Georgia Tech’s campus is an open space for visitors, especially those who are interested in being part of an incoming class. To offer an in-depth perspective on the Institute, the Georgia Tech Tour Guides are here to provide prospective students and their families with an engaging campus visit.

Campus Tour Guides are passionate about their school, equipped with knowledge, and eager to share their personal experiences — and you can join them.

Applications are now open for Spring 2020 guides and will close Monday, Nov. 4

Why They’re Guides

Brianna Prindle, a biomedical engineering major, is the group’s vice president of Recruitment. “When I first toured Georgia Tech, my guide had a huge influence on why I wanted to come to school here,” she said. “Leaving that tour, I decided that not only would I come to Tech, I would also be a tour guide and have the same influence on others. A total of eight semesters later, it is the best decision I've made. To have a family at the end of your tour express how you helped them see your love of Tech is one of the best feelings in the world.”

“I love being a tour guide because after every tour I’m reminded of how lucky I am to go to such an incredible school,” said Macie Shoun, a third-year industrial engineering major. “Even on the most stressful weeks, giving a tour makes my day. Sharing my love for Georgia Tech with potential students constantly reminds me of why I’m here.”

Not surprisingly, each guide brings a unique story to the table.

“Every is involved in different parts of campus. This lets every tour have a unique perspective from the sheer variety of guides and stories on our staff,” said Duke Hatcher, a computer science major who serves as vice president of Training. “This makes being a Tour Guide eye-opening to the many opportunities at Georgia Tech.”

Becoming a Guide

Regardless of where you first heard about the Tour Guide program, there are many reasons to join the flourishing community.

In an effort to be representative of the Georgia Tech student population, the Tour Guide leaders seek students from all majors, cultural backgrounds, and extracurricular experiences. Regardless of their year in school, all interested undergraduates are encouraged to apply.

After an application review and interview, selected Tour Guides participate in extensive training, including a day-long welcome session, informational meetings, Q&As, shadow tours, co-tours, and tour audits.

Once trained, Tour Guides dedicate two hours each week to giving a tour, attending a biweekly general meeting, and participating in other events.

Becoming a Tour Guide can allow students to develop or refine their communication skills, as well as meet other enthusiastic students. Prospective guides are encouraged to visit the Georgia Tech Tour Guide Facebook page or website for updates.

Why Take a Tour

In an era during which it only takes minutes to take a virtual tour online, for some, seeing pictures or a 3D representation of a campus may be enough. For students seeking an engaging campus visit, though, Tour Guides are prepared for the job.

The organization’s advisor and assistant director of Campus Visits and Events for Undergraduate Admission, Katy Beth Chisolm, offered her perspective.

“I recommend that students visit a few prospective schools,” Chisolm said. “College campuses can be different in person, and students may fall in love with something they didn’t know existed.”

Georgia Tech campus tours are offered to groups of about 15 people and last about an hour and a half. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and dress for the weather, as tours take place rain or shine. Tours are offered twice a day, five days a week, and continue through the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Tour Guides serve as a resource both during and after a tour. The job doesn’t end after they take off their polos; in fact, many guides will share their contact information in order for visitors to follow up with questions even after they leave campus. 

To register for a tour, visit admission.gatech.edu/visit. Faculty and staff interested in touring campus should contact Katy Beth Chisolm to schedule a tour.