Kaiya Mitchell, Georgetown McDonough MiM Class of 2025
Age: 22
Hometown: Arlington, VA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of San Diego, BBA in Business Administration and BA in Political Science
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Internship – Northrop Grumman Corporation (Program Control Analyst, Business Management Intern) 10 months; Pocket Aces Consulting (Intern) 1 year – Intern for Delegate Patrick Hope (VA-47), Intern for Laurie Girand (CA-47), Campaign Student Ambassador for Hala Ayala for Virginia; Medstar Capitals Iceplex 7 years – Front Desk Supervisor (full-time), Camp Director, Figure Skating Coach
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Junior year, my roommate was a senior and was applying to MiM programs. Once she brought MiM programs to my attention, it sounded like something I wanted to pursue. I did some digging and realized that Georgetown, and other schools, have Deferred Admissions Programs. Being the type A person that I am, the thought of having a post-grad plan before senior year, and avoiding the stress that comes with it, sounded amazing. So, I applied. I also knew that I would prefer to keep in the school/academic mindset rather than join the workforce and then have to go to school part time, or temporarily leave the corporate world, to complete my graduate studies. I knew one day I would need a master’s so it made the most sense to me to go right after graduation.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Growing up in the DMV area, Georgetown was always a dream of mine. I grew up driving past the Hilltop and always thought it was a special community. When I decided I wanted to go to graduate school Georgetown was at the top of my list to explore. The more I learned about Georgetown the more I realized it fit my personal values and everything I was looking for in a school. I enjoyed being at a Catholic institution for my undergrad and wanted to continue that with my graduate education. Georgetown’s motto of cura personalis, care for the whole person, really stood out to me and illustrated that Georgetown would not only be a great place to learn but also a place for me to grow personally and professionally. The MiM program students I talked with seemed to be a tight knit community from all over the world. I also liked that there was a combination of all undergrad disciplines and the opportunity to take some elective classes and to go abroad. I’ve always wanted to work in or around government and Georgetown’s network and connections to the federal government are unmatched. I also applied via the Deferred Admission Program my junior year of undergrad which meant that I had a post-grad plan locked in before senior year started. I also appreciated how a standardized test score wasn’t required to apply via DAP.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I think I bring two things to this MiM class. First, are my leadership skills. I have always been a leader and I like to take on leadership and organization-focused roles. As this program is almost fully group-based, I’ve been able to take on formal and informal positions. I’ve been able to plan events and fundraisers through the MiM Leadership Council and have also been able to lead my group to success in our classes. I also think my two undergraduate degrees give me unique experience as I’m able to relate to classmates coming from both the humanities and business. I’ve built a unique perspective from my undergraduate experiences that allows me to look at problems from the point of view of a humanities major while making the business case for social change. I also think coming from a military family, being able to travel and move while growing up, I’m able to relate to those who have just moved. I’ve also become a bit of a tour guide, making recommendations for things to do and restaurants in the area and inviting people to my home on the weekends and for holidays to build community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I teach people to walk on water as a figure skating coach.
Post-MiM career interests:
I will be working as a Senior Strategy & Consulting Analyst at Accenture Federal Services. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to join a company and team that is truly making a positive impact. I’ll be able to combine my passion for government and strategy as I help federal agencies accelerate change and transform to better serve and protect US interests. I wanted to be in a tech-focused firm that is constantly innovating as well.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely still apply to Deferred Admissions Programs and I would also attend as many events as possible hosted by the programs. I learned so much from information sessions with admissions team members and current students and also from sitting in on classes.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would ask more questions about career outcomes and the experiences current students are having. I would also ask about when classes are and how the class schedule impacts their routines and schedules. Georgetown’s program has a lot of later/night classes and I’m not naturally a night-time person so it has been an adjustment having classes go until 9:50.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Balancing GMAT prep, school, and an internship was intense. I ended up not taking the exam as Georgetown didn’t require it but I wish I could gain back the hours I spent studying for it. What helped me get through it was the knowledge that it would help me long-term, refreshing basic knowledge and skills for the program and for case interviews for consulting.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
The McDonough community is full of diverse students who are all extremely motivated to do good. Every student has a jam-packed schedule and wants to succeed. McDonough students take advantage of being in the DC area, attending events with DC and global thought and business leaders. There’s a huge emphasis on community even between all the different programs and the thread tying us together is our passion for Georgetown and for service. I’ve also realized how much emphasis Georgetown places on the development of the whole student, not only academically but also as a person and a young professional about the enter the world.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
I have learned how team-focused McDonough is. The whole school places a huge emphasis on leading a high-performing team and also being a high-performing team member. The school teaches us to look at employees not just as workers but as people and to consider them as the most valuable resource.
