounting Organization. Finally, I am a diamond girl for the baseball team.
My business education impacted everything I was involved in, by connecting me with different networks, such as SBA, to providing me with unique skillsets, such as the ability to help with the baseball team’s marketing efforts.
Where did you intern/co-op during school?
I interned at UPS Capital Digital as a marketing intern and KPMG as an audit intern.
Where will you be working after graduation?
I’ll be an audit associate with KPMG in Chicago!
How did the Scheller College undergraduate career education program assist you with your job efforts?
The career team was extremely helpful in my internship and full-time recruiting processes. I used the weekly emails to find opportunities. I learned valuable interview skills from the Career Development course. And, I had conversations with Michael Dutcher when I was torn between offers. KPMG was my top choice, and I interned for them last summer and will be returning full-time!
Did you participate in any hands-on/experiential learning opportunities?
I took a Marketing Consulting Practicum class where I helped a startup, SuperCopy AI, to design and execute a marketing strategy. Additionally, I studied abroad through Georgia Tech Europe where I took classes in France and had the opportunity to travel to 10 countries in one summer!
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
I can’t choose just one! I want to thank my family, friends, and the Scheller community. I couldn’t have done it without my amazing support system.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I was a body double in “Love, Simon” when I was 13.
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading, traveling (especially to National Parks), working out, and going on campus walks!
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
- See the Northern Lights in Norway
- Hike the Andes Mountains