Executive Brief 2023- 24 (July 2023 – July 2024)
Executive Summary
The Steven A. Denning Technology & Management (T&M) Program helps create cross-functional leaders in technology and business-related fields by building upon Georgia Tech’s outstanding programs and curriculum. Classes emphasize experiential learning and include hands-on elements, allowing Denning T&M students the opportunity to offer interdisciplinary-team solutions to real-world problems faced by the program’s corporate affiliates.
The Denning T&M Program is open to all Georgia Tech undergraduate students, including the Scheller College of Business, the College of Computing, the College of Engineering, the College of Design, the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, and the College of Sciences.
Business and Engineering students who complete the program earn a 22-credit minor in Engineering & Business. Computer Science and IT Management students earn a minor in Computing & Business. Students from all other colleges earn a minor in Technology & Business.
Vision: To develop a generation of collaborative, professionally adept, ethical, and successful business leaders with an openness to seeking and learning from alternative points of view and with the capability to leverage technology to improve the state of the world.
Mission: To be the flagship interdisciplinary program at Georgia Tech, offering minors at the intersections of technology and business, involving rigorous academic and professional training in collaboration with world-class faculty and corporate partners across a breadth of industries.
There are two sides to the program: students and corporate affiliates, and the five-member T&M faculty/staff team, with the support of our exceptional professors, bridge these two sides. Additionally, as the alumni base expands, the team strives to incorporate them into the program whenever possible.
When it comes to supporting our students, we offer rigorous academic challenges paired with events to encourage their growth as individuals and team members. We categorize our events as career development, corporate partnerships, academic, international, alumni-centered, community building, and administrative.
When it comes to establishing and nurturing our corporate partnerships, the T&M Program team works closely with each affiliate to meet their specific innovation and hiring needs. From on-site visits by our Administrative Director and Senior Manager, Corporate Relations & Student Counseling to office takeovers, the T&M career fair, and capstone project development, mentoring, and execution, we listen intently and execute process improvement to benefit affiliates and students alike.
This report includes our curriculum and information on our events to create a broad view of the T&M Program’s opportunities. In addition, it will touch on students, alumni, and corporate affiliates to show the unique ecosystem known across Georgia Tech as one of the exceptional offerings available to undergraduate students
Corporate Affiliate History
Current and past corporate affiliate capstone project data.
Corporate affiliates with T&M faculty and staff.
Salary Statistics
Across the board, students who graduate from Georgia Tech with one of our three minors realize a financial benefit in their starting salary. The graph below illustrates the differences across the five colleges for alumni starting full-time jobs in the summer of 2022. The percentages are the extra amount in percent earned above median salaries in the college. We used a two-year average median to account for anomalies in salary data. Also, the average hourly rate for T&M students interning during the summer of 2024 was $30/hour.
Two-Year (2022-23) Average Medians; T&M vs. College Medians
Computer Science (T&M; n=14)
Computer Science
Scheller College of Business (T&M; n=45)
Scheller College of Business
Engineering (T&M; n=44)
Engineering
College of Design (T&M; n=6)
College of Design
Ivan Allen College (T&M; n=5)
Ivan Allen College
$76,000.00
$79,000.00
$91,548.00
$91,897.00
$67,500.00
$72,920.00
$68,750.00
$125,500.00
$114,000.00
$109,866.00
Two-year (2022-23) Average Medians; T&M vs. College Medians
Career Development Events
At the Fall 2023 T&M Career Fair, Senior Manager, Corporate Relations & Student Counseling John Stanford welcomed affiliates while setting up their tables in the Tech Square Research Building. Over the course of the event, 126 students across 26 disciplines met with recruiters to explore internship and fulltime positions.
T&M’s Fall 2023 Career Fair was a tremendous success thanks to our partnerships with Caterpillar, Georgia-Pacific, The Home Depot, Naval Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)/US Navy, NCR Voyix, risk3sixty, Siemens, SmartPM, Southwire, and Steelcase. Most notable was the strong T&M alumni presence representing corporate affiliates. We had nine alumni serving as recruiters for six companies.
Aris Williams (mechanical engineering) and Nick Eliacin (computer science). Krisangi Bhargava (business – IT management), Zoe Mock (industrial design), and Landon Barrett (business – IT management).
Analysse Humaran (mechanical engineering), Christine Webster (public policy), Kelsey Bradford (computer science), Marina von Behren (finance), Arina Shah (computer engineering), and Gbemi Adeleye (biomedical engineering). | Wama Gbetibouo (Caterpillar, T&M Class of 2017) reviews a student’s resume.
Capstone Events
Before the academic year begins, corporate sponsors solidify their capstone project and start refining it if needed with the T&M team. About one month into the semester, September pre-capstone class sessions are reserved for affiliates to give their capstone project pitches. Most students have already met the speaker at an office takeover, making it easier for them to envision themselves working alongside the project lead for six months. The capstone project pitches also allow affiliates to get feedback in the form of the Q&A session on how our interdisciplinary students would propose tackling
their problem. We revealed the capstone teams at the Georgia Tech ropes course, and students tackled the challenges together. In many cases, they were joined on the ropes by one of their sponsors.
Ryan Kerns (T&M Class of 2014, Boeing) and Rob Stoker before delivering the Boeing capstone project pitch to the Class of 2024.
Commencement
On Monday, April 22, 2024, Class of 2024 T&M students met at the Academy of Medicine for their Commencement ceremony. The Class of 2024 nominated two Class Speakers, and Bob Burgess announced awards for students of the year and capstone project team winners. All other award winners are listed in the “Denning Awards” section.
Dr. Han Zhang with class speakers Sheila Trinh (business – operations & supply chain management) and Guy Broome (computer science).
International Events
Our March 2024 International Experience had a sustainability theme and was held in Panama City, Panama, and San Jose, Costa Rica Twenty-six students traveled with two staff members (Bob Burgess and Anne Lynch), one spouse (Lori Burgess), and one International Study Programs senior program manager (Adela Kutalkova).
Day One: Saturday, March 16, 2024
We kicked off our 2024 International Experience with International Study Programs on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at the Panama Canal. We spent the morning there and, in the evening, we went on a foodie tour on a replica “Diablos Rojos” painted school bus complete with flashing lights and blaring music.
The Panama Canal | Katie Krupczak (computer science), Haley Gruensfelder (industrial design), Suhas Yalamarti (business – IT management), Alice Xu (industrial design), and Guy Broome (Computer Science) at the Panama Canal.
Day Two: Sunday, March 17, 2024
Day Two brought us to visit an indigenous Embera community. Cody Kaplan (business – finance) writes, “Today our group traveled by boat along the Chagres river deep into the mountains to visit the Embera tribe, one of the indigenous tribes of Panamá. We immersed ourselves in the cultural experience, participating in various tribal dances, and enjoying a traditional meal of fish, meats, plantain, yuca, and fresh fruits. To the Embera, who shared so much, we say “Bia bua,” which means thank you in the Embera language. I won’t soon forget this one!”
Maddie Poch (business – IT management) in the front middle canoe surrounded by T&M students and staff. | Embera tribe member.
Day Three: Monday, March 18, 2024
T&M visited EnfraGen LLC in the morning and A.P. Moller – Maersk in the afternoon.
“We were able to visit EnfraGen, LLC a subsidiary of Glenfarne Energy Transition, LLC today. It was an enlightening dive into renewable energy sources, including solar, hydro, and wind. Our speaker today was Georgia Institute of Technology alumnus Jorge M. Dengo Garrón. During his talk, Jorge explained that his interest in sustainability started when he was a child in Costa Rica, where his uncle worked in a hydroelectric station. Jorge walked us through EnfraGen’s energy portfolio, showcasing their plant locations, how long they have existed, their capacity, and their carbon reduction. Seeking to shape the conversation around energy, the company hopes to overcome people’s misconceptions about renewable energy.
We had a wonderful visit to EnfraGen’s office and are thankful for the knowledge expressed by Jorge, CEO Jim Pontiff, and gracious presenters Maria Karina Pinzón, Tania Mabel Aponte Atencio, and Maruquel Flores Arosemena from the company.”
Written by the EnfraGen, LLC visit team - Xander Coles (industrial engineering), Agha Yusuf Khan (business – strategy & innovation), Theodore (Teddy) Koutsoftas (industrial design), and Sukrutha Suthari (business – IT management) who led this visit on behalf of their fellow students.
T&M Program students and staff with EnfraGen team.
“It was an honor and a privilege to meet Señor Antonio Dominguez, the President of Latin America and the Caribbean Region for A.P. Moller - Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping and logistics companies. It was eye-opening to learn not just about what Maersk does but the way they do it. In the words of Sr. Dominguez, Maersk doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk by moving away from fossil fuels and driving a sustainable future.
Maersk has a goal of zero carbon emissions by 2040; from what we saw, they are well on their way there. Maersk already has 12 green-methanol container ships (which have zero carbon emissions) on the water and will have 25 by the end of 2025.
Written by Miguel Daly (mechanical engineering), Owen Elkin (finance), and Katie Krupczak (computer science) who led this visit on behalf of their fellow students.
Day Four: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
T&M headed to Dicarina to meet with the warehouse manager and tour the warehouse.
“Today, we had the pleasure of visiting Dicarina one of Panama’s largest local distribution facilities. We had the honor of speaking to Eduardo Espinosa, the warehouse’s general manager, who explained how Dicarina plays a crucial role in supporting the logistics of product distribution and decent employment in Panama.
Through a tour of the warehouse led by Mr. Espinosa, we learned more about how Dicarina optimizes its warehouses based on product categories and palette heights. We watched as employees scanned and sorted inbound and outbound products during the distribution process while touring the warehouse. It was amazing to see firsthand the implications and ways the Dicarina supply chain operates based on consumer and manufacturing needs.
Written by Bhairavi Chhiba (economics), Zoe Mock (industrial design), and David Rozen (mechanical engineering).
Señor Antonio Dominguez | Miguel Daly (mechanical engineering), Katie Krupczak (computer science), Owen Elkin (finance), and Señor Antonio Dominguez.
Day Five: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Today the T&M group flew from Panama City, Panama to San Jose, Costa Rica. On arrival, they enjoyed a group lunch and then hear from Ms. Vanessa Gibson.
“Today, the T&M International Experience group had the opportunity to meet with Vanessa Gibson, Director of Corporate Development and Investment Climate, to learn how the CINDE - Experts in FDI (Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency) has been pivotal in transforming Costa Rica’s economy since 1982. It was amazing to hear about how Costa Rica can balance a growing economy while being the most sustainable country in the world, all with the help of CINDE’s efforts. It was an incredible experience to learn how they became the global role model for sustainability while recovering from an inflation crisis.
Written by Cole Kettner (chemical and biomolecular engineering), Julia Neagu (business – finance), and Madeline Poch (business – IT management).
Vanessa Gibson | Madeline Poch (business – IT management), Vanessa Gibson, Cole Kettner (chemical and biomolecular engineering), Julia Neagu (business – finance)
Day Six: Thursday, March 21, 2024
On Thursday, March 21, 2024, we visited AraCacao in the morning and the Toucan Rescue Ranch in the afternoon.
“We were excited to visit AraCacao a bean-to-bar chocolate company located in Costa Rica. During this time, we had the privilege of meeting with the founder and general manager, Albert Sánchez Gamboa.
Written by Joanna Reese (electrical engineering), John Rezabek (industrial engineering), and Suhas Yalamarti (business – IT management).
Theodore (Teddy) Koutsoftas (industrial design) takes a selfie with AraCacao’s chocolates.
“The Denning Technology & Management Program International Experience group had an unforgettable experience at the Toucan Rescue Ranch (TRR) in Costa Rica today! Here, we were warmly welcomed by the Environmental Education Coordinator at the TRR, Stephanie Valle Cubero, and guide, Joselyn Miranda-González. They both guided us through the ranch, introducing us to the fascinating world of wildlife conservation.
We saw sloths hanging from branches, toucans gracing the skies, agile wildcats, and mysterious owls. Every moment was a glimpse into the wonders of nature in Costa Rica. We also learned many facts about these animals, including how sloths move slowly to conserve energy, and how toucans have regenerative tongues.
Stephanie's passion for these animals was evident as she shared insights into the meticulous process of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rewilding them. Beyond the awe-inspiring encounters, we delved into the heart of TRR's mission. Learning about their extensive programs like the Education for All Program, Coffee with Sloths Event, Night Tours, and Student Internships, all aimed at conservation education and community engagement, left us inspired and hopeful for the future of these precious species.
Thank you, TRR, for opening our eyes to the beauty and importance of wildlife conservation. And a special thank you to Stephanie for being an incredible guide on this journey of discovery. Let's continue to support initiatives like TRR and work together to protect our planet's biodiversity!”
Written
by Guy Broome (computer science), William David Gomez (business – strategy & innovation), and Tony Tanory (computer science).
Cynthia Li’s (industrial design) photo of a sloth and a toucan.
Day Seven: Friday, March 22, 2024
On the final day of the 2024 International Experience, we visited La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park in the morning and the Hacienda Alsacia – Starbucks Coffee Farm in the afternoon.
“On our final day, the group stopped at La Casita del Cafe to see a coffee plantation and then visited La Paz Waterfall Gardens in Costa Rica. We had an awesome time walking through the butterfly observatory, monkey pass, hummingbird garden, and aviary, among many other animal exhibits. These exhibits all serve as wildlife refuges. The Gardens also hosted five waterfalls, where we were able to hike through 2.2 miles of Cloud and Rainforest.
Written by Anthony Birozes (biomedical engineering), Kareena Kumar (business – strategy & innovation), and Kaylin Nolan (international affairs and modern languages).
“We were thrilled to tour Hacienda Alsacia Starbucks Coffee Farm, the world's only Starbucks coffee plantation. Led by our guides, Mauro and Geraldine, we delved into the intricate process of coffee production, from plant to cup, gaining invaluable insights into sustainable methods employed by Starbucks to enhance the global coffee industry.
Written by Haley Gruensfelder (industrial design), Cody Kaplan (business – finance), Cynthia Li (industrial design), and Alice Xu (industrial design).
Students at the waterfall park.
T&M posing for a selfie with the tour guide.
Alumni Events, Involvement, and Accomplishments
Anne Lynch serves as our alumni engagement manager. She met with several alumni for one-on-one meetings, invited them to student workshops, facilitated 16 alumni office takeovers where they could interact with current students in a small group setting, and traveled to Washington D.C., Seattle, Washington, New York, New York, Chicago, Illinois, and San Francsico, California to hosts lunch and dinner reunions. Anne also hosted two Atlanta reunions at Torched Hop Brewing in Midtown. John Stanford, Senior Manager, Industry Engagement & Student Counseling, maintained open communication with alumni during the past year and focused his efforts on alumni working for corporate affiliates. Additionally, 56 alumni critiqued midterm presentations for the Class of 2024 capstone teams. It was a fruitful year for alumni engagement!
Between August 2023 and July 2024, 252 unique alumni engaged in one or more ways with the Denning T&M Program. As of May 2024, we have 782 alumni.
T&M alumni in Washington, D.C in October 2023. | Connor Meeds (T&M Class of 2020) and Giancarlo Vargas (T&M Class of 2020).
Phuong Ninh (T&M Class of 2015) talking to students at an alumni office takeover in October 2023.
D’Andre Waller (T&M Class of 2017), TreVorski Garrett (T&M Class of 2014), Henderson Johnson II (T&M Class of 2016), Wama Gbetibouo T&M Class of 2017), Alex Grady (T&M Class of 2018), Aboubacar Barrie (T&M Class of 2023), and Dorian Lee (T&M Class of 2020) in Atlanta.
Dr. Han Zhang, Sheena Brown, and Anne Lynch from the T&M team. | Lulu Gao (T&M Class of 2022), Rubi Runton (T&M Class of 2023), and Cindy Zhou (T&M Class of 2023) at the Atlanta alumni reunion.
Anthony Birozes and Yusuf Khan from the T&M Class of 2024. | Jeremy DiBattista (T&M Class of 2019) and Charlie Ye (T&M Class of 2020).
Twenty-one Seattle-based alumni met for dinner and drinks in May 2024.
Twenty-nine percent of our New York City alumni (27 out of 92) met at The Liberty NYC on Thursday, June 20, 2024. We had representatives from 11 out of 15 cohorts and Sid Balaga won the unofficial contest of newest resident; he moved to New York the previous weekend.
Caitlyn Nazareth (T&M Class of 2020) at a coffee meeting in New York City in June 2024. | Anne Lynch, Jamal Johnson (T&M Class of 2015) and Sierra Menzies Johnson (T&M Class of 2016) at the New York City alumni reunion in June 2024.
The number of Chicago Alumni Events grew as the trip unfolded. What started as one dinner and one lunch turned into two coffee meetings, one dinner, one venue-change for dessert, one nighttime tour, and one lunch. Anne Lynch met with nine of our 24 Chicago-area alumni for a 37.5% engagement.
Anne Lynch and Anna Katherine Cates (T&M Class of 2020) in front of “The Flamingo” by Alexander Calder in Chicago, Illinois in June 2024. | Tommy Antonino (T&M Class of 2015), Roshan Balakrishan (T&M Class of 2017), Rishi Patel (T&M Class of 2018), Anne Lynch, Abbie Burton (T&M Class of 2015), and Reena Shah (T&M Class of 2016) at dinner in Chicago.
“It was great seeing everyone!” – Abbie Burton
Anne Lynch, Roshan Balakrishan, Reena Shah, Abbie Burton, and Tommy Antonino enjoying desert in Chicago. | Anne Lynch and Tommy Antonino with the nighttime skyline behind them.
Anne Lynch met with 33 of our 73 Bay Area alumni over two days and five events in July 2024, which resulted in 45% engagement. Plus, out of these 33 alumni, four people came to two events, and one alumnus was at three!
Mo Shen (T&M Class of 2014), Anne Lynch, Shivani Mehrotra (T&M Class of 2020) and Elena Schriever (T&M Class of 2020) at lunch in Mountain View, California in July 2024. | T&M Class of 2022 classmates Lulu Gao and Aleksandr Kalenchits at an evening alumni reunion in San Francisco in July 2024.
Bay Area T&M Program alumni met for dinner and drinks in San Francisco in July 2024.
“It was fun to meet lots of new people! I had been wanting to join one of these T&M events for a while. Appreciate you coordinating this, Anne Lynch!” – Michael Paravati
