Gabriela Miranda, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2020
Age: 28
Hometown: San Jose, Costa Rica
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, Industrial Engineering
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, Retail Industry, Supply Chain Management
Why business school? Why now?
Before coming to business school, I was working in supply chain management in the retail industry. My job was mostly technical, but I got to participate in strategy development and process improvement. These opportunities helped me realized that I was prepared to move from a technical position into a more strategic one.
To achieve this goal, I knew I needed to gain more knowledge about other business functions and hone my soft skills, such as communication and leadership. Hence, an MBA will enable me to advance in my career and achieve long-term success.
Why McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose McDonough because of their global business outlook, international community, and diverse and inclusive culture. I wanted to come to the United States because of the quality of education, but I wished to have an international experience meeting people from many other countries.
Furthermore, I wanted to make sure that I could contribute to discussions, share my experience and apply what I am learning back in my home country or in any other country. Finally, by having access to such a strong international alumni network, my opportunities to work or, in the future, do business with people in other countries increases.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
As an international student, I bring a different viewpoint to the class. I can illustrate many struggles developing countries have from a business perspective. In addition, I have been able to share my experience and knowledge about the retail industry with many friends who wish to transition into that field. I’m looking forward to contributing to the McDonough community by actively participating in clubs and student recruiting activities with the Admissions Office. My goal is to help McDonough preserve the inclusive and diverse culture that motivated me to come here.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love to write reviews in Trip Advisor. I use this app a lot (because I love to travel) and I genuinely appreciate other people’s reviews; thus, a way to give back and show my gratitude is by commenting about the places I visit.
Post-MBA career interests?
Management consulting and general management.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Visit campus if you can and meet with as many students as possible. Everyone is very open to talk with people no matter their background, interests or nationality. Focus on figuring out what is that McDonough offers you that other schools don’t; for me it was hard to find this reason on the Georgetown’s website, hence, I reached out to MBA students. Finally, it’s crucial to make sure you like the business school culture since you will be spending lots of time on campus interacting with everyone.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have visited the school and personally met the students before applying.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Taking the GMAT. It was difficult for me to find time for studying for the test while having a highly demanding job. I knew I could do better if I had more time to study for the test. At the end, I learned a lot about time management, which has helped me during business school.
What is your initial impression of McDonough’s students/culture/community?
Most of us have international experience; many lived abroad or had jobs with high international exposure. I appreciate how most of the people I know are interested in learning from other cultures making you feel welcome in a foreign country. Respect is an important value of our community, all of us not only come from other countries but also have different backgrounds. Therefore, you will notice how everyone actively listens to multiple points of view demonstrating esteem for diverse thinking.
One thing you have learned about McDonough that has surprised you?
I was expecting to have multiple opportunities to learn and hone my skills, even though I’m impressed by the number of possibilities. By coming here, you will have access to all Georgetown’s University events which are A LOT.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m anxious about recruiting. It’s no secret that recruiting for international students in the U.S. is harder than some years ago. McDonough provides lots of support for us since the start of the academic year and they make sure many international friendly companies visit and recruit on campus. I feel prepared and supported by the school but waiting until the recruiting season begins makes me feel anxious.
Clear Admit Resources
As you work on your McDonough MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s McDonough offerings:
- Georgetown / McDonough Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to McDonough
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to McDonough
