Suzy Livingston

Georgia Institute of Technology, Scheller College of Business

“A passionate problem solver aiming to leave companies, and the world, better than they were.”

Hometown: Jupiter, Florida

Fun Fact About Yourself: I got my boater’s license before my driver’s license.

Undergraduate School and Major:  University of Florida, Marketing

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Florida Atlantic University, University Relations and Public Affairs Coordinator

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the school’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The Jones Career Center here at Scheller, and how fantastic they are, was a key part of my decision when choosing Scheller. It was important to me that I would have guidance and support on my career journey and that I would be able to leave this program with my dream job.

The Scheller MBA ranks among the best for instilling innovation and creativity according to alumni and students surveyed by Bloomberg Businessweek. How have seen this in the programming so far? I think that my professors do a great job emphasizing innovation and creativity in the classroom. Getting to take classes like managing information resources where we got to learn about innovation in the information technology field was a great opportunity that I think most other MBA programs do not offer.

At Scheller, you are literally across the street from Tech Square and living in one of the dynamic business environments in the world. What makes Atlanta such a great place to live and learn for you? As a non-Georgia native, I can unbiasedly confirm that Atlanta is a fantastic place to live and learn.  I have enjoyed getting to learn from company leaders and business professionals in Atlanta such as UPS, Delta Air Lines, and KPMG. Being in Atlanta also provides many opportunities to work directly with businesses in the area through internships or classes like pro-bono consulting. Besides enjoying the Atlanta weather, I really like how diverse the city is. My friends and I have loved hiking, trying out local restaurants, and hanging out at Piedmont Park.

What quality best describes your MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? The quality that best describes my fellow MBA classmates is kind-hearted. My classmates are incredibly compassionate and caring and I know that I could count on them to help me out with anything I need inside or outside of school. Everyone is always offering their help or checking up on one another, even before they are asked.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: In the spring of 2018, following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas, I was placed on a team to develop a program at Florida Atlantic University for high school students to learn about activism and community involvement. Throughout the two-and-a-half years I was involved in this program, we were able to bring in congressmen, professional athletes, world-renown activists, and many others to speak with our students. This program has been super successful, and it has been amazing to see the students’ passion for the world around them and the difference this program is making in their lives and the community.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far? My biggest accomplishment so far as an MBA student has been landing a summer internship at Kimberly-Clark Professional. Kimberly-Clark was one of my target companies when I began at Scheller so it was really exciting to receive and accept an internship with them.

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? I decided to pursue an MBA because I was ready to be challenged with a higher-level position and transition out of higher education. I knew that receiving my MBA would equip me with the knowledge that I needed, as well as the personal growth, to be successful in my career moving forward.

What was your defining moment and how did it prepare you for business school? During my junior year of high school, I had one of my best friends pass away unexpectedly. Since this was the first time I had experienced a loss like this, it changed my perspective on a lot of things in the world and taught me a lot of life lessons I still carry with me. Reflecting back on his life, my friend showed me how to work hard in pursuit of my dreams, the importance of strong relationships, and simply to enjoy each day. I think that all of these lessons have helped me to be successful so far at Scheller as they have propelled me to excel inside and outside of the classroom, take advantage of the opportunities I have been given, and enjoy the time I have with my classmates.

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