Finn Sadler, Georgetown McDonough MiM Class of 2025
Age: 23
Hometown: San Diego, California
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Menlo College, BS in Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Technical Product Experience – Ava Labs; Quality Assurance & Technical Client Support – Edge Wallet; 3 years of industry experience
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The decision to attend business school stems from a personal and professional journey rooted in my passion for decentralized finance. Watching my mother accept Bitcoin at her farmers market stand sparked a curiosity that grew into a career at startups like Ava Labs and Edge Wallet, where I gained hands-on experience in solving user pain points and exploring the transformative potential of the crypto and Web3 industry.
While these experiences honed my technical skills, I realized that leading in this space requires more than experience—I needed a broader perspective and strategic toolkit that I simply did not have yet. That’s why I chose Georgetown’s MS in Management program: to bridge those gaps and position myself to help make DeFi accessible, trusted, and transformative on a global scale.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When I started thinking about graduate school, I felt a mix of excitement and imposter syndrome. Coming from a college where graduate studies weren’t the norm, I questioned whether there was a place for me. I wasn’t just looking for a strong academic program—I was looking for a place where I could feel a genuine sense of connection and purpose and, ultimately, where I could make an impact.
Georgetown McDonough stood out from the beginning for me. At my first Application Tips Workshop, the admissions team went beyond the surface. They asked about my day, my plans for the week, and when I shared something I was passionate about, they said, “Oh, you’d absolutely love this place in D.C.!” That small moment made me feel seen and valued in a way I hadn’t experienced elsewhere after weeks of info sessions, campus tours, and so on.
What really sealed it for me was meeting the current MiM students during a workshop. They weren’t just promoting the program—they were sharing their personal experiences and offering honest advice on their journeys and what brought them to the Hilltop. A few of them became my friends and mentors, and I realized this was more than a program—it was a community. Later, meeting the program’s founder and director during a sample class reinforced for me that sense of belonging. Everything felt intentional, from the class materials to the way orientation was designed, like it was all meant to bring people together.
For me, being a Hoya isn’t just about academics or career opportunities. It’s about being part of a family that believes in you and inspires you to believe in yourself. From the very first workshop to where I am now, Georgetown has been a place where I’ve found purpose, connection, and the courage to grow. That’s why I chose to become a Hoya. Hoya Saxa!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I believe my most valuable contribution to the class is creating a legacy that shows others—especially those who may feel like they don’t belong right away—that there is a place for them here at Georgetown. When I first began this journey, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever feel like I truly belonged or could thrive in an environment like this. But now, I want to be the person who helps others see that they do belong here. Whether it’s through encouragement, collaboration, or simply leading by example, I hope to remind my peers that the Georgetown McDonough community is a place where we not only grow but also find the courage to influence change in the world in our own unique ways. If I can help even one person feel seen and empowered to take that step, then I know my time here will have been meaningful– like many other Hoyas before me.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to sail with my family when I have the opportunity back in my hometown of San Diego, California.
Post-MiM career interests:
Marketing or Product Management Roles at a crypto or web3 company.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The one thing I’d absolutely do again as part of my application process is attending information sessions—over and over again for the programs I was genuinely excited about. Go so many times that they recognize your name when you log in. It’s not just about showing up; it’s about showing up with intention. Ask thoughtful, meaningful questions that demonstrate your curiosity and passion. Those small moments of engagement can truly set you apart and help you build authentic connections with the admissions team. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would spend less time comparing myself to others and more time reflecting on who I am and why I chose to pursue graduate studies in the first place. The admissions committee wants to know you, not the version of yourself you think they want to see. Take every essay as an opportunity to dig deep and be authentic. I wish I had focused more on sharing my true story rather than getting caught up in how I measured up to others. That genuine self-reflection is what makes your application stand out no matter what.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Honestly, looking back, I can’t say there’s anything I would have skipped. I truly believe everything happens for a reason. The Georgetown admissions process, in particular, felt so holistic that it gave me a deep appreciation for growth even before being admitted. Sure, interviews make you nervous, essays make you procrastinate, and reaching out to alumni can feel like a grey area—but each step taught me something valuable. The key was shifting my mindset from seeing the process as something to prove, to embracing it as an opportunity to learn. That perspective made all the difference and is something I’d encourage anyone to adopt who feels like they don’t know where to start in their grad school journey.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough community was how genuinely supportive and intentional everyone is with the relationships they build within the community. During my first interactions, I was struck by how approachable the students and faculty were—they didn’t just talk about their accomplishments but were quick to ask about my goals and share advice tailored to my interests in technology. I noticed a culture of collaboration, whether it was students working together on projects, hosting study groups, or even cheering each other on during presentations when we were all aware of everyone’s strengths and weaknesses.
What stood out even more was the authenticity behind these connections. People didn’t just show up for the sake of networking; they showed up with a purpose, investing time and effort into creating meaningful relationships. The faculty’s willingness to go beyond teaching, taking the time to mentor and guide, was something I thought would intentionally exist at such a large R1 institution. It became clear that McDonough is a place where ambition thrives alongside a genuine commitment to helping others succeed with a global perspective. The shared sense of purpose, grounded in Georgetown’s values of cura personalis and community impact, made me feel like I had found a place where I could not only grow but also contribute meaningfully to the success of others.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
When they say global perspective, they mean it. One thing that really surprised me about Georgetown McDonough is how incredible the Global Business Experience (GBE) truly is. It’s not just a standout program that is a selling point that a lot of graduate schools try to put in—it’s intentionally the kind of experience that transforms how you think about the interconnected world and what business brings to the conversation of changing it for the better. The opportunity to work directly with international organizations on real challenges and then travel abroad to present solutions is something I never thought I could ever do at 23 years of age. It’s one thing to learn about global business in a classroom, but it’s another to roll up your sleeves and engage with it.
