Sarmad Saad

Scheller College of Business, Georgia Institute of Technology

“Syrian-born tech enthusiast, adventurous hummus aficionado, and relentless lifelong learner embracing personal and professional growth.”

Hometown: Damascus, Syria and Buenos Aires, Argentina

Fun fact about yourself: I’ve lived in six countries and speak three languages fluently!

Undergraduate School and Degree: American University of Beirut, Lebanon, Mechanical Engineering

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? I worked as a customer success manager at Salesforce in Argentina.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? I interned at Amazon as a senior program manager on the Insights and Innovations team, focusing on expanding the company’s footprint in Mexico’s $5B direct sales market.

Where will you be working after graduation? I’ll be joining Microsoft as a technical specialist in NYC, where I’ll drive digital innovation and create impactful solutions for Microsoft customers.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I served as the VP of the Tech Club, where I spearheaded initiatives to bridge the gap between students and the tech industry, organizing the 2024 Tech Forward Conference and curating company visits that provided firsthand exposure to industry trends and career pathways. I also volunteered as a case coach for the Consulting Club, where I dedicated time during the fall semester and winter break to mentoring first-year students, equipping them with the analytical and strategic thinking skills needed to excel in case interviews. Beyond structured coaching, I conducted mock behavioral interviews, offering tailored feedback to refine their storytelling and presence.

In addition to these leadership roles, I was selected to serve as a student interviewer for the MBA Admissions Committee, contributing to the selection of the Class of 2027 by evaluating candidates’ experiences, leadership potential, and fit for the program. Finally, I worked as a graduate research assistant for the Jones MBA Career Center and I played a pivotal role in expanding job opportunities for both Full-time and Evening MBA students, conducting targeted job mining and curating high-value career prospects to align with their goals.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the most rewarding experiences during business school was participating in the International Practicum course, where I had the opportunity to apply my business knowledge in a real-world, global setting. As part of this experience, I traveled to the Czech Republic with my colleagues to work with a local software company looking to expand into the U.S. market.

Our team conducted an in-depth market analysis, assessing competitive dynamics, regulatory considerations, and customer segmentation to identify the most viable entry strategies. We collaborated closely with the company’s leadership to refine their value proposition, develop a go-to-market strategy, and outline potential distribution channels. Beyond the business impact, the practicum was an incredible opportunity to strengthen relationships with my classmates, navigating challenges together and immersing ourselves in a new cultural and professional environment. The experience not only broadened my global business perspective but also reinforced my ability to solve complex problems in an international context.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The professional achievement I am most proud of is my internship project at Amazon, where I helped the company enter Mexico’s $5B catalog sales market. This industry was deeply rooted in traditional practices, with little available data on vendor operations, pricing, or sales strategies. Developing a viable market entry strategy required a hands-on, creative approach to uncover insights and navigate the complexities of this unstructured problem. The experience pushed me to think strategically, adapt quickly, and roll up my sleeves to build a scalable solution from the ground up.

Why did you choose this business school? What captivated me about the Scheller MBA program was the emphasis on a small class size. The intimate setting allows for meaningful connections, individualized attention from professors, and increased opportunities for active participation. I knew that a smaller class size would foster collaboration, making networking more personal and enhancing my overall MBA experience.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Without a doubt, Professor Karthik Ramachandran. Over four semesters as a graduate research assistant, I had the privilege of working closely with him on meaningful and intellectually stimulating projects. I also took his course on Collaborative Product Development, where his engaging and interactive teaching style made complex concepts come to life. Beyond the classroom, he consistently brought out the best in his students, offering invaluable advice on tech and business topics. His mentorship and passion for teaching made a lasting impact on my MBA experience.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course was Collaborative Product Development, taught by Professor Karthik Ramachandran. As someone who aspires to build and scale innovative tech ventures, this course provided me with the critical skills to think strategically about product development in both tech and business. It went beyond theory, challenging me to ask the right questions, evaluate trade-offs, and approach innovation with a structured yet creative mindset. The hands-on nature of the course, combined with real-world case studies, deepened my understanding of how cross-functional teams collaborate to bring products to market. It was an incredibly valuable experience that reinforced my passion for entrepreneurship and product strategy.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? If I could do one thing differently, I would have spent more time exploring Atlanta and enjoying everything the city has to offer. While I was fully immersed in the MBA program, I now realize I could have taken better advantage of the flexibility to experience more of Atlanta’s incredible food, music, and outdoor activities. From checking out new restaurants to venturing beyond Midtown and discovering different neighborhoods, the city has so much to offer, and I wish I had made more time to enjoy it outside of school.

What is the biggest myth about your school? A common myth about Scheller is that it’s heavily engineering-focused, given Georgia Tech’s reputation, and that most MBA students come from technical backgrounds. In reality, the program attracts people from a wide range of industries: consulting, finance, marketing, and beyond. While engineering and tech are certainly part of the mix, every perspective is valued and contributes to the learning experience. The same goes for the broader Georgia Tech network—it’s welcoming and supportive, whether you’re an engineer or a business leader shaping the future.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love most about Atlanta is its unique combination of being a thriving tech hub, a major business center, and a city with an incredible culture. As one of the fastest-growing tech and innovation ecosystems, Atlanta attracts top companies, startups, and talent, making it an exciting place to be as an MBA. The city is also incredibly well-connected—both as a major transportation hub and in the way it brings people together through networking, industry events, and collaboration. And of course, the restaurant scene is unbeatable. Whether it’s a classic Southern spot or a new international concept, there’s always something amazing to try.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? I think that Moneyball is a great example of how data-driven strategies can revolutionize even the most traditional industries—in this case, baseball. The film highlights the power of analytics in challenging conventional wisdom and driving better decision-making, a lesson that applies far beyond sports. It underscores the importance of questioning long-standing practices, embracing new methodologies, and leveraging data to gain a competitive edge. What stood out most to me is that disruption isn’t just a tech phenomenon—it can happen in any industry when innovative thinking is applied strategically.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Scheller has integrated AI into its programming in a thoughtful and practical way. Courses like AI in Business provide a structured approach to understanding how AI can enhance decision-making, focusing not just on how to use these tools but also on when and why they should be applied. Beyond dedicated AI courses, professors in other subjects have updated their syllabi to include discussions on AI’s impact, ensuring that we’re considering its role across different business functions. This approach has given me a clearer understanding of AI’s strengths and limitations, reinforcing the importance of using it as a complement to human judgment rather than a substitute.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? One classmate I really admire is Shawn Johnson. He’s thoughtful, supportive, and always makes sure everyone feels heard, whether in class discussions or social events. He has a way of bringing people together and creating a positive environment. His witty sense of humor always keeps things fun, even when the pressure is on. He’s the kind of person who makes any team better, not just because of his skills but because of the way he lifts up those around him. I feel lucky to have met him and even luckier to have become a close friend.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two items on my professional bucket list reflect both my passion for technology and my commitment to making a meaningful impact.

I’m excited to join Microsoft as a technical specialist, where I look forward to deepening my product expertise and growing within the company. It’s an incredible opportunity to refine my technical and business skills while working on innovative solutions that drive real value for customers. I’m eager to collaborate with talented teams, tackle complex challenges, and continue developing a strategic mindset that will serve me throughout my career.

Looking ahead, I want to use my experience in tech and business to launch a refugee resettlement platform that streamlines access to critical resources, such as housing, job opportunities, and legal support. Displacement is one of the most pressing global challenges, and I believe technology can play a key role in creating more efficient and scalable solutions. Making a tangible impact on people’s lives through innovation is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I hope to bring this vision to life in the future.

What made Sarmad such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Sarmad has a rare combination of compassion (likely based on his experiences in Syria and Argentina), kindness, maturity, and humor that is immediately apparent when you first meet him. He was an anchor of steadiness and leadership in our Czech Republic International Practicum. I appreciated Sarmad’s world-view, which revealed someone who was deeply experienced and knowledgeable about global cultures and current global events.”

John Parkerson
Czechia International Practicum Instructor

“Sarmad was an invaluable contributor to my research on creativity and entrepreneurial judgment. His exceptional work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and ability to take ownership of projects set him apart. Whether developing case studies with companies or pushing research beyond our original scope, he consistently brought fresh ideas and deep analysis. His multinational perspective and ability to identify frictions in the adoption of ideas made his contributions both rigorous and practical. The Class of 2025 benefited from his ability to bridge academic insight with real-world innovation.

Sarmad is the kind of MBA student who elevates those around him. He’s a leader who thrives on tackling complex and novel problems, always willing to push ideas beyond their initial scope. His global perspective, ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints, and talent for identifying the barriers to real-world adoption make him stand out. He’s not afraid to take risks with ideas, engage in deep problem-solving, and drive meaningful conversations. His presence in the Class of 2025 left a lasting mark, inspiring his peers to think more critically and creatively.”

Karthik Ramachandran
Dunn Family Professor
Professor; Area Chair, Operations Management

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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