McDonough School of Business
News Story

Georgetown First Years Get A Smart Start

This fall marks the fourth running of Georgetown McDonough’s Smart Start program, thanks to a generous grant from PwC. Smart Start supports the retention and success of underrepresented minority students via workshops, panels, and events designed to equip a diverse pool of leaders with the tools for academic, personal, and professional success. Aimed primarily at first-years, students take part in events that provide information on co- and extra-curricular opportunities, career development, leadership, entrepreneurship, and study abroad opportunities.

“The one-on-one guidance that students receive from PwC professionals, as well as Georgetown faculty, staff, and alumni pushes first- and second-year program participants beyond their limits to give them a jump start on internship opportunities and specialized recruitment programs,” said Patricia Grant, associate dean and Georgetown director of the Smart Start program. “In fact, we already can see its legacy and long-lasting impact; three Smart Start alumni will return to Georgetown McDonough as PwC mentors and corporate ambassadors next fall.”

The grant is part of the PwC INQuires program, which has provided 52 universities across the United States with funding to support diversity initiatives and applied research projects, as well as to inform colleges and universities about updates and issues in the accounting profession.  However, Georgetown McDonough’s unique combination of classroom experience with professional development has created a model that PwC is now implementing at universities across the country.