Georgetown / McDonough MBA News

Get the latest MBA news from Georgetown / McDonough.

Published: December 14, 2015

At the most basic level, the question most MBA candidates inevitably begin with is, “Why should I pursue an MBA?” A seemingly simple question, it is possibly the most significant one to consider on the path to a graduate degree. But much of the answer depends on weighing your individual pros versus cons—and addressing common myths about an MBA. One of the first misconceptions on the road to an MBA is about qualifications. Many are convinced that only those with business-related undergraduate degrees can get into a good school. Others feel that their test scores, work experience or prior coursework would limit their appeal to admissions departments. In truth, any prospective student can be qualified with the right commitment and preparation. Read more

Published: November 22, 2015

The Big Decision: Choosing an Evening MBA Program

Anjali Shahani, Full-time MBA, Class of 2017Hometown: Monterrey, MexicoPre-MBA career: International DevelopmentPost-MBA goals: FinanceStudent involvement: Cohort Representative; Finance Club; Emerging Market Club As decision time neared for her MBA enrollment, Anjali Shahani was leaning toward the MBA Evening Program at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. She was originally pursuing a part-time program to retain her position at the highly coveted World Bank Group. Like any good researcher, she attended information sessions and joined various club events—all of which provided her new insights that shifted her plan. “I’m generally passionate about what I do and active in my community,” says Shahani. “I decided if I was going to be a part of Georgetown, I wanted to be an active member. Participating in extracurricular activities—although not impossible—is definitely more challenging when you are combining studies and a full-time job. I realized I would not be able to fully commit to both, plus maintain the balance I wanted in my personal life.” Read more

Published: November 21, 2015

Georgetown / McDonough MBA Interview Report: Round 1 / Second-year student / Skype

The following Georgetown / McDonough MBA interview report was submitted to Clear Admit by a Round 1 applicant. Good luck to them! The interview was very friendly and casual. It lasted about 40 minutes long, and we covered a lot. My interviewer wore a backwards baseball cap! He hadn’t seen my application before – had only had a chance to look at my resume. He asked me most of the basic interview questions, including: -Walk me through your resume. -How did you end up where you are in your career now? -What would you contribute to the McDonough Read more

Published: October 27, 2015

MBA Admissions Mashup: Breaking News from HBS, Value of Alumni Networks, and the Importance Balance

Every Wednesday, we share a round-up of the latest news from admissions blogs at the top business schools. In this week’s edition of MBA Admissions Mashup, we take a look at some breaking news from HBS, the value of a vast alumni network, careers and internships, work-life balance, on-campus conferences as well as some last minute admissions advice. This morning, Harvard Business School Managing Director of MBA Admissions & Financial Aid, Dee Leopold announced that she will be stepping down from her post in May 2016. In the post, she assures all of you Harvard Hopefuls Read more

Published: September 22, 2015

How Work Experience Helps Open MBA Doors

With so many factors to consider when approaching business school, some candidates may not be fully prepared to address the question of work experience. Sure, GMAT scores and GPAs are key, but what’s so important about a résumé? Applying to business school isn’t the same as applying for a job. Or is it? According to Katelyn Stephenson, assistant dean for admissions at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, the two are more similar than we might think. That’s because admission committees often assess both the quantity and quality of an applicant’s work experience in some of the same ways that a post-MBA employer would. Read more

Published: September 13, 2015

Business School Within Reach: Access MBA Tour In London, Moscow, Shanghai, Sao Paolo, Istanbul, And Dubai

The Access MBA Tour, the worldwide leader in One-to-One MBA events, invites you to join their one-of-a-kind international business education events. Taking place in 34 international destinations over the next four months, Access MBA brings some of the world’s best business schools within your reach. Meet and have your MBA questions answered by Admissions Directors of top international business schools, including London Business School, INSEAD, IESE Business School , University of Chicago-Booth, HEC Paris, IE Business School, Georgetown University, University of Hong Kong, Esade Business School, Kellogg – Read more

Published: August 27, 2015

$641,000 Grant Beefs Up Georgetown Institute for the Study of Markets and Ethics

Boasting a new director, visiting professor and junior fellows, the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Markets and Ethics (GISME) will offer expanded courses and research for business school students interested in learning more about ethical issues as they impact the functioning of markets, the school announced earlier this month. “The expanded team at the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Markets and Ethics will greatly enhance our efforts to convene the best minds for conversation and debate about the market society,” John Hasnas, GISME executive director, said in a statement. “By advancing research and teaching methods surrounding professional ethics, we hope to educate both business students and the broader business community about a range of topics, including the ethical issues inherent in the market society.” Read more

Published: June 19, 2015

Forté Foundation Women’s Leadership Conference Draws Record Attendance

Current female MBA students and alumni have come out in droves this year for the 2015 Forté Foundation MBA Women’s Leadership Conference, taking place now at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Kicking off with a sponsors meeting on Thursday for school and company representatives, followed by a career-focused day of programming yesterday and a day centered around professional development today, the conference this year has welcomed 459 MBA women and alumni, in addition to more than 100 speakers and presenters. For those who don’t know Forté, it is a nonprofit consortium of leading companies and top business schools devoted to launching women into successful business careers. “I think we have pulled together some really interesting topics that a lot people want to hear about,” says Elissa Sangster, Forté Foundation executive director, when asked what contributed to this year’s record attendance. “We are excited to see it all come together.” Read more

Published: June 15, 2015

Georgetown McDonough’s Shari Hubert Points to Subtle Changes in New Application

Refreshed following a two-day staff retreat, the head of admissions at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business took time this morning to share with Clear Admit her advice to prospective candidates on how to approach the school’s application for the Class of 2018. Though its essay question remains unchanged from last year, there are subtle shifts elsewhere in the application, says Shari Hubert, who has served as Georgetown McDonough’s associate dean of MBA admissions since 2013. Among other things, applicants will have greater opportunity to highlight experiences living and working abroad. Read on to learn more about these subtle shifts, as well as Hubert’s advice on how to make taking a risk in response to the essay pay off. Read more

Published: April 23, 2015

Potential Leaders in Global Real Estate Should Have McDonough in Their B-School Sights

Benefactors of McDonough's new Steers Global Real Estate Center The new Steers Center for Global Real Estate at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, launched yesterday, promises to redefine the educational experience received by both undergraduate and graduate students preparing for leadership roles in global real estate, the school reports. Formerly known as the school’s Real Estate Finance Initiative, the Steers Center will offer students one-on-one career planning with professors and mentors, as well as experiential learning opportunities through the Real Estate Clinic and Real Estate Laboratory. Consulting projects and career treks will further expand the global nature of real estate opportunities at McDonough. McDonough Dean David A. Thomas asserts that the new Steers Center will offer students “a transformative program that provides an opportunity to engage the world of real estate through a very practical approach.” He also expects the Steers Center to propel McDonough toward its goal of becoming the premier destination for global business education, he said in a statement. Read more

Published: April 19, 2015

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business to Host 2015 Forté Foundation MBA Women’s Leadership Conference

The 2015 Forté Foundation MBA Women’s Leadership Conference, scheduled to take place in June at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, will welcome current female MBA students and alumni for two jam-packed days of sessions devoted to exploring the nature of power, presence and workplace politics. The annual conference, hosted by a different sponsor business school each year, is put on by the Forté Foundation as part of its mission to help women succeed in business careers through increased access to business education, opportunities and a community of successful women. With the theme “Let’s Power Up!” this year’s conference is scheduled for June 19th and 20th in Washington, DC, on the campus of Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. The event will feature more than 100 speakers and presenters, as well as 50+ workshops on topics ranging from money management to communications strategies to help make your voice heard in the classroom and beyond. Read more

Published: April 13, 2015

Georgetown McDonough Survey Reveals Interesting Tax Refund Spending Trends

Do you think of your tax refund as a nice spring bonus or money the government owes you? Your answer likely influences the way you’ll spend the funds in question, according to new research from the Georgetown Institute for Consumer Research at the McDonough School of Business. The 2015 Tax Refund Consumer Spending Survey, sponsored by KPMG, was conducted during the last two weeks of March to examine consumer spending around Tax Day. “Apparently all dollars are not created equal in the minds of consumers,” Kurt Carlson, director of the Georgetown Institute for Consumer Research, said in a statement. Indeed, 53 percent of consumers who think of their refund in terms of a bonus plan to spend it on something in the near term, the survey found. Furthermore, they are more likely to spend it at stores where they rarely shop throughout the year. Read more

Published: April 9, 2015

Georgetown McDonough MBA Admissions Interview Questions: Round 1 / Second Year Student / On Campus

The interview was on campus and conducted by a current student. We went into an interview room in the career center. It took about 30 minutes. It was mostly behavioral type questions: Read more

Published: February 11, 2015

Georgetown, ESADE and SDA Bocconi School of Management Launch Global Advanced Management Program for Executives

Leading business schools from the United States, Spain and Italy have united to launch a new program designed to prepare senior executives to meet the demands of organizations doing business in today’s incredibly global world. Called the Global Advanced Management Program (GAMP), the initiative brings together Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Madrid’s ESADE and Milan’s SDA Bocconi of Management for an innovative executive education offering that will take participants to three different continents. GAMP participants will meet for three one-week modules held every two months. Read more

Published: January 21, 2015

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business Innovates Its Approach to Admissions

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business wants applicants to the school to walk away feeling good about their experience, regardless of whether they gain acceptance or ultimately enroll. To this end, the school’s admissions team, led by Associate Dean of MBA Admissions Shari Hubert, launched an innovative initiative last spring to understand the applicant’s entire journey through the admissions process—from the moment they begin to research schools right up to their arrival on campus (for those who are admitted and enroll). Their findings have already begun to reshape the Georgetown McDonough admissions process—for the better, Hubert hopes. Hubert joined Georgetown McDonough in December 2012, coming from a career in campus recruiting for the Peace Corps, Citigroup and General Electric. “I saw a need for us as an admissions office to be more connected to our customers—prospective applicants—to understand what they were going through and how they experience us as they apply to business school,” Hubert says. An MBA applicant herself once (she holds a degree from Harvard Business School), she remembers how daunting the experience can be. “I wanted to engender goodwill no matter what the outcome,” she says. “I wanted them to walk away saying Georgetown is a wonderful institution that lives its [Jesuit] values.” Of course, she also hoped that by creating a more positive experience for applicants, the school would increase its yield. Read more

Published: December 4, 2014

McDonough School of Business MBA Student Shares Career Search Experience

What does the career search process really look like when you’re an MBA student? Vanessa Dumonet, a second-year MBA student at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, generously took time out of her Thanksgiving break to share just how things unfolded for her. Dumonet entered Georgetown having worked for five years in marketing and business development for a large international law firm. Drawing on a range of resources at McDonough – including career coaches, career-focused student groups, peer advising and the alumni network – Dumonet has already received multiple full-time offers for next fall and is looking forward to beginning her post-MBA career at luxury beauty company Estée Lauder. In the interview that follows, you’ll hear from Dumonet herself about which resources proved most valuable in landing her dream job. She’s also got some great advice for prospective applicants on how to jump-start a career search even before arriving on campus, so take note! Read more

Published: November 6, 2014

Perfecting the Virtual MBA Admissions Interview

Clear Admit’s own site and many others are filled with advice on how to apply to an MBA program, write an effective essay or choose a strong personal reference. Participating in an MBA admissions panel or fair can also help you strengthen these components of your application. Less discussed—but increasingly more important these days—is how to work on perfecting the virtual MBA admissions interview. Shelly Heinrich, Director of MBA Admissions at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business Shelly Heinrich, Director of MBA Admissions at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, recommends visiting the campus for an in-person Read more

Published: October 14, 2014

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business Announces Semi-Finalists in Inaugural Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge

Entrepreneurship has certainly become a buzz word at business schools, but “rural entrepreneurship” is a term you don’t hear quite as often. Unless you’re at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where rural entrepreneurship is currently front and center. McDonough yesterday hosted the National Summit on Rural Entrepreneurship, which included the announcement of 10 national semi-finalists in the first-ever Rural Entrepreneurship Challenge. The challenge – a joint venture between the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), McDonough’s Global Social Enterprise Initiative (GSEI) and the Georgetown Entrepreneurship Initiative’s Startup Hoyas – is an opportunity for individuals to showcase innovation taking place in rural regions of the United States. Read more

Published: August 25, 2014

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business Reports Strongest, Most Diverse MBA Class to Date

The full-time MBA class entering this fall at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business boasts higher test scores and greater diversity than any incoming class in the school’s history, the school announced this week. “The MBA Class of 2016 is impressive,” Shari Hubert, McDonough associate dean and director of MBA admissions, said in a statement. “In addition to having the highest average GMAT score of an incoming class at our school, they represent diversity of cultures, gender, ethnicity and industry that enriches our student experience by bringing a variety of viewpoints and experiences to our classrooms and the program,” she continued. Read more

Published: August 24, 2014

Ice Bucket Challenge Continues Its Ripple Through Top Business Schools

It started last week with one section challenging another at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, ultimately leading to a school-wide dousing and a challenge issued to rival schools UNC Kenan-Flagler School, the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and UVA’s Darden School. And the ice-cold water just keeps flowing (as do the donations). The challenge, of course, is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that began going viral in late July and has amassed an incredible $79.7 million in donations to date (as compared to just $2.5 million during the same time period last year [July 29th to August 25th]). The ALS Association reports that it has gained 1.7 million new donors along the way. Those who are challenged are supposed to have ice water dumped over their heads and then challenge others to do the same—or to make a donation to fight ALS—within 24 hours. In taking up the mantle, business school classes have called upon their peers to both endure the icy shower AND donate. Read more

Published: July 27, 2014

Admissions Director Q&A: Shari Hubert of Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business

In our continuing series of interviews with admissions directors at leading business schools, we spoke most recently with Shari Hubert of Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business. Hubert joined McDonough last year as associate dean of MBA admissions, where she leads recruitment efforts to attract highly qualified, diverse students to the school’s full-time and part-time MBA programs. Prior to joining McDonough, Hubert served as director of recruitment for the Peace Corps’ Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection, where she was responsible for recruiting 4,000 volunteers annually and managed the operations of nine regional recruitment offices across the United States. Before that, she led campus recruitment for Citi’s Global Bank in North America and served as the manager for campus relations in corporate recruiting at GE’s corporate headquarters. She also led the Executive Leadership and Civic Development Program at the Partnership for New York City, a business advocacy association focused on public and private partnerships. Read more

Published: July 22, 2014

Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business Hosts 17 Ventures in Summer Startup Incubator

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business this summer is hosting 17 entrepreneurial ventures as part of its startup incubator program, the school reports. Called the “Startup Hoyas Summer Launch Program,” the incubator was designed specifically for current Georgetown students and recent graduates who want to launch a new venture. Participating students enjoy a range of benefits, including dedicated support from Georgetown faculty, mentors and experienced entrepreneurs. Read more

Published: March 25, 2014

Georgetown / McDonough MBA Admissions Interview Questions: Round 1 / Adcom / On-Campus

The interview was a fairly relaxed, one-on-one conversation. It was a blind interview and some questions my interviewer asked were: 1) Walk me through your resume 2) Tell me about a challenge at work 3) Tell me about a time you failed at work 4) Why an MBA, Why now? 5) Tell me about a time you worked in a team setting and what you would bring to the learning community I thoroughly enjoyed my interview. It was very conversational and she seemed genuinely interested in getting to know me. Accepted in Dec 2013 Read more

Published: March 25, 2014

Georgetown / McDonough MBA Admissions Interview Questions: Round 1 / Adcom / On-Campus

My interview, which was blind, felt pretty relaxed and conversational. It was much more of a conversation about my resume and interests. My interviewer asked standard questions such as: 1. Why business school / why now? 2. Talk about a challenge at work. 3. Talk about a time I failed at work. 4. Talk about a time I worked as part of a team. Status: Admitted Read more

Published: February 23, 2014

Georgetown / McDonough MBA Admissions Interview Questions: Round 2 / Adcom / On-Campus

My interview was with an Assistant Director of Admissions. It was a blind interview, so she had not seen my file. I brought a copy of my resume. Questions: 1. Tell me about you personally and professionally 2. Tell me about a leadership experience 3. Tell me about a time you could’ve taken the lead but instead contributed more as a team member –> this was perhaps the question that stumped me a little 4. Tell me about an international experience 5. What is one good piece of advice you’ve received from a leader, mentor Read more

Georgetown / McDonough

CLASS SIZE: 263

Women: 30%

MEAN GMAT: 696

MEAN GPA: 3.3

Livewire Decisionwire Interview Reports Essay Topic Analysis MBA Admissions Deadlines View Full Profile

MBA Applywire

November 16, 2024 5:16pm ET

Applying: ESADE, IE Business School, IESE

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Tech

Post-MBA Target Industry: Technology, Pharmaceutical Companies: Apple , Facebook , Google , Microsoft , Oracle , Johnson & Johnson , Novartis , Pfizer , Roche

GMAT: 525

GPA: 2.79

Years of Work Experience: 4

Post MBA Location: Europe

Notes:

Asian, female, USA. Top 10 Undergraduate school in USA, majored in Biomedical Engineering. Worked for Salesforce, Accenture, and Microsoft within sales department. Major accomplishments within sales roles. Strong personal essays. Letters of Recommendations from direct managers. Founder and held multiple leadership positions in school clubs during Undergrad. Just a really bad test taker and cannot seem to get my scores up no matter how many times I take it specifically in the quant section. American trying to stay in Europe post MBA and only applying to European B-schools.

November 15, 2024 9:32am ET

Applying: Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Michigan / Ross, Minnesota / Carlson, UVA / Darden, Yale SOM

Pre-MBA Career: Insurance

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting Companies: Bain , BCG , McKinsey , Other

GMAT: 505

GPA: 3.44

Years of Work Experience: 3

Post MBA Location: Midwest, Northeast

Notes:

GMAT Note:
* The score is an unofficial practice test. I am beginning my studies for the real thing now.

Undergrad Majors:
* Economics
* Business Management

Work Experience Notes:
* Insurance experience is at a family business
* I implemented data analytics into business operations since that was not a practice beforehand.
* I help with sales, customer service, bookkeeping, and marketing.

Extracurriculars & Volunteer Activities:
* Worked as an economics research assistant during my undergrad where I consulted public and private entities
* Was part of an economics research project that won a national award for its work in community economic development
* Published 2 university-sponsored economics articles
* During my senior year, I was appointed to a university faculty committee to help plan university award ceremonies and delegate student scholarships
* Won a leadership award from my university
* Economics honor society member
* President of a student club (1 year) and a club's Senior Advisor (1 year)
* Started and led 2 initiatives that installed free smoke alarms in rural area homes (received a leadership award from the American Red Cross for this)
* Ironman triathlete

November 14, 2024 8:16pm ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Cambridge / Judge, Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, emlyon, IESE, Imperial, INSEAD, London Business School, Manchester / AMBS, Northwestern / Kellogg, NYU Stern, UPenn / Wharton

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Hospitality

Post-MBA Target Industry: Consulting, Technology, Consumer Goods, Other Companies: Amazon , Apple , Google , Coca Cola , LVMH , Nestle , Nike

GRE: 326

GPA: 3.46

Years of Work Experience: 6

Post MBA Location: Consultancy

November 14, 2024 6:29am ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Cornell / Johnson, Dartmouth / Tuck, Duke / Fuqua, Georgetown / McDonough, UVA / Darden

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Consulting, Capital Project Development (Renewable Energy/CCS)

Post-MBA Target Industry: Investment Banking, Venture Capital, Private Equity, Commercial Banking, Family Business, Entrepreneurship

GMAT: 664

GPA: 2.9

Years of Work Experience: 7

Notes:

Pakistani male, looking to get into the financial services industry short term, and long-term make a significant contribution to the family business or pursue entrepreneurship. Studied engineering from UT Austin for undergrad followed by three jobs (roughly 2 years each) and a nine month break in between job 2 and 3. Planning to take the GMAT again in 3 weeks to offset GPA. Goal score is 695. Mitigating circumstances around GPA are just illness and general family/self issues but doubt they will be very convincing.

November 13, 2024 11:52am ET

Applying: Berkeley / Haas, Columbia, Dartmouth / Tuck, Georgetown / McDonough, Michigan / Ross, UNC Kenan-Flagler, USC / Marshall

Intake Year: 2025

Pre-MBA Career: Real Estate Development Analyst and Acquisitions Project Manager

Post-MBA Target Industry: Private Equity, Family Business, Entrepreneurship Companies: Other

GPA: 3.44

Years of Work Experience: 3

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MBA LiveWire

November 17, 2024 10:14am ET

Interview Invite to Stanford GSB

Round: Round 1

Received via email on November 14, 2024

GPA: 3.52

GRE: 322

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Technology

Note:

Consortium applicant applied round 1

November 17, 2024 12:58am ET

Rejected at Columbia

Round: Round 1

Received via portal on November 14, 2024

GPA: 3.49

GMAT: 740

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Consulting

Application Location: India

November 17, 2024 12:46am ET

Interview Invite to Duke / Fuqua

Round: Round 1

Received via email on November 12, 2024

GPA: 3.49

GMAT: 740

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Consulting

Application Location: India

November 16, 2024 12:19pm ET

Interview Invite to Northwestern / Kellogg

Round: Round 1

Received via email

GRE: 320

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Application Location: India

November 16, 2024 10:45am ET

Accepted to Boston College / Carroll

Round: Round 1

Received via phone on November 12, 2024

GPA: 3.91

GRE: 318

Program Type: Traditional Two-Year

Target Career: Consulting

Application Location: Texaa

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