David Martin
Georgia State senior computer information systems major David Martin has already written the code for his post-graduation plans. After interning last summer with Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines, he’s hoping to start his career at the company before returning to Georgia State to pursue an MBA.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
Tell me about yourself and how you got to Georgia State.
The prospect of going to college was anxiety-inducing, and although I knew where I wanted to go, I didn’t know how to approach it.
I initially pursued an actuarial science degree because I heard it made a lot of money, but I needed to be more passionate about the work. When I took the Intro to CIS 2010 course, I loved everything about it and felt I had a future in computer information systems.
What type of extracurricular activities are you involved in?
I am the co-vice president of Women in Technology (WIT), the co-academic access director of Tighter Grip: African-American Male Initiative and a member of The 1913 Society. WIT was the first organization I got involved with on campus. I heard about the great things they’ve done and the success that their students have had and I wanted to be a part of the initiative.
What’s the next step in your academic career?
I want to pursue a Master of Business Administration. After my summer internship, I learned that it may be more beneficial with work experience, so I hope to work with Delta Air Lines for a few years, then return to Georgia State to pursue an MBA.
Why Delta Air Lines?
Delta Air Lines is one of the premier organizations in Atlanta, and I love my home state, so I’m looking for opportunities to stay within the community. I was fortunate and blessed enough to receive a chance to intern there last summer and Delta has genuinely changed the course of my career. The people there are so friendly and supportive, and the division I worked in was diverse, which made me feel at home within my team and the division. It also exposed me to what my career can look like at other large enterprises.
Besides Delta, what other internship opportunities have you had?
The previous summer, I worked as a solutions architect intern at Dell Technologies. Although the position was remote, we flew to the headquarters for a week to experience the company’s culture. Seeing the space and everyone hard at work and innovating was a wonderful experience.
What other opportunities have you had while studying at Georgia State?
In fall 2022, I was part of the Digital Learners to Leaders internship course through the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Online Education (CETLOE). Through that program, I participated in a competitive hackathon sponsored by MARTA to improve access to public transportation in Atlanta. My team and I created an innovative proof of concept to present to the judges.
What advice do you have for those coming to Georgia State?
Get involved on campus as much as you can. You have many opportunities to excel and develop yourself professionally, creatively and socially. You have to look for it. The more involved you get, the more opportunities you will receive, the better friendships you’ll develop and the more confidence you’ll have in yourself as a contributor to your community.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus would have to be Kenley’s Restaurant, a soul food restaurant. It is a place that offers affordable food and pleasant people to be around. I highly recommend going there for cheap food, friendly faces and a sense of community.
