Namil Kim, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2026
Age: 35
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Kwangwoon University(Seoul, South Korea), Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: ~12 years in various sectors. Republic of Korean Army (2 years) Sergeant and Platoon Leader, English Teacher at private academy (3.4 years), Corporate Finance and Strategy specialist (6.5 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As I reached a pivotal moment in my career where a promotion to a management position is imminent, I began to reflect on what it would take to achieve even greater success in this role. I concluded that I needed to systematically consolidate my experience to build a solid foundation, increase my exposure to different types of leadership, and amplify opportunities to improve my leadership. Additionally, I wanted to gain first hand exposure to diversity—a perspective that is not readily available in a homogenous society like South Korea—as well as explore sustainability of business, an increasingly critical area in business. An MBA presents the ideal opportunity to accomplish all of these goals by providing me with the chance to network with exceptional peers and mentors, learn from their diverse strengths, and expand my professional connections. I view this as the perfect moment for me to take this step and elevate my career.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My decision to choose Georgetown McDonough was based on three factors: Jesuit educational principles, strong and broad network across various industries, and geographic advantages.
Firstly, as a Jesuit institution that embraces the principle of ‘cura personalis’—care for the whole person—McDonough offers a nurturing environment where I feel comfortable and free to make mistakes, even in an unfamiliar cultural setting. The school’s values, especially “community in diversity” and “care for our common home,” promise to provide me with experiences that go beyond academic learning.
Secondly, the school’s network stood out to me as a significant advantage. With a class size of 250 students, McDonough strikes an ideal balance—not so large that I become lost in the crowd and not so small as to lack resources and a, yet sufficient to allow meaningful connections and build a strong network. Additionally, its extensive alumni network extends beyond the business world into the political sphere, providing unique opportunities.
Finally, its geographical location and my personal connection to the area played a crucial role in my decision. Georgetown’s location provides valuable strategic advantages because of its access to various industries such as—D.C.’s government sector, New York’s financial markets, and Atlanta’s consulting and consumer goods sectors. Additionally, Washington DC felt like a familiar home away from home after having grown up visiting my aunt in Washington DC throughout my childhood.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
I believe my most valuable contributions stem from my unique background and experiences. My experience as a squad leader in the military, where I led a group of about 30 people, and my experience as a teacher have helped me to develop an inclusive leadership and a strong sense of empathy, enabling others to feel comfortable around me. Moreover, drawing on my diverse background and experiences I was able to provide unique insights into Northeastern Asian market during my team project to create a more robust business plan.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a certified dive master and deeply passionate about scuba diving. I have dived at around 20 sites across 7 different countries. Beyond the breathtaking underwater landscapes and encounters with marine life, the sensation of floating freely in the serene depths offers a sense of freedom unlike anything else that I have experienced. Diving with seals in La Paz, Mexico, is one of the items on my bucket list, but the distance from Korea made it seem unattainable. Now, however, I am determined to make it happen!
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in pursuing a career in finance, which I consider the essence of business as this field aligns well with my professional background. While my primary interest is in investment banking, I am also exploring a range of opportunities in finance roles within the consulting industry, corporate finance, or accounting firms.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Writing an essay was a valuable and enjoyable experience because it made me think deeply about myself in a way I never had before. I used to believe that having a clear career goal and consistently pursuing it throughout my career would be key to success. However, I realized that those seemingly less business-relevant aspects of my life—such as my experiences as a teacher and in the military—could actually be some of my unique selling points. It was fascinating to see how experiences I once thought were trivial turned out to be crucial in defining what makes me special. After spending two months at McDonough, my perspective has evolved, and there are many additional experiences that I would like to have highlighted in my application.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I wish I had engaged more actively in networking with the school’s faculty and current students during the application process. Coming from Korea where such practices are less common or ignored, I lacked the courage to reach out. However, through my experience at McDonough, I realized how openly people respond when approached. Had I made the effort to connect earlier, I believe I could have gained a deeper understanding of the school before starting the program.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I don’t think there is anything I would have skipped. I believe every step was crucial, and each challenge contributed to shaping who I am today. As an international student, I view every stage of the application process as an essential experience in becoming familiar with American professional culture. Given that the career application process involves similar steps—researching, networking with people and companies, selling oneself, and preparing a resume—I believe these were all necessary steps to adapt to life and work in the U.S.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
Contrary to the images I had for business school and highly accomplished individuals, I was pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming everyone was. I believe this warmth stems from Georgetown’s motto, Cura Personalis, which means “care for the whole person.” This approach emphasizes growth not just in terms of academic achievements but as a whole person. Reflecting this, my peers are incredibly open-minded about different backgrounds and cultures. For example, they proactively ask questions and seek to understand and embrace cultural differences. It’s easy to assume that outstanding individuals would be more ego-driven, but I was amazed to see that this was not the case.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
I was surprised to learn that Georgetown McDonough begins its program a month earlier than other schools by requiring an intensive first month of classes. Initially, adjusting to this accelerated start was challenging, but I soon came to realize that the course is meticulously organized. This early period, which includes brief courses about leadership, global economics, presentation, and ethics, provided facilitated communication and bonding with my cohort members and a valuable overview of what to expect from the classes. I believe that this approach is designed to help students quickly adapt to the demanding schedule of an MBA program.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Since the school requires more effort academically than I initially expected, I will need to commit more to time management. Balancing job hunting, coursework, team projects, and various school events could easily become overwhelming. However, to find balance between the demanding program contents and achieving my goals, I will need to prioritize tasks and meticulously manage time.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to network with peers from diverse backgrounds and learn more about cultural differences. I have always found engaging with new people and hearing different insights to be fascinating. Conversations with peers often lead to discovering new perspectives, which I find incredibly enjoyable. For example, it is intriguing to see how people have different preferences in courses and varying subjects, and why. Recently, a teammate from the opening term mentioned that he is getting married soon, which led to an interesting discussion about the many differences between American and Korean wedding cultures.
