Sophia Romano, Georgetown McDonough MiM Class of 2025
Age: 22
Hometown: Newtown, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Maryland, Bachelor’s in Psychology
Pre-MiM Work Experience: Audience development intern at Citywire USA, current business development intern at AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school to build a strong business foundation to complement my psychology background. During my undergraduate studies, I became aware of the gaps in my business acumen, particularly in areas like quantitative analysis and strategic decision-making. Now was the ideal time for me to pursue a MiM because it allowed me to leverage the momentum from my undergraduate education while also positioning myself to enter the workforce with a competitive edge. I’ve always had ambitions of pursuing graduate education, and the MiM program offers an accelerated path to earning a master’s degree at one of the top business schools in the country.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
During my experience learning about the Georgetown culture and MiM program, I loved every conversation I had with the alumni I spoke with. I admired their aspirations and work ethic, as they closely aligned with my own values. I also appreciated Georgetown’s strong emphasis on global business. One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the Global Business Experience, where students travel to another country and collaborate on a consulting project with a real company. Additionally, the program’s diverse learning environment stood out to me. With 60% of my classmates being international students, I am constantly gaining new perspectives from my peers.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
Over a third of my classmates come from business-oriented backgrounds, which creates a strong foundation for our classwork. However, I believe my studies in psychology allows me to bring a unique perspective when contributing to group work. My background in social sciences helps me to approach problems with a deeper understanding of human behavior, decision-making, and interpersonal dynamics.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included in your application:
I enjoy weight training and can bench a plate.
Post-MiM career interests:
After completing the MiM program, I am very interested in pursuing a career in human capital/leadership consulting, executive search, and talent management.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again as part of my application process is connect with MiM alumni to hear about their experiences and ask questions. These conversations gave me invaluable insights into the program and helped me to get a sense of the community I would be joining. I was constantly impressed by how personable, driven, and hardworking everyone was.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
If I were to go through the application process again, one thing I would do differently is approach my video supplement more conversationally. I must admit, I probably redid my video over 20 times with a highly refined script. In hindsight, I think being more genuine and unscripted would have better conveyed my self-narrative. I may have even structured the video as a “day in the life” to give the admissions team a glimpse into my daily routine and work ethic.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
One of the reasons I chose Georgetown was because I genuinely enjoyed the application process, especially the creativity they encouraged through the personalized supplementals. However, one part I found challenging was deciding on a topic for the creative essay. I tend to overthink choosing a topic, but what helped me overcome this was involving people who know me best – friends, mentors, and family members. Their perspectives helped me identify the experiences and qualities that truly define me, and their feedback helped refine my story.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the community was that it consists of hardworking, intelligent, and passionate individuals who are driven to make a positive impact in the business world. Every student I spoke with demonstrated an impressive work ethic and a genuine curiosity to learn and grow. What stood out most to me was the Georgetown culture, which goes beyond striving for personal success, was the emphasis on Cura Personalis and achieving success while making a meaningful difference in society.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
One thing I learned that surprised me is how truly collaborative and supportive the community is. Coming into an accelerated program at a top business school, I expected a certain level of competitiveness among my classmates. Instead, I found a culture where everyone actively supports one another, shares resources, and celebrates each other’s successes.
