Victor Hugo Guimarães, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2023
Age: 28
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Augusta University – Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
(1 year) Consulting: Management Solutions – banking sector
(4 years) Airline: Latam Airlines – product, pricing & network planning roles
(1 year) Tech: iFood & Aabix (early stage startup) – growth & business development roles
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The main factors that contributed to applying for an MBA during a pandemic were the opportunities to work in a big tech company in the U.S., improve my leadership skills with the most up-to-date frameworks and techniques to navigate in the future, and enhance my understanding on how decisions are made at the executive level in global companies.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
There are a number of factors that one considers when accepting an offer. The most important factors I would say are the value that Georgetown McDonough puts on holistically developing oneself, which we call Cura Personalis (ethics, community, personal), its solid and improving placement in the technology industry, and living in a diverse and huge metropolitan area (D.C. area is amazing!)
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I love to be part of problem-solving discussions and arguments-based solutions. McDonough emphasizes the importance of working collaboratively, and I believe that I will contribute by conciliating diverse opinions to come up with thoughtful decisions.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I paraded in the Brazilian Carnival, appeared on live national television, and the Samba school (Imperio da Casa Verde) that I represented won the contest of that year!
Post-MBA career interests:
Work for a Big Tech company and explore opportunities on the start-up ecosystem.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Connect meaningfully with alumni & current students of the top 5 MBA programs of my list.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would prepare for the admissions exams earlier.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
GMAT! What helped was my discipline and focus (don’t give up!).
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
It has exceeded my expectations how faculty and the career service team make MBA students feel welcome. Faculty approach practical problems in a challenging and discussion based way that makes classes interactive! Also, at McDonough, full time MBA students take classes with law, medical, public policy and foreign service school students, who are interested in business. It is amazing to have such a diverse group of students that brings new perspectives and opinions to modern business discussions. Also, that is another factor that contributes to one’s networking.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
It surprised me how much Georgetown McDonough expects from its students since before classes start! Online courses, job search techniques, networking discussions, resume frameworks, and alumni connections are some of the things a 1st year MBA will do even before classes start! That really eases the anxiety for those who like to be ahead.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
2020 was the year that I changed my job, applied for an MBA, returned to my home country, and got married! However, the MBA was always on my priority list, so my goal in January 2020 was the same as December 2020. The only hurdle was changing my GMAT strategy because of COVID, I had to take it online.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting ready for internship interviews.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year
Meeting amazing people from different years of the program!
