Lauren Jordan, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: Southfield, Michigan
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan ‘11 – Sociology, New York University ‘14 – Higher Education and Student Affairs
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years: Non-profit, Education (K-12 and Higher Education), Startup, Social Impact
Why business school? Why now?
For the last 4 years, I ran the revenue generator for nonprofit LearnServe International which teaches youth social entrepreneurship. One of the obstacles I faced as I ran a startup within an organization and helped students create their own startups was that I had never taken a business class before. I want to build my business acumen so I can help to build and contribute to companies that want to build a better world.
Why Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose McDonough because of its location in DC. My favorite part of DC is its intensity. One thing that joins Washingtonians together is our commitment to building the world that we want to live in, whether that be through politics and governments, nonprofits and education, or through the private sector. Georgetown is at the center of this environment, creating an interdisciplinary community that emphasizes ethical business.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
We may be the most entrepreneurial class there has ever been. The ambiguity of being a first-year student during the time of COVID has pushed the Class of 2022 to find new ways to engage with classes and build meaningful relationships.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I am a co-founder of an all-Black women improv team called ‘I Don’t Know Her’ and social enterprise Momba Cares.
Post-MBA career interests?
I want to use my skill set to build and contribute to organizations that make a positive impact in the world. I see myself working in social impact accelerators or incubators. I also am interested in impact consulting and impact investing.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I did during my application process was manage my energy. I wanted to make sure that every time that I was interacting with someone – a peer candidate, a current student, an alum – that I had good energy. The application process is exhausting, but I did my best to make sure that it didn’t show in my external interactions.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend the money and take a GMAT class. Studying on my own was horrible and I wish I would have chosen the more structured straightforward path.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
As badly as I want to say the GMAT, some of the concepts that I had to learn for the GMAT have been key to understanding what has happened in class.
What is your initial impression of Georgetown McDonough’s students/culture/community? 
My first impression of Georgetown is that we are a global community. It is an expectation that we experience and learn from communities outside of our own.
One thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
I came in knowing that as a Jesuit university, Georgetown emphasizes ethics. However, I have been surprised at the level to which ethics and social good is embedded within each of our classes.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about finding community while learning online. I am a raging extrovert and being around people gives me energy. I am also anxious about falling asleep in online class. Thankfully, it hasn’t happened (yet).
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Learning. I know a lot of people come to school to get a job, but I really want to build up my business acumen and become a greater resource to folks who want to make a difference in the world.
