MiM to MBA Pathway: Dottie Ochoa’s (MiM’21, MBA’26) Success Story
Key Takeaways
- Georgetown McDonough’s MiM to MBA Pathway allows MiM alumni to apply up to 27 credits toward the MBA.
- Master’s in Management alumni can complete the MBA in as little as 12–18 months.
- The pathway creates flexibility and cost savings while helping students pursue leadership roles or career pivots.
- Dottie Ochoa (MiM’21, MBA’26) shares how the pathway is supporting her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Building on a Foundation in Business
Following a successful career in strategy consulting, Master of Science in Management (MiM) graduate Dottie Ochoa (MiM’21, MBA’26) became the first student to leverage Georgetown McDonough’s new MiM to MBA Pathway. Designed for MiM alumni with several years of professional experience, the pathway gives graduates a direct route to the MBA, allowing them to expand their business expertise and accelerate their careers.
“I wouldn’t be able to pursue the MBA without the pathway program, for which I am grateful,” Ochoa explained. “The pathway program breaks up the cost of an MBA program and the overall investment, making the MBA more accessible for MiM alumni navigating the Georgetown MBA admissions process.”
Translating Public Sector Experience into Private Sector Success
Originally from Alaska, Ochoa began her career on Capitol Hill in the offices of an Alaskan Senator and Governor. She gained exposure to a range of industries and complex challenges but recognized that moving from the public to the private sector would require a stronger business foundation.
That’s when she discovered Georgetown’s MiM program.
“The MiM program helped me translate my public sector skills to the private sector, deepen my business acumen, and learn how my skills were transferable,” said Ochoa.
Her coursework in Leading Teams for Performance and Impact and Leadership Communications provided a solid base in management. After graduating in 2021, Ochoa joined RSM US LLP as a strategy consultant, where she spent three years working with clients around the globe, an experience that sparked her entrepreneurial ambitions.
Leveraging Georgetown’s Entrepreneurship Ecosystem
When Ochoa decided to pursue her own venture, she knew she needed a broader strategy toolkit and stronger industry connections. Georgetown’s entrepreneurship resources, combined with the MiM to MBA Pathway, made the decision clear.
At McDonough, she has joined the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club, the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Club, and is preparing to work with the Small Business Corps. These opportunities allow her to test ideas, build networks, and gain hands-on experience.
“In the MiM program, I was eager to learn everything,” Ochoa shared. “Now, in the MBA program, I prioritize the classes that will directly advance my career.
What Is the MiM to MBA Pathway?
The MiM to MBA Pathway enables MiM alumni with three to five years of work experience to seamlessly continue their education. Benefits include:
- Credit Transfer: Apply up to 27 MiM credits toward the 54-credit MBA.
- Accelerated Timeline: Complete the MBA in 12–18 months, full-time or part-time.
- Career Flexibility: Customize MBA electives for leadership development or specialization in fields such as consulting, finance, or entrepreneurship.
Advice for Future Pathway Students
For those considering the MBA pathway, Ochoa encourages students to be intentional and seek guidance:
“Find an MBA mentor to help you understand the recruitment process and stay focused on your north star. For your first module, develop a game plan for what you need to do and, if you aren’t sure of your path, explore and expose yourself to different industries.”
A Proven Roadmap to Career Advancement
Whether you want to pivot industries, deepen your leadership skills, or pursue entrepreneurship, Georgetown’s MiM to MBA Pathway provides a flexible and cost-effective route to the MBA. To learn more, explore the Georgetown MBA admissions process.
Learn more about the MiM to MBA Pathway and how to apply.
