Cadence Martin

Georgia Institute of Technology, Scheller College of Business

“I am a book-loving tree hugger who simply wants to fix everything.”

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Fun Fact About Yourself: In an attempt to move toward slow fashion, I took up sewing and can now make my own clothes.

Undergraduate School and Major:

• University of Georgia, B.A. Economics, B.A. English
• New York University, M.A. Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Kresnicka Research & Insights, Consulting Analyst

What has been your favorite part of Atlanta so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA? I grew up in Virginia Highlands, a neighborhood in Atlanta, so coming back after a transformative decade has let me rediscover an Atlanta that’s new but still familiar enough that I know the best bakeries. I had not planned to come back, but Atlanta has proven ideal for pursuing an MBA because it is seeing such explosive growth – the resulting need for talent gives us a perfect springboard into our careers in the economic hub of the southeast.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of the Scheller MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? I came to Scheller because it is one of only a few MBA programs in the country that offers a sustainability concentration. Pivoting into ESG strategy – my goal in coming back to school – becomes easier with that tangible credential. As part of a STEM-focused university, Scheller practically requires us to dig into the crossroads of business and innovation which I think will lay at the center of building a greener future.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Georgia Tech? It may seem trite, but I have loved getting to know my classmates. Every one of them is interesting, driven, and kind. We have a shared break in the middle of our day, and most of us spend it talking in our common room. Our schedules will become more fragmented with next semester’s electives, and I’m already mourning the loss of that time together.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: As a researcher, I got to tackle and take apart a number of complex, interesting questions. However, I think the moment that I felt most accomplished was when a client waved off a chance to make edits because they felt my grasp of their business concern was better than their own. Earning that trust through sheer competence let me know I nailed that project.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: Apart from clawing my way through our core finance class, my biggest accomplishment at Scheller has been joining the Net Impact chapter leadership. It has allowed me to bond with the second years who care about solving the same problems I do. Plus, it has afforded me with more insight into the world of sustainability in Atlanta and offered opportunities to stretch beyond my coursework.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? I had the opportunity to moderate a Drawdown Georgia panel on careers in sustainability. Listening to people across different industries talk about how they’re tackling everything from energy storage and reducing waste to DEI underscored the importance of the impact I can have coming out of Scheller.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Georgia Tech Scheller’s MBA program? My advice would be to know why you want to come to Scheller specifically. Georgia Tech presents so many unique opportunities, especially in the world of business schools. Be intentional about which ones you’re interested in pursuing. Not only is it important for the admissions process, but it will also help you hit the ground running when you matriculate. A general piece of advice that is doubly true here: be nice to everyone you meet.

DON’T MISS: MEET GEORGIA TECH SCHELLER’S MBA CLASS OF 2024