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How does an incoming college freshman majoring in Business Administration at Georgia Tech find a career path that is perfect for them #Spring25?
I am interested in travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship, so ideally my future career would incorporate those. I also would love a career that is active, such that I am always networking and finding new tasks. What can I do throughout my college career to set myself up for success and opportunities in this field?
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Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
I am a marketing director who has worked in the travel industry in a previous role. As someone who interviews college students as candidates for internships, what can set you up for success is your extracurriculars.
I would suggest that you find a club or program with your school that is related to business and work to become a leadership role there by the time you are a senior. You are essentially showing your ability to commit to a cause or purpose and then demonstrating that you can take on more and more responsibility.
I would also suggest finding an on-campus job (easier to balance work and school if it is on campus) or summer internships that are related to the type of work you eventually want. This will help you figure out if you are truly interested in going down this career path. ( I entered college going after an accounting degree and then worked at the international school of business in their accounting department and realized it was not what I thought it was and pivoted to a marketing degree that started my career path). Not only does having a job during college show recruiters that you can balance multiple responsibilities and have good time management skills but it will help you to start building a network of people in the industry you are interested in.
Lastly, take time throughout your college experience to introspect and reflect what YOU really like and enjoy. Use college to try a bunch of new experiences that challenge you to figure out what you truly enjoy. Take a class outside your major, go study abroad, find a sport and use it to play and meet people, etc. . It will only be through trial and error that you find out what you actually like and then reflect on what types of careers fit those things.
Hope that helps!
Cathy
I am a marketing director who has worked in the travel industry in a previous role. As someone who interviews college students as candidates for internships, what can set you up for success is your extracurriculars.
I would suggest that you find a club or program with your school that is related to business and work to become a leadership role there by the time you are a senior. You are essentially showing your ability to commit to a cause or purpose and then demonstrating that you can take on more and more responsibility.
I would also suggest finding an on-campus job (easier to balance work and school if it is on campus) or summer internships that are related to the type of work you eventually want. This will help you figure out if you are truly interested in going down this career path. ( I entered college going after an accounting degree and then worked at the international school of business in their accounting department and realized it was not what I thought it was and pivoted to a marketing degree that started my career path). Not only does having a job during college show recruiters that you can balance multiple responsibilities and have good time management skills but it will help you to start building a network of people in the industry you are interested in.
Lastly, take time throughout your college experience to introspect and reflect what YOU really like and enjoy. Use college to try a bunch of new experiences that challenge you to figure out what you truly enjoy. Take a class outside your major, go study abroad, find a sport and use it to play and meet people, etc. . It will only be through trial and error that you find out what you actually like and then reflect on what types of careers fit those things.
Hope that helps!
Cathy
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Amanda,
After nearly 50 years in the financial services industry, I've come to believe that everyone has a unique talent. Unfortunately, our public-school systems don't always teach students to discover their strengths. If they did, it would boost confidence and encourage students to seek out their own brilliance throughout their school years. That's exactly what you should focus on now, Amanda. Here's how I discovered mine.
I earned a degree in Economics, taking courses in business accounting, cost accounting, business law and contracts, and industrial economics. These subjects showed me what wasn't my strength because I didn't enjoy them. It felt like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. However, during the summer breaks, I worked selling mobile homes and found joy in the process—not in the product itself, but in the selling. I loved meeting new people, earning their trust, and sharing in their excitement when they made a purchase.
When I graduated and spoke with recruiters, I specifically looked for careers centered around sales. I became a stockbroker and trained on Wall Street for three months before returning home to use my sales skills in a fulfilling career. I didn't realize back then that I had found my brilliance; I stumbled upon it. Later, as a sales manager, I helped new brokers discover their own strengths. Sometimes, their brilliance wasn't in sales, so I guided them towards careers better suited to their skills, saving us both time and setting them on a more fitting path.
In conclusion, Amanda, I encourage you to explore various courses to uncover your brilliance. Your degree will have required courses, but you'll also have the chance to choose electives. Trust me, you'll soon identify what doesn't suit you and eventually find the career that aligns with your true passion.
Best regards,
Rick
After nearly 50 years in the financial services industry, I've come to believe that everyone has a unique talent. Unfortunately, our public-school systems don't always teach students to discover their strengths. If they did, it would boost confidence and encourage students to seek out their own brilliance throughout their school years. That's exactly what you should focus on now, Amanda. Here's how I discovered mine.
I earned a degree in Economics, taking courses in business accounting, cost accounting, business law and contracts, and industrial economics. These subjects showed me what wasn't my strength because I didn't enjoy them. It felt like trying to fit a round peg into a square hole. However, during the summer breaks, I worked selling mobile homes and found joy in the process—not in the product itself, but in the selling. I loved meeting new people, earning their trust, and sharing in their excitement when they made a purchase.
When I graduated and spoke with recruiters, I specifically looked for careers centered around sales. I became a stockbroker and trained on Wall Street for three months before returning home to use my sales skills in a fulfilling career. I didn't realize back then that I had found my brilliance; I stumbled upon it. Later, as a sales manager, I helped new brokers discover their own strengths. Sometimes, their brilliance wasn't in sales, so I guided them towards careers better suited to their skills, saving us both time and setting them on a more fitting path.
In conclusion, Amanda, I encourage you to explore various courses to uncover your brilliance. Your degree will have required courses, but you'll also have the chance to choose electives. Trust me, you'll soon identify what doesn't suit you and eventually find the career that aligns with your true passion.
Best regards,
Rick
Updated
Andres’s Answer
Hi Amanda, Create your own brand. Always think of solutions that reduce costs. If you want to create contacts, you must be genuine, but don't let your ego get the better of you. You must always strive for nobility. You must create your personality with judgment, but without overriding anyone. At some point, your contacts will offer you something you wouldn't want, or you'll have to weigh everything up. Remember that you won't be a gold coin to be liked by everyone. Just be yourself and improve every day.
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
I work as a marketing and communications director for a chamber of commerce and tourism bureau. I live in a busy tourist area where the economy relies heavily on visitors. Many of our chamber members run businesses focused on travel and tourism, like hotels, tour companies, concierge services, and tourism marketing businesses. Every week, I hear from freelance journalists, travel writers, influencers, photographers, and marketers who want to help promote our destination. These could be great options for you.
Many of these people seem to have exciting lives, traveling and capturing stories and photos of different places. However, they also spend a lot of time reaching out to people like me, waiting for responses, and facing rejection. Over time, this becomes part of their routine. If you're good at what you do and have good people skills, you'll build your own network too.
There are also opportunities in areas that support travel and tourism, like software. There are many niche services, such as booking engines, OTAs, and specialized service providers, that offer great potential.
Working in marketing for a multinational company might be another path. My son and daughter-in-law have worked for big companies that often sent them to different places around the world.
Finally, import/export could be a way to combine travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
If any of these ideas interest you, try reaching out to people already in those fields for informational interviews. People love talking about their work and are often happy to share their experiences.
Good luck!
I work as a marketing and communications director for a chamber of commerce and tourism bureau. I live in a busy tourist area where the economy relies heavily on visitors. Many of our chamber members run businesses focused on travel and tourism, like hotels, tour companies, concierge services, and tourism marketing businesses. Every week, I hear from freelance journalists, travel writers, influencers, photographers, and marketers who want to help promote our destination. These could be great options for you.
Many of these people seem to have exciting lives, traveling and capturing stories and photos of different places. However, they also spend a lot of time reaching out to people like me, waiting for responses, and facing rejection. Over time, this becomes part of their routine. If you're good at what you do and have good people skills, you'll build your own network too.
There are also opportunities in areas that support travel and tourism, like software. There are many niche services, such as booking engines, OTAs, and specialized service providers, that offer great potential.
Working in marketing for a multinational company might be another path. My son and daughter-in-law have worked for big companies that often sent them to different places around the world.
Finally, import/export could be a way to combine travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
If any of these ideas interest you, try reaching out to people already in those fields for informational interviews. People love talking about their work and are often happy to share their experiences.
Good luck!
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Amanda,
To identify and prepare for a career path that aligns with interests in travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship while involving active networking and diverse tasks, an incoming Georgia Tech Business Administration freshman can follow a structured approach. Below is a concise plan with actionable steps to take during college to build a strong foundation for success.
Identify Ideal Career Paths
Careers that blend travel, marketing, entrepreneurship, networking, and diverse tasks include:
- **International Marketing Manager**: Develops global marketing strategies, travels for market research or client meetings, and networks with diverse stakeholders.
- **Travel and Hospitality Marketing**: Promotes travel brands, destinations, or startups, combining marketing with travel and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- **Entrepreneur/Startup Founder in Travel or Marketing**: Launches a travel-tech startup, marketing agency, or lifestyle brand, requiring networking and varied responsibilities.
- **Brand Consultant for Global Firms**: Advises companies on branding, travels to clients worldwide, and leverages entrepreneurial skills.
- **Event Marketing or Destination Management**: Organizes global events or promotes tourism, involving travel, creativity, and networking.
**Steps to Explore Careers**:
1. **Self-Assessment**: Use tools like Georgia Tech’s Career Center (career.gatech.edu) to take personality and career interest assessments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory) to confirm alignment with these fields.
2. **Research Roles**: Explore job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed for roles like “global marketing manager” or “travel startup founder.” Note required skills (e.g., digital marketing, cultural fluency).
3. **Informational Interviews**: Connect with Georgia Tech alumni in marketing or travel entrepreneurship via Scheller College of Business’s alumni network or LinkedIn. Ask about their career paths, daily tasks, and travel opportunities.
4. **Attend Industry Events**: Join marketing or travel industry webinars, such as those hosted by the American Marketing Association (AMA) or Skift (travel industry insights), to learn trends and network.
Leverage Georgia Tech Resources
Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business offers robust resources to tailor your education and experiences.
**Academic **:
1. **Choose Relevant Concentrations**: Select Scheller’s Marketing concentration and consider Operations & Supply Chain or Strategy & Innovation to build entrepreneurial skills. Courses like “International Marketing” or “Entrepreneurial Finance” align with your interests.
2. **Study Abroad**: Enroll in Scheller’s global study programs (e.g., European Innovation Academy or Asia-Pacific programs) to gain international business exposure and travel experience.
3. **Minor or Certificate**: Consider a minor in International Affairs or a certificate in Entrepreneurship through Georgia Tech’s Create-X program to enhance cross-cultural and startup skills.
**Extracurricular **:
1. **Join Relevant Clubs**:
- **Scheller Marketing Association**: Hone marketing skills and network with industry professionals.
- **Startup Exchange or Create-X**: Engage with Georgia Tech’s entrepreneurship ecosystem to develop startup ideas in travel or marketing.
- **AIESEC Georgia Tech**: Participate in global exchange programs to combine travel, leadership, and networking.
2. **Case Competitions**: Compete in marketing or entrepreneurship case competitions (e.g., National Black MBA Association case competitions) to solve real-world problems and connect with recruiters.
3. **Undergraduate Research**: Work with Scheller faculty on marketing or consumer behavior research to deepen expertise and build mentor relationships.
Build Skills and Experience
Develop hard and soft skills tailored to your career goals while gaining practical experience.
**Key Skills to Develop**:
- **Marketing**: Master digital marketing (SEO, social media, analytics), branding, and market research. Use free tools like Google Analytics Academy or HubSpot Academy.
- **Entrepreneurship**: Learn business model development, pitching, and financial planning through Create-X workshops or online courses (e.g., Coursera’s “Entrepreneurship” series).
- **Cultural Competence**: Build global communication and adaptability skills through study abroad or language courses (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin).
- **Networking**: Practice relationship-building via LinkedIn outreach, informational interviews, and event mingling.
**Experience-Building Steps**:
1. **Internships**:
- **Freshman/Sophomore Year**: Seek summer internships in local marketing agencies, travel startups, or tourism boards via Handshake (Georgia Tech’s job portal).
- **Junior/Senior Year**: Target global firms like Delta Air Lines (Atlanta-based, travel-focused), Coca-Cola (global marketing), or startups in travel-tech (e.g., Tripadvisor, Airbnb). Apply for Scheller’s internship-for-credit program.
2. **Part-Time Roles**: Work part-time for Georgia Tech’s Office of International Education or campus event marketing to gain relevant experience.
3. **Freelance or Side Projects**: Launch a travel blog, YouTube channel, or social media campaign to showcase marketing skills and build a portfolio. Pitch services to local businesses or travel brands.
4. **Volunteering**: Organize events for Atlanta’s tourism initiatives (e.g., Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau) to gain event marketing experience and network.
Network Actively
Networking is critical for careers in marketing, travel, and entrepreneurship.
**Networking Steps**:
1. **Build a LinkedIn Profile**: Create a professional profile by freshman year. Share marketing project updates, travel experiences, and engage with industry leaders’ posts.
2. **Attend Career Fairs**: Participate in Scheller’s Business Career Fair and Georgia Tech’s All-Majors Career Fair to meet recruiters from travel and marketing firms.
3. **Join Professional Organizations**: Become a student member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) or Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for networking events and mentorship.
4. **Leverage Faculty and Alumni**: Meet with Scheller professors during office hours to discuss career goals. Use Georgia Tech’s alumni database to connect with graduates in your target fields.
5. **Local Networking**: Attend Atlanta-based marketing or startup events (e.g., Atlanta Tech Village pitch nights) to meet entrepreneurs and marketers.
Plan for Post-Graduation
Prepare for long-term success by setting goals and exploring further education or certifications.
**Post-Graduation Options**:
1. **Entry-Level Roles**: Apply for roles like marketing coordinator, brand associate, or business development at travel companies, agencies, or startups.
2. **Graduate School**: Consider an MBA with a marketing or entrepreneurship focus (e.g., Scheller’s MBA program) or specialized master’s in international business for global roles. Gain 2-3 years of work experience first.
3. **Certifications**: Earn certifications like Google Ads, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) for event marketing to boost employability.
4. **Start a Business**: Use Create-X’s Startup Launch program as a senior to develop a travel or marketing venture, leveraging Georgia Tech’s resources for funding and mentorship.
**Preparation Steps**:
1. **Build a Portfolio**: Compile marketing campaigns, blog posts, or startup pitches into a portfolio website by junior year to showcase to employers.
2. **Mock Interviews**: Use Georgia Tech’s Career Center for resume reviews and mock interviews tailored to marketing or travel roles.
3. **Set Milestones**: Create a four-year plan with goals (e.g., “Sophomore summer: marketing internship; Junior year: study abroad; Senior year: launch travel blog”).
Sample Four-Year Timeline
- **Freshman Year**: Join Scheller Marketing Association, take intro marketing courses, start LinkedIn, explore Create-X, secure a local summer internship.
- **Sophomore Year**: Declare Marketing concentration, join AIESEC, apply for study abroad, intern at a travel or marketing firm, start a blog or freelance project.
- **Junior Year**: Study abroad, compete in case competitions, take advanced marketing/entrepreneurship courses, secure a competitive summer internship (e.g., Delta, Coca-Cola).
- **Senior Year**: Lead a club or startup project, apply for jobs or Create-X Startup Launch, present portfolio at career fairs, graduate with a strong network and experience.
By combining Georgia Tech’s resources, targeted skill-building, and proactive networking, you can carve out a dynamic career that merges travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship while staying engaged with diverse tasks and global connections. For further guidance, visit Scheller’s Career Center or schedule an advising session early in your freshman year.
Follow travel and marketing trends on platforms like Skift, AdWeek, or X posts from industry leaders (@Skift, @AdAge). - **Balance Passion and Practicality**: Ensure career choices offer financial stability. Research salaries on Glassdoor (e.g., marketing managers earn $60K-$100K starting).
Use Atlanta’s Hub**: Leverage Atlanta’s status as a travel and business hub (home to Delta, Coca-Cola) for internships and networking
To identify and prepare for a career path that aligns with interests in travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship while involving active networking and diverse tasks, an incoming Georgia Tech Business Administration freshman can follow a structured approach. Below is a concise plan with actionable steps to take during college to build a strong foundation for success.
Identify Ideal Career Paths
Careers that blend travel, marketing, entrepreneurship, networking, and diverse tasks include:
- **International Marketing Manager**: Develops global marketing strategies, travels for market research or client meetings, and networks with diverse stakeholders.
- **Travel and Hospitality Marketing**: Promotes travel brands, destinations, or startups, combining marketing with travel and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- **Entrepreneur/Startup Founder in Travel or Marketing**: Launches a travel-tech startup, marketing agency, or lifestyle brand, requiring networking and varied responsibilities.
- **Brand Consultant for Global Firms**: Advises companies on branding, travels to clients worldwide, and leverages entrepreneurial skills.
- **Event Marketing or Destination Management**: Organizes global events or promotes tourism, involving travel, creativity, and networking.
**Steps to Explore Careers**:
1. **Self-Assessment**: Use tools like Georgia Tech’s Career Center (career.gatech.edu) to take personality and career interest assessments (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory) to confirm alignment with these fields.
2. **Research Roles**: Explore job descriptions on platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, or Indeed for roles like “global marketing manager” or “travel startup founder.” Note required skills (e.g., digital marketing, cultural fluency).
3. **Informational Interviews**: Connect with Georgia Tech alumni in marketing or travel entrepreneurship via Scheller College of Business’s alumni network or LinkedIn. Ask about their career paths, daily tasks, and travel opportunities.
4. **Attend Industry Events**: Join marketing or travel industry webinars, such as those hosted by the American Marketing Association (AMA) or Skift (travel industry insights), to learn trends and network.
Leverage Georgia Tech Resources
Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business offers robust resources to tailor your education and experiences.
**Academic **:
1. **Choose Relevant Concentrations**: Select Scheller’s Marketing concentration and consider Operations & Supply Chain or Strategy & Innovation to build entrepreneurial skills. Courses like “International Marketing” or “Entrepreneurial Finance” align with your interests.
2. **Study Abroad**: Enroll in Scheller’s global study programs (e.g., European Innovation Academy or Asia-Pacific programs) to gain international business exposure and travel experience.
3. **Minor or Certificate**: Consider a minor in International Affairs or a certificate in Entrepreneurship through Georgia Tech’s Create-X program to enhance cross-cultural and startup skills.
**Extracurricular **:
1. **Join Relevant Clubs**:
- **Scheller Marketing Association**: Hone marketing skills and network with industry professionals.
- **Startup Exchange or Create-X**: Engage with Georgia Tech’s entrepreneurship ecosystem to develop startup ideas in travel or marketing.
- **AIESEC Georgia Tech**: Participate in global exchange programs to combine travel, leadership, and networking.
2. **Case Competitions**: Compete in marketing or entrepreneurship case competitions (e.g., National Black MBA Association case competitions) to solve real-world problems and connect with recruiters.
3. **Undergraduate Research**: Work with Scheller faculty on marketing or consumer behavior research to deepen expertise and build mentor relationships.
Build Skills and Experience
Develop hard and soft skills tailored to your career goals while gaining practical experience.
**Key Skills to Develop**:
- **Marketing**: Master digital marketing (SEO, social media, analytics), branding, and market research. Use free tools like Google Analytics Academy or HubSpot Academy.
- **Entrepreneurship**: Learn business model development, pitching, and financial planning through Create-X workshops or online courses (e.g., Coursera’s “Entrepreneurship” series).
- **Cultural Competence**: Build global communication and adaptability skills through study abroad or language courses (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin).
- **Networking**: Practice relationship-building via LinkedIn outreach, informational interviews, and event mingling.
**Experience-Building Steps**:
1. **Internships**:
- **Freshman/Sophomore Year**: Seek summer internships in local marketing agencies, travel startups, or tourism boards via Handshake (Georgia Tech’s job portal).
- **Junior/Senior Year**: Target global firms like Delta Air Lines (Atlanta-based, travel-focused), Coca-Cola (global marketing), or startups in travel-tech (e.g., Tripadvisor, Airbnb). Apply for Scheller’s internship-for-credit program.
2. **Part-Time Roles**: Work part-time for Georgia Tech’s Office of International Education or campus event marketing to gain relevant experience.
3. **Freelance or Side Projects**: Launch a travel blog, YouTube channel, or social media campaign to showcase marketing skills and build a portfolio. Pitch services to local businesses or travel brands.
4. **Volunteering**: Organize events for Atlanta’s tourism initiatives (e.g., Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau) to gain event marketing experience and network.
Network Actively
Networking is critical for careers in marketing, travel, and entrepreneurship.
**Networking Steps**:
1. **Build a LinkedIn Profile**: Create a professional profile by freshman year. Share marketing project updates, travel experiences, and engage with industry leaders’ posts.
2. **Attend Career Fairs**: Participate in Scheller’s Business Career Fair and Georgia Tech’s All-Majors Career Fair to meet recruiters from travel and marketing firms.
3. **Join Professional Organizations**: Become a student member of the American Marketing Association (AMA) or Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for networking events and mentorship.
4. **Leverage Faculty and Alumni**: Meet with Scheller professors during office hours to discuss career goals. Use Georgia Tech’s alumni database to connect with graduates in your target fields.
5. **Local Networking**: Attend Atlanta-based marketing or startup events (e.g., Atlanta Tech Village pitch nights) to meet entrepreneurs and marketers.
Plan for Post-Graduation
Prepare for long-term success by setting goals and exploring further education or certifications.
**Post-Graduation Options**:
1. **Entry-Level Roles**: Apply for roles like marketing coordinator, brand associate, or business development at travel companies, agencies, or startups.
2. **Graduate School**: Consider an MBA with a marketing or entrepreneurship focus (e.g., Scheller’s MBA program) or specialized master’s in international business for global roles. Gain 2-3 years of work experience first.
3. **Certifications**: Earn certifications like Google Ads, HubSpot Inbound Marketing, or Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) for event marketing to boost employability.
4. **Start a Business**: Use Create-X’s Startup Launch program as a senior to develop a travel or marketing venture, leveraging Georgia Tech’s resources for funding and mentorship.
**Preparation Steps**:
1. **Build a Portfolio**: Compile marketing campaigns, blog posts, or startup pitches into a portfolio website by junior year to showcase to employers.
2. **Mock Interviews**: Use Georgia Tech’s Career Center for resume reviews and mock interviews tailored to marketing or travel roles.
3. **Set Milestones**: Create a four-year plan with goals (e.g., “Sophomore summer: marketing internship; Junior year: study abroad; Senior year: launch travel blog”).
Sample Four-Year Timeline
- **Freshman Year**: Join Scheller Marketing Association, take intro marketing courses, start LinkedIn, explore Create-X, secure a local summer internship.
- **Sophomore Year**: Declare Marketing concentration, join AIESEC, apply for study abroad, intern at a travel or marketing firm, start a blog or freelance project.
- **Junior Year**: Study abroad, compete in case competitions, take advanced marketing/entrepreneurship courses, secure a competitive summer internship (e.g., Delta, Coca-Cola).
- **Senior Year**: Lead a club or startup project, apply for jobs or Create-X Startup Launch, present portfolio at career fairs, graduate with a strong network and experience.
By combining Georgia Tech’s resources, targeted skill-building, and proactive networking, you can carve out a dynamic career that merges travel, marketing, and entrepreneurship while staying engaged with diverse tasks and global connections. For further guidance, visit Scheller’s Career Center or schedule an advising session early in your freshman year.
David recommends the following next steps: