Melton Scholars
OUtcomes
Transforming Student Potential into Career Impact
Exceptional Career Outcomes
- Melton Scholars earn 30 percent more in their careers more than peers ($83k vs $63k)
- The typical salary of a Melton Scholar two to five years after graduation is $125k
Pipeline to Higher Degrees
- 50 percent of Melton Scholars go on to obtain Master of Science in Business Analytics with AI degrees at UT
- 10 percent of Melton Scholars pursue graduate studies at other highly ranked universities, including MIT, Cornell, Columbia and Vanderbilt
Top-Earner Spotlight
Nick Brown (2018)
VP of AI and Data at Integrated Research; $500k/year salary
“My Melton Scholars project helped me land a data scientist role with a higher bar than typical new-grad roles. I had advantages in later positions specifically because I was a Melton Scholar and had a concrete portfolio artifact I could demonstrate and discuss, as well as early proof I could own an end-to-end data problem. Those translated into early responsibility and faster growth.”
Brandon Bell (2019)
Sr. Machine Learning Scientist at Neuravest Research; $300k/year salary
“The faculty connections and research I conducted served as the bedrock of experience for my career. I would not have the depth of knowledge or exposure I currently have without participating in the Melton Scholars program.”
Career Paths of Melton Scholars
Melton Scholars have secured the following high-impact positions:
- VP of AI and Data
- Director of Strategy
- Lead Data Scientist
- Sr. Machine Learning Scientist
- Data Analytics Manager
- Supply Chain Consultant
- HR Analytics Program Manager
Scholars have gone on to work at several premier organizations, including:
SCHOLAR STORIES
How the Melton Experience Shapes Careers
Scott Daughtry (2024)
Director of Strategy, Tennessee Vols Men’s Basketball
“Melton Scholars helped me land an internship with the Indiana Pacers front office, as well as graduate assistantship with Tennessee Vols Men’s Basketball and my current full-time role with the team. I have my dream job and it would not have been possible without the Melton Scholars Program.”
Faith Burton (2023)
South Region Head of Investments, JP Morgan
“I entered college from a low-income household, so I was extremely grateful for the grant from the Melton Scholars program, as it allowed me the chance to expand my academic pursuits without worrying about money. The program is also one-of-a-kind. Working directly with faculty to pursue research and receiving feedback from a scholar with years of experience in the field isn’t something you can easily find elsewhere.”
Max Thompson (2023)
Supply Chain Consultant, Deloitte
“The program helped me start at Deloitte as a consultant, putting me months ahead of many peers. Being selected as a Melton Scholar boosted my confidence to contribute in rooms with people with decades of experience, and I pursued higher-risk, higher-effort opportunities because I believed I could meet them. The Melton Scholars program didn’t just open doors, it changed how I approached the doors themselves!”
Austin Kuhr (2019)
Sr. Analyst Supply Chain Optimization, CHEP
“My work as a Melton Scholar led to getting into a very selective rotation program with Colgate-Palmolive, as it gave me the experience and skills to stand out. The program was the highlight of my college experience, and it prepared me to be a very thorough modeler and analyst in my career.”
Jake Tolleson (2021)
Data Analytics Manager, Schneider Electric
“Participating in the program was a key differentiating factor that helped me bypass the typical entry level track and accelerate my career. I submitted two research papers to academic journals, which employers found impressive. Being a Melton Scholar also provides a salary boost, as research is a far more compelling story to tell than any class project. Being a Melton Scholar is synonymous with being a high achiever.”
Emma van de Wetering (2025)
Supply Chain Analyst, PepsiCo Frito-Lay
Without the understanding I gained through my Melton Scholar research, learning many aspects of my current role would have taken much longer.”
Kenny Miller (2020)
Data Science Sr. Analyst, Cleveland Guardians
“Being a Melton Scholar directly led to earning my role with the Cleveland Guardians, as I had real-world experience with the business operations side of sports, something I would not have the opportunity to learn and showcase without my program project. Melton Scholars helped me grow as a person and shaped me as a data scientist.”
Tanner Beasley (2020)
Lead Data Scientist, 84.51/Kroger
“I had no idea what I wanted to do as a career coming into college, but my Melton Scholars experience made me fall in love with data science. I will be forever thankful for the experience. Even to this day, I encounter many data scientists without the depth of knowledge I acquired as a Melton Scholar.”