Chiara Weimer, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2022
Age: 26
Hometown: Düsseldorf, Germany
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms University Bonn, BSc Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years, Management Consulting at McKinsey & Company, Inc.
Why business school? Why now?
One of the main reasons I wanted to work as a consultant was the ability to get to know a vast array of different industries and functions without having to commit to one just yet. However, once I felt it was time to move on and gain leadership experiences outside of consulting, I found this upside to be a downside – I am still exploring where I really fit in. Having gained a valuable consulting skillset and obtained leadership positions, I am ready to move on and – with the help of my MBA – find my new path outside of consulting.
Why Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Three factors facilitated my decision to pursue an MBA at Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business:
1) Spirit of Cura Personalis – The phrase Cura Personalis translates as “care of the entire person.” It represents one of the central tenets that animates the Georgetown approach to education. I immediately was drawn to this concrete way of thinking about the development of an individual to become a future leader and truly believe one’s professional success as a leader is closely linked to one’s personal fulfillment.
2) Outstanding reputation across the world – Coming from Europe, I certainly can attest that Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business is known as an outstanding business school across the globe. Its top-class network of alumni as well as the excellent quality of firms recruiting from Georgetown was what drove me to pursue an MBA at Georgetown.
3) Strong sense of Community – Through interactions with current students and the admissions team, I felt the strong sense of community that defines Georgetown. Now that I’ve started my MBA, my initial feelings have been more than confirmed – I felt welcomed from day 1. Moreover, the sense of helping others advance is omnipresent and is something I have yet to experience anywhere else to the same extent.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
I value differing views stemming from various cultures, professional backgrounds, or personal beliefs. Developing solutions to problems that are perhaps outside of your comfort zone but can ultimately broaden your horizon is something that I try to promote.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I really would love a job that allows me to have a dog. I haven’t mentioned that at networking events just yet though ;).
Post-MBA career interests?
Leadership Development Programs in the Healthcare, Tech or Consumer products sector.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Truly reflect on your life. Promote where you succeeded but at the same time be authentic and reflect on things that perhaps didn’t go so well but led to you learning something important.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Leverage current students and available admissions events more when preparing my application instead of doing it all on my own.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have loved to have skipped the weeks between the application upload and the invitation to Georgetown’s MBA interviews. Distractions from work, family, and friends helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of Georgetown McDonough’s students/culture/community?
Who doesn’t want to work in groups that consist of an investment banking analyst, a humanitarian who has worked in Lebanon for 2 years, a real estate asset manager, a consultant, and a manager of a start-up in Thailand? It’s such a privilege to be working with such a variety of the brightest people from all around the world. To put it bluntly, I love it!
One thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
How much professors are concerned with your personal advancement and success. Professors and university staff know your name, your background, and even your country of origin. It’s a very personalized journey Georgetown sets up for you.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Nothing – I’m just taking it all in and appreciating the opportunity I’m getting at Georgetown right now.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting much closer to finding my purpose path and connecting with relevant companies.
