José Miguel Farías, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2024
Age: 32
Hometown: Maturín, Venezuela.
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad de Oriente, Petroleum Engineering. Universidad Pedagógica Experimental Libertador, English Teaching.
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Nine (9) years. Oil Industry, Financial Services, Entrepreneurship.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I just felt that it was the right moment. And I genuinely believe that is the best way to make a decision that requires such a significant investment of time. In my position, after several years of working in different industries and roles, I have come to feel that in my period as an entrepreneur, I have found what I want to continue doing in the long term. And as a result of that finding, I deduced that the best way to leverage myself was with an MBA. I had always believed an MBA doesn’t necessarily make you an entrepreneur. However, already an entrepreneur, nothing makes more sense than acquiring an MBA to become the best version of myself.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
In my search for universities, the most relevant factor was to find a place where the relationship between the personal and professional specter was transversal. I wanted to be at a competitive and challenging university, but I also wanted a place where what happens outside the classroom was just as relevant. With these characteristics, Georgetown was the only place to be. The emphasis that the university, its faculty, and staff have on the development, care, and understanding of the entire person is something real, reflected in our famous Cura Personalis. These principles, I believe, are incomparable. Also, being in Washington was crucial to my decision. It is an outstandingly beautiful city, full of history, and where many things are constantly happening in different areas. Regardless of your passions, it is very likely that you will find a niche in DC in which to develop.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I believe that beyond the professional anecdotes and experiences I have, my most significant contribution to my classmates will surely come from the lessons I have lived and learned in my home country in the previous decade. Unfortunately, Venezuela has suffered in the last few years a myriad of problems ranging from hyperinflation and economic decline to a severe migratory and political crisis. Sadly, these problems seem far from over in the short term. But, having the opportunity to emerge and advance professionally amidst so many difficulties can be valuable. During these years, habits such as being self-taught, being resilient, being proactive, and always having a good attitude were the tools I have used to keep advancing, and I hope that sharing the powerful effect they have had on me can be helpful.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Something curious and funny that I did not add to my application was that I currently have a podcast where I talk about economics, finances, and investments with two great friends. It is one of the most tuned-in programs in my country. In general, I am an emphatic content generator. In recent years I have worked on some of my social networks to be able to share information on topics that I love. Recently, I started doing it with LinkedIn, and I have really enjoyed it. I believe that social networks, in general, are great networking and growth tools that, when used well, add much value.
Post-MBA career interests:
Ever since I started a business back in 2020, I felt I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. And I think making that discovery is something very few people are lucky to do. Over the last few years, I have enjoyed creating new things and working in dynamic teams while constantly iterating on making a product or service viable. Risk, volatility, and uncertainty are the bread and butter of this business, and I have learned to surf its waves. Moreover, I believe that having started my MBA at Georgetown will give me tremendous leverage. Undoubtedly, an MBA does not make you an entrepreneur, but already being an entrepreneur, nothing makes more sense than doing the MBA to achieve my best version.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If possible, travel to Washington to see the campus and the city. I had the opportunity to do so, and my desire to study at the University increased absurdly. I do not deny it; Georgetown has a particular charm.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would prepare with more time and discipline for the exams. Be it the GMAT, GRE, EA or Toefl. Although the exams are an essential requirement, in my opinion, they are not the most important. It is a filter, and you must see it as such. But once overcome, with time, it gives a chance to make a much more organized and holistic application from all angles.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Possibly the most common answer would be the exams, but I think that in the long run, preparing for the exams helps a lot in the adaptation one goes through once classes start. It is even more imperative as an international student because it smoothens that process.
What is your initial impression of the McDonough students/culture/community?
I expected a lot from this experience, but as of today, I can say that I am delighted with the decision to come to McDonough. It has exceeded my expectations from day one. I think that being in a university that gives so much weight to the international component makes it a hub where many radically different perspectives and experiences converge in one place. That is not easy to achieve anywhere, and Georgetown opens the doors to that interaction and puts it on the table for our benefit.
What is one thing you have learned about McDonough that has surprised you?
That it is a university truly focused on the person in general. It is not only academic or professional matters; the emphasis is also on the personal. That is something that I liked a lot. In addition, there is much closeness among all faculty members. From the Dean to the administrative staff, it truly feels like family.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
It seems like yesterday when I arrived in Washington, and I have already lived in the city for two months. And so, time flies away. That makes me want to attend many events, always want to be in something related to school, etc. It makes me anxious to know that time passes quickly and that I must make the most of my time at university. I suppose that as time goes by, I will take it more calmly.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The integration and interaction with the clubs excite me the most at the beginning of the MBA. I believe that being able to group with people with similar interests, in addition to years of experience in an area where I want to develop, will allow me to cut many flight hours to achieve my long-term goals.
