Jayalaxmi Jagannathan

“Engineer with Indian roots and tech background, pursuing an MBA to explore the world of business”

Hometown: Chennai, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a connoisseur of international cuisine, with a particular weakness for spicy street food.

Undergraduate School and Major:

Anna University, Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Instrumentation

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Freshworks, Senior Product Manager

What has been your favorite part of Atlanta so far? What has made it such a great place to earn an MBA?

Atlanta is a confluence of myriad of things– adventure, art, food, startups, and enterprises across different industries, sport, and most importantly the incredible people of Georgia Tech.

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? 

Choosing Scheller for my MBA was a strategic move, driven by the unique Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results (TI:GER) program. With six years in a growth-stage startup, I witnessed the pivotal role of strategy and innovation. TI:GER, a STEM concentration in Strategy and Innovation, provides the perfect avenue to hone skills essential for business leadership. Beyond the curriculum, the close-knit community at Scheller, evident from interactions with students and alumni, solidified my choice. From unwavering support during my application to ongoing guidance, Scheller stands as the foundation I sought for my MBA journey—a platform to explore diverse avenues before my next professional chapter.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Georgia Tech? 

I really enjoy being part of the Consulting Club at Georgia Tech. Despite not having much background in consulting, the club’s events let me learn from industry professionals and alumni about various industries, problems, and how to prepare for the future.

I also love the Hobby Nights and Thursday Night Socials. As an international student, these events help me connect with my MBA classmates, seniors, and alumni. They’ve not only been social gatherings but also opportunities to create lasting memories and adjust to American culture. These experiences are making my time at Georgia Tech truly memorable.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far:

I played a pivotal role in a dynamic three-member product team that transformed an incubated conversational AI technology into a thriving product within a year. Our efforts not only propelled the product to a substantial revenue milestone but also served as a cornerstone in shaping the company’s overarching AI strategy. It was a collaborative journey that underscored the power of innovation and strategic execution.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far:

My standout achievement as an MBA student is not just securing a spot in the highly competitive TI:GER concentration but also the transformative personal growth it has catalyzed. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I’ve honed communication skills, evolved into a more collaborative team player, and embraced the responsibility of being a trustworthy leader. My greatest accomplishment lies in eagerly embracing the diverse experiences this program has offered, fostering excitement and curiosity in my journey of self-improvement.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far?

My fondest MBA memory revolves around tailgating at Georgia Tech football games. It started with hosting a brunch for my MBA friends, followed by diving into the lively tailgate atmosphere, where I had the chance to connect with enthusiastic alumni and peers. The day became an unforgettable blend of camaraderie, learning American football as a newcomer, and creating lasting bonds in the vibrant Georgia Tech community.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Georgia Tech Scheller’s MBA program?

 For aspiring applicants to Georgia Tech Scheller’s MBA program, my advice is to deeply reflect on their innovative thinking and leadership experiences in their professional careers, ensuring they can articulate these achievements effectively. Highlighting qualitative contributions is key, given the program’s emphasis on a close-knit community. Additionally, showcasing a genuine willingness to actively engage and immerse oneself in the diverse offerings of the program will undoubtedly strengthen their candidacy.

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