Lauren Sloan, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2026
Age: 35
Hometown: Houston, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Texas A&M University; International Economics and Trade
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Associate; PwC; 2
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After spending time at a start-up consumer electronics company, a law firm, and working in economic consulting, I wanted to develop an amalgamation of skills well suited for entrepreneurship or ascension to the C suite. I knew that pursuing an MBA would galvanize the trail, as well as allow me to put my theoretical knowledge into practice.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I selected Georgetown because I immediately connected with Dean Dasmohapatra, and her kindness is sincere. I also longed to be back in D.C. after previously living here while working for The United States Trade Representative. I love the D.C. area; it has so much character. The people at Georgetown exude confidence, while simultaneously embracing their human dimension. As such, they are uniquely positioned to uplift others and collaborate in ways that ensure everyone shines. The network here is invaluable – Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan Bank is on campus this week – it doesn’t get much better than that. It also doesn’t hurt that the food in DC is amazing!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
As an aspiring dual degree student (e.g., JD/MBA), I believe that I bring a fresh, diverse perspective to the class. I also bring unique life experiences, such as being a mother and wife, and adopting a creed that relies on the following principles: Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finances.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am the daughter and wife of professional athletes, which makes me a unicorn within my nuclear family. On a typical Friday night, they are gathered around the TV to watch sports programming, while I am upstairs in my room watching Bloomberg.
Post-MBA career interests:
I currently co-own a logistics company alongside my husband, which we are hoping to scale up in the near future. Apart from that, I have an interest in geopolitical and strategy consulting at institutions such as Bain &Company and Lazard.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I truly enjoyed visiting many of the respective campuses. I recommend allocating travel funds to your budget to do this. Virtual interviews are a great substitute, but actually putting boots to the ground to determine the culture and fit of the university is vital.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply in earlier round cycles and spend more time on my unique story. The competition is excruciatingly tough, and you really need to analyze your values and align them with the correct institution. I recall being on the edge of my seat during the Admissions notification process because I had waited, and I later regretted it.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Taking the standardized exams. This may have not been attributable to the exam itself, but more so to the premise that I was only a couple of weeks postpartum before I had to take the GRE, and if you know anything about motherhood, those first few weeks are life-altering after delivering your first child. It was a tough transition to silence the brain fog and truly focus on the exam material, but my husband was exceedingly supportive, and my daughter is a true blessing.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
The Georgetown community is built on pillars of Cura Personalis. This means that the students, staff, and faculty all truly care about one another. My classmates are always willing to leverage their strengths for the greater good, and I truly feel supported by the Program office.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
Coming from Texas, where everything is big, and Texas A&M University, which has an overall student body population that exceeds 60,000 students, I was surprised by the tight-knit community and size of the campus. It would have taken me a full day to walk the entire Texas A&M campus, but at Georgetown, I can be dropped off directly in front of the MBA building, which houses all of my coursework for the MBA side of my program.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Really challenging myself to actually learn the material and not simply focus on how to earn high grades. I did this at Texas A&M, and I really wished that I had spent more time digesting the information to put it in practice. This time around, my primary focus is to bridge that gap.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Having four seasons! In Texas, changes in seasonality are limited. My daughter will get to experience snow for the first time here in D.C.
