Gonzalo Guevara (MBA, MPP’26) Bridges Business and Policy Through Georgetown’s MBA/MPP Dual Degree

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Gonzalo Guevara (MBA, MPP’26) came to Georgetown University with a clear goal: to connect the worlds of business and public policy. With a background in industrial engineering and experience leading strategic initiatives at Alicorp, one of Peru’s largest food and beverage companies, he saw firsthand how deeply the private and public sectors depend on one another. The MBA/MPP dual degree, offered jointly by Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and the McCourt School of Public Policy, provided the ideal framework to strengthen that connection.

Inside Georgetown’s MBA/MPP Dual Degree Program

Designed as a three-year, full-time program, the MBA/MPP dual degree allows students to earn two degrees while gaining interdisciplinary expertise. Students complete 40.5 MBA credits and 39 MPP credits across both Georgetown schools:

Year 1: McCourt School of Public Policy

Year 2: McDonough School of Business

Year 3: Courses at both schools

This structure lets students apply insights from one discipline to the other in real time, strengthening their ability to analyze complex problems where economics, strategy, and governance intersect.

Now in his third year, Guevara says the program has helped him bridge theory and practice. “Both schools emphasized the global focus, which was important to me as an international student,” he said. “Washington, D.C. is a truly international city.”

Through this combination of rigorous coursework, diverse perspectives, and access to D.C.’s policy and business communities, Georgetown’s MBA/MPP dual degree stands out as a uniquely global learning experience — one that prepares graduates to lead across sectors and around the world.

Why Georgetown: Academic Excellence and Global Perspective

When deciding between graduate programs, Guevara sought an institution that offered academic excellence, a global reputation, and a strong sense of community. Georgetown stood out for its balance between the McDonough MBA and McCourt MPP, collaborative culture, and international reach.

He also connected deeply with current students and alumni during the admissions process, finding a network that reflected the supportive, globally-minded environment he was looking for.

“Once I started talking to current students and alumni, I felt like I connected more with Georgetown than anywhere else,” he said.

Real-World Experience Connecting Business and Policy

Before Georgetown, Guevara worked in industrial engineering and business strategy at Alicorp, a leading food and beverage manufacturing firm in Peru. He helped lead a $500 million acquisition that marked Alicorp’s entry into non-food B2B products, a milestone in the firm’s innovation journey. The experience revealed how deeply the private and public sectors influence one another.

“In Peru, I saw a gap between the private and public sectors,” he said. “I want to bridge this gap. Both sectors are super connected and it is crucial to understand in what ways.”

Georgetown’s dual degree program gives him the tools to understand both the quantitative drivers of sound policy and the strategic frameworks of business leadership, a combination that positions him to make an impact in industries that depend on both, such as infrastructure and energy.

Hands-On Learning and Career Development at Georgetown

Guevara has made the most of Georgetown’s experiential learning opportunities. He interned with the Council of the Americas, promoting investment opportunities between the United States and Latin America. He also participated in the Small Business Corps, partnering with a local landscaping company in Falls Church, Virginia, to implement new financial processes and develop a five-year growth strategy.

The Small Business Corps, run through Georgetown McDonough’s Business for Impact initiative, allows students to apply classroom concepts to real business challenges in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.

With access to career centers at both McDonough and McCourt, Guevara benefits from two professional networks and recruiting pipelines — one focused on business, the other on public policy.

Community and Connection in Georgetown’s Dual Degree Programs

In the Full-time MBA program, all dual degree students are placed in the same cohort, allowing them to take core classes together and form lasting friendships. “This created a sense of community,” Guevara said. “I was also able to connect with dual degree students in other years across Georgetown.”

He notes that both schools emphasize collaboration and community, which has been especially meaningful as an international student. “We live in such an individualistic society that we sometimes forget how important community is,” he said. “Both McDonough and McCourt remind you of that every day.”

Balancing Two Rigorous Programs at Georgetown

Balancing coursework across two top programs requires focus and flexibility. McCourt is based on Georgetown’s Capitol Campus, while McDonough’s MBA courses are held on the Hilltop. Guevara plans his schedule carefully, dedicating full days to one campus at a time. Over time, he’s learned that success depends on prioritization and finding a rhythm that works.

“There are so many resources, events, and clubs between the two schools,” he said. “I’ve learned that it’s better to go deep into a few things than to spread yourself too thin.”

Advice for Future MBA/MPP Students

For future students considering Georgetown’s MBA/MPP program, Guevara offers simple advice: appreciate the journey. “Don’t take it for granted. Enjoy it because it happens quickly! It’s been more than two years at Georgetown, and I still remember exactly when I arrived in D.C.,” he said.