Ranjani Rajendran, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2023
Age: 28
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 Years, Corporate Finance in Multiple Industries
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had reached a point in my current career in which I had felt a plateau of growth opportunities available to my career interests. So I decided that I wanted to go to business school not only to develop the skills to excel in my future career path, but to refocus my career into an industry that I am passionate about driving change and being a significant asset.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Georgetown McDonough for five main reasons. First was the academic rigor the curriculum provided students, second was the focus on career development opportunities from the career center, next was the network of alumni and professors that the were available to students. Fourth was the focus on community and collaborate which was key to me as I wanted to be in a program that promoted collaborate amongst students and faculty. And finally, location was the last factor I considered. Given that the university is in the heart of Washington D.C., I knew I would get exposure to the cultural and historical beauty of the city.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
Having all gone through a year of virtual work-life, I think we all brought on different perspectives of how we coped and what we learned in a way that was beneficial to business and organizations that we were associated with in our professional and personal careers.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a semi-professional Indian Classical Dancer and have had the chance to perform the dance form of Bharatanatyam all over the United States and India, and I continue to perform and teach.
Post-MBA career interests:
My immediate post-MBA career interests is to enter the consulting industry. However, I want to build the tools and skills to pivot my career even further working with the health-tech and innovation space.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to current students, alumni and career advisors to learn and ensure your interests align with what your future goals are and what you hope to achieve from the MBA program.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had entered business school earlier so that I could have the full impact of in-person classes which I think would be essential for development and growth.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Writing the MBA Essays – sometimes we find it difficult to verbalize our thoughts, interests and passions and while I would have loved to have skipped this part, it would important for me to showcase what my goals were and what made me stand out from the crowd.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
From my first moments of being part of the Georgetown McDonough community, I have felt a sense of collaboration, willingness to help, and a focus on the traditions of the MBA program, which differentiates it from other programs.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
I think I was most surprised by the willingness of not just my peers, but the faculty, on ensuring students achieved success in all aspects of academics and professional development.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Fortunately it has not affected my application, but the virtual environment can put a strain on the process.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I think I was most anxious about not being able to keep up with my classmates given our varied backgrounds when it came to academics.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting new people and finding my community and group at Georgetown.
