Amina Abouelenin, Georgetown McDonough MiM Class of 2025
Age: 22
Hometown: Cairo, Egypt
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Pennsylvania—Major: Philosophy, Political Science, and Economics; Minor: Consumer Psychology
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Strategy Analyst Intern at Shailla, an Egyptian ergonomic backpack company featured in Elle Egypt. International Business Development Intern at Sakrmoon Trade and Construction, an Egyptian company. Finance Intern for Fetterman for PA’s Senate Campaign during my final spring semester at UPenn. Currently, Strategy Analyst Intern at FRESHFARM, via Georgetown University’s Business for Impact program. Teaching Assistant for two MBA courses at Georgetown: Data Ethics and Privacy and Ethical Leadership.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose to attend business school to strengthen my quantitative and technical skills, which are increasingly essential in the field I aspire to work in and in today’s evolving world. This program offers the perfect combination of refining the soft skills I honed and enhanced during my time at UPenn while also providing me with the opportunity to develop new hard skills and sharpen those I already possess. The timing felt right to ensure I remain competitive and well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Georgetown’s reputation is, of course, a major draw, but the program itself was one of the biggest reasons I chose McDonough. I did consider my alma mater, UPenn, but Penn doesn’t offer this specific program. I was particularly impressed by how structured the program is, with a clear set of courses that align perfectly with my goals. I also appreciate the cohort model, where you take all your classes with the same group of people—it’s very different from my undergraduate experience, and I see the benefits of both.
During undergrad, I had the chance to explore a wide range of fields, from legal studies to communication, philosophy, political science, and economics. That interdisciplinary exposure helped me build a broad skill set. In contrast, this program allows for a deeper focus on specific skills while still maintaining an interdisciplinary element. Beyond the hard skills, such as financial valuation, the program also emphasizes communication and leadership, which are equally important for my career goals.
Additionally, living in Washington, D.C., played a significant role in my decision. It’s a beautiful city with so much history, and it holds sentimental value for me as it was the first city I visited in the U.S. as a child. I’ve always wanted to live here, and Georgetown McDonough offered the perfect opportunity to combine a world-class education with an incredible living experience.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
You might have to ask my friends and classmates for the best answer to that, haha! But I believe my most valuable contribution is my outspoken nature and enthusiasm for class discussions. I genuinely enjoy engaging in debates and having back-and-forth discussions with professors to explore different perspectives and prove my points. I think my energy helps make classes more dynamic and fun at times, which adds a unique vibe to the learning environment.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’ve been playing squash since I was five, so there wasn’t much room for other sports—but I’ve always loved horses. My mom used to take me horseback riding whenever I needed a pick-me-up, especially after tough squash matches. After graduating from Penn, where I played Division I squash and was the varsity captain, I finally had the chance to train seriously in horseback riding. It’s now one of my favorite ways to relax and recharge.
Post-MiM career interests:
I’ve always had diverse interests, and while I used to see that as a challenge, I now view it as one of my strengths—my ability to adapt and bring different perspectives to the table. Broadly, my undergraduate focus has been on analyzing data to make strategic decisions for organizations. This, combined with my interest in public policy, draws me toward roles that use data-driven insights and behavioral science to solve complex, real-world challenges.
Since starting the MiM program, I’ve also developed a strong interest in finance. Observing Egypt’s recent currency struggles has highlighted for me how critical financial literacy is to economic resilience. Whether in consulting, finance, or research, I’m passionate about roles that allow me to analyze data, design impactful strategies, and ultimately contribute to meaningful change.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Honestly, I’d totally write the personal essay again, which surprises me because going into it, I dreaded it. Personal essays can feel kind of awkward, like you’re trying to sell yourself, which I’m not a fan of. But Georgetown’s MiM essay was actually pretty fun. The prompts were super creative and interesting, and it felt more like a chance to tell my story than a task I had to get through. I actually really enjoyed it.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I probably would’ve applied earlier. I ended up applying during their last round, which was the rolling process in June, and the program started in August. That left me with a really tight schedule to get everything sorted, which was pretty stressful. Applying earlier would have given me more time to plan and feel less rushed.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The video essay—it felt a bit awkward, and I really wanted it to be perfect. What helped was watching examples from previous students who got admitted and shared their videos on YouTube. It gave me a sense of what worked and how I could approach it. I also set a limit on how many takes I’d allow myself, which helped me focus on being authentic instead of overthinking every little detail. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to make it perfect, but this approach made the process much smoother.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
The students are super outgoing, really diverse, and very international, which creates such an interesting mix of perspectives. One thing that’s definitely different from my undergrad is how dressed up everyone is. Back then, most of us were super chill since we lived on campus, but being here has inspired me to step up my game a bit—and honestly, it’s kind of fun. It’s even pushing me to embrace my inner fashionista, haha!
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
One thing that surprised me about Georgetown McDonough is its strong emphasis on impactful work and encouraging students to pursue what they believe is right, rather than simply following conventional paths. This value is deeply embedded in the school’s culture, which I find incredibly inspiring. For example, the Business for Impact Center supports students by connecting them with opportunities that create meaningful change. It even offers financial support for those taking on impactful roles that may not provide high salaries, allowing them to follow their passions without financial concerns.
Through this center, I discovered an internship with an organization called FRESHFARM, which has been an amazing experience. FRESHFARM focuses on sustainable agriculture and community-based food programs, such as their Pop-Up Food Hub. This program connects local farmers with underserved communities, ensuring access to fresh, healthy food while also supporting local agriculture. My work with FRESHFARM has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s a perfect example of how McDonough empowers students to make a real difference.
