The Business School for Changemakers
The Georgetown University McDonough School of Business offers a degree with a unique difference. In the school’s MBA program, students learn to spark change in the world through business. This philosophy guides the admissions process, the curriculum, the community, career services, and career choices. And Washington, D.C., is the ideal place to make the most of this approach.
Pursuing Positive Change through Business
In a compelling interview, Anne Kilby Jilani, Associate Dean of MBA Admissions at Georgetown McDonough in the United States, describes how the values-oriented mindset permeates the program. This focus originates in the university’s history, founded in 1789 in the Jesuit tradition of service, Anne says.
“We have a very unique community at Georgetown McDonough that is very values-oriented… [Students] want to do good in the world, make a positive impact, and specifically in the MBA program, have business be the tool to do so.” (01:16)
As Georgetown McDonough students address some of the world’s most pressing issues, they pair the study of business with a keen eye for global affairs.
Seeking Students Who Will Thrive
The ideal Georgetown McDonough MBA student is not only academically prepared but also has professional experience and clear goals. Most importantly, Georgetown McDonough seeks students who will thrive in the close-knit community dedicated to service.
In keeping with that philosophy, Georgetown McDonough reflects on its ability to serve student needs. The MBA admissions team examines whether the school’s resources and career placement services will help students achieve their goals. “Are we the missing piece to that puzzle?” Anne asks. (00:46)
The team also considers whether a student will benefit from the Georgetown McDonough culture.
“These are your people for life, that you’re going to turn to as the world continues to change and evolve,” Anne says. “It’s really important that you feel a connection to them.” (01:48)
The best way to find that connection is to visit, [and] to experience the community firsthand, she adds.
The Washington, D.C. Advantage
Georgetown McDonough’s Washington, D.C. location presents an unparalleled study opportunity. The city is not only the seat of government; it is also the heart of the community. Meanwhile, it is also home to multinational corporations including Amazon, Marriott, Nestlé USA, and CapitalOne.
“The big picture is access to employers,” says Anne. “Washington, D.C. actually has the highest number of Fortune 500 companies per capita. It’s not New York, as some may think.” (06:23)
The Washington, D.C. area is also home to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, numerous agencies and nonprofits, and more than 150 embassies. It’s also becoming a hotspot for startups and technology companies, with an entrepreneurial spirit, Anne says. (06:47)
Importantly, the Washington, D.C. area is a hub of activity at the apex of business and global affairs. Georgetown McDonough takes full advantage of that, bringing important and exciting speakers to campus.
“D.C. is very transient. You have people coming and going because of the federal government location. Fortunately, because of our reputation and relationships at Georgetown, they are willing to come and speak to our students.” (07:37)
Anne recently enjoyed hearing from JP Morgan Chase Chair and CEO, Jamie Dimon. He addressed topics from geopolitical risk to the future of AI, and offered students advice about careers in the financial services industry.
The Georgetown McDonough MBA pairs study with real-world work experience, while embedding service and purpose in the program. Through its Small Business Corps program, students collaborate with a local organization to address an urgent business challenge.
“Our students are getting such intrinsic value in making this positive impact in the community, and of course, the local businesses are able to move forward in their success as well,” Anne says. (09:25)
That’s just one way the Business for Impact initiative at Georgetown McDonough brings together students, businesses, and civil society to drive meaningful change.
At Georgetown McDonough, the community is global. Students can also choose to study abroad or participate in global startup internships. They also often partner with multinationals or with the university’s Walsh School of Foreign Service on projects at the intersection of the public and private sectors.
Making an MBA Relevant in a Changing World
Pursuing an MBA remains a smart choice, Anne says. That’s precisely because it prepares students to face the future with confidence.
“You get a guaranteed credential, a network, resources, skill-based training that is with you for life,” Anne says. “Higher education in times of volatility is a safe, reliable place to prepare you for what is to come,” she adds. (02:24)
That said, the curriculum must be relevant to the pace of change, Anne notes. At Georgetown McDonough, the curriculum is revamped every eight years. Working from research, focus groups, employer conversations, and student input, the university makes decisions based on what’s best for future leaders.
Again, the university asks key questions about how to deliver the right skills and knowledge. Anne relays, “Can our current faculty work through that with them? Do we need to hire more? Do we need to do more research?” (03:46)
At Georgetown McDonough, students matriculating in fall 2026 will benefit from the latest revamp.
Invest in a Georgetown McDonough MBA
Reviewing data on graduate placements and salaries is an easy way to check whether you’ll get a return on your investment in an MBA, Anne advises.
According to Georgetown McDonough’s 2024 Employment Report, over 88.8% of MBA students received a job offer within three months of graduation. The average base salary was US$146,033, with an average signing bonus of US$33,854.
These impressive stats show the value delivered by Georgetown McDonough’s robust career services team. Advisors come to the university from the business sphere, with a strong reputation and credibility. “They’re able to advise from a very real place,” Anne says. (05:26)
Georgetown McDonough students emerge as the “best-trained MBAs,” ranking #1 in the world for having the best-trained graduates and #20 in the United States according to the 2025 Financial Times Global MBA Ranking. Anne attributes this to the faculty, curriculum, and career services. (05:05)
A Message for Prospective Georgetown McDonough MBA Students
Choosing an MBA program requires careful consideration, not just of the curriculum or location. Anne hopes that students will find a community for life.
“Ultimately, the school, [and] the program a student chooses comes down to feeling; ‘I felt like I belonged there’, ‘I felt really engaged’, ‘I felt welcomed’, ‘I felt inspired by this faculty member’ – whatever it may be.” (10:57)
Anne urges every prospective student to visit, attend an info session, join a class, or chat with a student. Will Georgetown McDonough be where you’ll prepare to spark change?
Discover more about Georgetown McDonough‘s MBA program and connect with an ambassador to explore how it can shape your career.
