The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have ended, but for three Georgia Tech students, the tournament gave them work experience that will last a lifetime.
More than 26 million people watched the Argentina vs. England semifinal match held at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium — setting viewership records on both Fox and Telemundo. Santiago Calvino, Daniela Ruiz, and Grace Inagaki were not among those watching at home. Instead, they were helping execute broadcasts as interns with Host Broadcast Services (HBS).
The trio of Yellow Jackets worked all eight matches in Atlanta with the company that has been FIFA’s official broadcast partner since 2002. Inagaki, a fourth-year biomedical engineering student, and Calvino, a second-year economics and international affairs student, were members of the Commentary Control Room (CCR) team, helping set up equipment before the match and adjusting levels for commentators in the booth. Ruiz, a second-year literature, media, and communication student, served on the media liaison team, directing broadcasters to their locations and acting as the first point of contact for media professionals.
The event’s scale made for a surreal experience, but Inagaki says their focus remained on the task at hand. For the CCR team, this meant equalizing levels as a broadcaster’s voice rose after a goal, reacting to technical glitches in real time, and offering translation help to Spanish broadcasters.
“This was the coolest thing we’ve ever done, and it was incredible just to be in the stadium. While we were aware of the ticket cost and the hype around the event as it was happening, our job was in the media booth, not on the pitch. For us, it was about being a professional and getting the job done,” Inagaki said.
As soccer fans, the students began looking for ways to get involved as World Cup preparations got underway. When each of them saw an email from the Georgia Tech Career Center about the HBS Intern Program, they jumped at the chance to apply.
“You can't put into perspective how much work and how many people it takes to make an event like the World Cup happen,” Ruiz said. “We saw everything that occurred on match days, and knowing that work had been going on for years is fascinating, especially seeing it all play out behind the scenes as the match was going on. It was so rewarding to play even a small role in such a massive operation.”
Calvino added, “As a fan, I never truly thought of how many people it takes to make sure these matches run smoothly, and this internship has given me a new appreciation of everyone who puts in the effort before, during, and after the match to make that happen. It's satisfying to know that I played a part in delivering a positive experience to fans around the world."
The placement of the job postings stemmed from a conversation between Georgia Tech’s Career Center and HBS more than a year before the tournament began. Dana Pudenz, employer connections manager in the Career Center, spoke at length with HBS representatives about the type of interns they were seeking to fill positions for the World Cup. Pudenz made sure the applications were posted to CareerBuzz, Tech’s career management platform, and shared them with students via email and student organizations.
Throughout their internship, the students said Tech had prepared them to tackle challenges and to fully embrace this “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. “When talking with these companies and organizations, they know Georgia Tech’s reputation, but they also realize that every major here is going to have the well-rounded background they need to succeed,” Pudenz said. “Whether it's the World Cup or other events that come to the city, they know where to turn to get motivated students who want to work and will be the ones they want to hire for full-time positions.”
Regardless of where students are in their degree programs, Pudenz and the World Cup interns encourage Yellow Jackets to connect with the Career Center. The All-Majors Career Fair will take place Sept. 14 – 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and there will be a Faculty Employer Networking Breakfast from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on both days. All faculty are invited to attend. Contact the Career Center with any questions.
Shreyes N. Melkote, Morris M. Bryan Jr. Professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering and executive director of the Novelis Innovation Hub at Georgia Tech, has been named interim associate vice president of Corporate Engagement, effective Sept. 1. He will report to Executive Vice President for Research Tim Lieuwen and will lead the Office of Corporate Engagement (OCE) during a national search for the position’s permanent successor.
Melkote succeeds J. Mark Nolan, who announced he will step down from the role effective Aug. 31 after helping establish and grow Georgia Tech’s integrated approach to corporate engagement and industry partnerships.
“I am grateful to Shreyes for stepping into this important leadership role during this transition,” said Lieuwen. “Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build meaningful partnerships between academia and industry. His deep understanding of research, innovation, and corporate collaboration makes him uniquely qualified to lead our corporate engagement efforts as we continue advancing Georgia Tech’s mission and strengthening relationships with industry partners around the world.”
Melkote brings extensive experience building industry partnerships and collaborative research programs. He serves as executive director of the Novelis Innovation Hub at Georgia Tech and has led the Institute’s strategic engagement with The Boeing Company since 2012 through its University Innovation Program. An internationally recognized manufacturing researcher, Melkote has authored more than 300 publications and is a fellow of ASME, SME, and CIRP.
“I am honored to serve in this role and build upon the strong foundation established by Mark Nolan and the Office of Corporate Engagement team,” said Melkote.
A national search is underway for the permanent associate vice president of Corporate Engagement. The search is being led by Chris Jones, John F. Brock III School Chair and Professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, with support from executive search firm WittKieffer.
Learn more about the position and search process.
As a new semester dawns and thousands of new Yellow Jackets arrive, Week of Welcome is a chance for students new to campus to learn their surroundings, meet new people, and have fun before classes begin.
Week of Welcome began in 2020 and has grown each year. For 2026, the weeklong celebration features more than 300 events, offering experiences and opportunities for all first-year, graduate, and transfer students.
“This week is an opportunity for students to connect and explore campus, get connected to culture and to their peers, but also just an opportunity to have fun before the stress of coursework begins,” said Chrissonia McCall, senior project support specialist in Housing and Residence Life.
Signature events like New Student Convocation bring thousands together to share in the start of their Tech journey, but Week of Welcome features plenty of smaller-scale events that allow students to connect and get to know their peers.
“Many of our events are 30 students or fewer, and those are great chances to find an organization that piques your interest or to find something completely new to you. This week is all about exploring the breadth of what is available at Tech and bringing down those barriers for students to engage with their new surroundings. Everyone is new and figuring things out at the same time, so this is a time when you can learn it all together,” Tegra Myanna, director of engagement and program operations in Housing and Residence Life, said.
To expedite the Week of Welcome experience, students should fill out the waiver form.
All Week of Welcome events can be found on Engage, but here are some you may want to mark on your calendar.
When: Monday, Aug. 17, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Exhibition Hall and John Lewis Student Center
Hosted by the Student and Campus Event Centers, Housing and Residence Life, and Tech Dining, this high-energy event is your chance to meet fellow Yellow Jackets, enjoy food, explore the John Lewis Student Center, and experience fun, music-themed activities.
When: Monday, Aug. 17, 7 – 9 p.m.
Where: Tech Green
Hosted by the Center for Student Engagement, which includes Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Media, Student Organizations, Civic Engagement, and John Lewis Student Leadership Pathways, the Yellow Jacket Mega Mixer is a chance to meet new friends, engage with student leaders, and immerse yourself in campus life.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Hall
Kick off your Georgia Tech journey by discovering the people, places, and programs designed to support your success. The fair connects students with a wide range of campus resources and organizations committed to well-being and growth — both in and out of the classroom. Explore interactive tables; meet peers, faculty, and staff; and learn how to make the most of the Tech experience.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Where: Couch Park
Join Women's and Men's Club Volleyball out on the grass to play volleyball and make new friends along the way. Volleyball courts will be set up on the grass to play in a casual pickup style for people of all skill levels to participate.
When: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where: Tech Square
Experience a place that's unmistakably Georgia Tech. Taste of Tech Square is an immersive food festival just steps from campus, serving up delicious bites, lively entertainment, and a glimpse into the future of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Where: Stamps Field
RecFest is Georgia Tech Campus Recreation’s signature annual kickoff event designed to welcome students to campus and connect them with the wide range of recreation programs, services, and clubs available at the CRC.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2:45 – 4:15 p.m.
Where: Esports and Gaming Lounge, Campus Recreation Center
Hosted by Georgia Tech Esports, this event will feature a tour of the new space and provide an overview of the organization before an open, free-play session for students in the gaming lounge.
When: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where: Paper & Clay
This event is an opportunity to explore Paper & Clay's crafts by making dorm decor and friendship bracelets.
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Midtown Ballroom, Exhibition Ballroom
Held in conjunction with Graduate Institute Orientation, GradExpo connects new graduate students with over 50 campus units and student organizations, showcasing the many resources and services available to support graduate students at Tech.
When: Thursday, Aug. 20, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Georgia Tech Library
Take over the Library for a night of fun, filled with entertainment, snacks, video games, trivia, arts and crafts, and free giveaways.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Room C456, Van Leer Building
Beginners and pros alike are invited to attend this open workshop hosted by Magicians @ GT to pick up some cool new tricks to impress your friends.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 1 – 3 p.m.
Where: McAuley Aquatic Center, Campus Recreation Center
Watch and cheer teams on as they have 60 minutes to build a canoe out of cardboard, duct tape, and other supplies before they must paddle their boat across the McAuley Aquatic Center pool.
When: Friday, Aug. 21, 6 – 9 p.m.
Where: Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field
Georgia Tech Athletics is hosting a House Party to welcome students back to campus. Enjoy inflatables, on-field activities, a live DJ, a gaming truck, and food trucks. The event will have a clear bag policy, and students are allowed to bring empty, non-metal, reusable water bottles into the stadium.
When: Sunday, Aug. 23, 4 – 5 p.m.
Where: McCamish Pavilion
Get your RAT cap, T-Book, and Georgia Tech pin at this year’s New Student Convocation. The event is a welcome ceremony for incoming students, and more information can be found on the New Student Convocation website. Connect with peers beforehand at the New Transfer and Commuter Student Pre-Convocation Mixer at the John Lewis Student Center from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Generating $6.3 billion in economic impact for Georgia’s economy in fiscal year 2025, Georgia Tech surpassed its own record and continues to lead all state public universities, according to a University System of Georgia (USG) study.
Tech’s contribution is an 8.8% increase over fiscal year 2024 and accounts for more than 25% of the $25.1 billion economic activity created by the 25 USG colleges and universities — $16.3 billion in direct spending by students and by institutions, and an additional $8.8 billion generated in local communities as those dollars circulate through the economy.
The study, conducted by the Selig Center for Economic Growth in the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, also measures the value of a USG degree, projecting that graduates will boost their work-life earnings in Georgia by 80% and earn $1.4 million more than those who receive a high school diploma.
"Serving Georgia is core to our mission as a public university,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “Our $6.3 billion contribution to the economy is one of the many important ways we create value for our state. Together with the talent we develop, the businesses we help create and grow, and the innovation we drive, we are proud to deliver best-in-kind return on the significant investment the state makes in our work year after year."
The Institute conferred 13,096 degrees in fiscal year 2025, with the study estimating total work-life earnings of more than $48.6 billion for the class of 2025. Through reductions in in-state tuition and fees, increased access to need-based scholarships, and commitments to preparing graduates for the jobs of the future, Tech continues to be ranked among the top universities for return on investment and career placement.
In addition to the value it offers to students, Georgia Tech directly employs 12,288 people on campus, and the study finds that an additional 25,100 off-campus jobs have been created due to Institute-related spending — the highest among all USG institutions.