Alumni

Making the Case: Bigger Business

A core Georgetown value is “People for Others,” and this is the cornerstone of the Master of Arts in International Business and Policy (MA-IBP) program’s Social Action Projects, where students collaborate with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to develop recommendations for tackling international business issues. Here is a look at a few of the challenges the Class of 2023 explored to drive greater social purpose in the world.

Christopher Perry (MA-IBP’23)

The Client: The Representative of Germany Industry and Trade, the German Embassy, Responsible Alpha Consulting

The Problem: Germany is investing heavily in clean hydrogen and plans to become a future import and export hub, and the United States is aiming to become one of its largest net exporters. However, many German firms have withheld investment in the U.S. market until there is more clarity about the standards for subsidy and tax credits, as well as international trade strategy.

The Solution/Pitch: Perry met with the Representative of German Industry and Trade to understand the policy environment and engaged in independent research. He concluded that connecting hydrogen stakeholders in the two countries was the most effective way to create dialogue about the misalignments. Perry organized the U.S.-German Hydrogen Forum at McDonough, featuring perspectives from German and American companies, investors, and think tanks. The forum format has been adopted as an annual event by the USA-Germany Climate and Energy Partnership.

Heather Falen Ashby, Jackie Frederick-Maturo, Laura Hays, Sarah Leung (MA-IBP’23)

The Client: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, Global Development Alliance

The Problem: Most farms are harvested by some of the poorest populations, who also experience the most food insecurity. Hunger rates are on the rise and farmers, especially women, are mired in an endless cycle of poverty, driven by post-harvest loss due to pest infestation, mold growth, rot, and theft.

The Solution/Pitch: The MA-IBP group analyzed Global Development Alliance projects in Niger and Tanzania to prevent post-harvest loss. The group investigated tools that allow farmers to stabilize cash flow between harvest and dry seasons, including the use of Purdue Improved Crop Storage bags, a cost-effective solution that stores grain without using insecticides. In addition to producing a whitepaper, the group analyzed gender engagement strategies with recommendations for broad application with women farmers and presented their research at a SAP Symposium and to professionals across the USAID.

Greg Felder (MA-IBP’23)

The Client: Hekima University

The Problem: East Africa is home to a large Jesuit population, but there are few universities for them to attend. Hekima University, a startup proposed by the Jesuit Fathers Trustees of the Eastern Africa Province, will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive programs to students from member countries in the region. The founders need to raise money and resources to launch the university.

The Solution/Pitch: Felder worked to develop a marketing strategy and establish new partnerships and tailored the marketing materials to resonate with potential donors. He developed a pitch book, a brochure for in-person fundraising events, updated the university’s website, and created new, modern graphics for use in all marketing materials.

This story was originally featured in the Georgetown Business Fall 2024 Magazine. Download the Georgetown Business Audio app to listen to the stories and other bonus content.

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M.A. in International Business and Policy