How a Full-Circle Experience Led Albert Ofosu (MBA’25) to Georgetown McDonough and Turkey

This story is part of the Student Voices series, which provides a firsthand perspective of the student experience at Georgetown McDonough.

Students in McDonough’s Full-time MBA program have the opportunity to engage in an International Trek (iTrek), which are student-run excursions to domestic and international destinations. iTreks allow MBA students to network with alumni, learn about specific industries, and engage with different cultures. Previous iTrek locations include Colombia, Mexico, Tanzania, and, most recently, Turkey.

Here, Albert Ofosu (MBA’25) shares how a full-circle experience led him to Georgetown’s MBA program and reflects on lessons learned from organizing and participating in a recent iTrek to Turkey.

How I Found Georgetown’s MBA Program

My journey to the MBA program was rooted in my professional experiences in Ghana. After several years of working in the country, I realized I needed global exposure to broaden my horizons. One pivotal moment that shaped my decision came two years before applying to Georgetown when a high school friend – then an MBA student at Georgetown – reached out for assistance in organizing a trek to Ghana.

This request led to months of meticulous planning. Alongside the trek leaders, I coordinated meetings with Ghanaian business leaders, arranged visits to cultural and historical landmarks, and organized a service event with the University of Ghana, which proved to be a particularly memorable experience. Georgetown MBA students provided professional development mentorship to undergraduates at the University of Ghana, helping them refine their resumes, elevator pitches, and long-term career goals. What stood out to me most during this experience was the dedication of the Georgetown students. On one late-night bus ride back to Accra, the capital city, I watched them work tirelessly on planning documents, fine-tuning every detail for the next day’s activities. Their work ethic and team spirit left a lasting impression on me. At that moment, I knew Georgetown was where I wanted to pursue my MBA.

When I finally arrived at Georgetown, I was eager to immerse myself in the MBA program and make a meaningful impact. During my first semester, I ran for co-president of the Emerging Markets Network (EMN), the same club I had supported two years earlier during their Ghana trek. I was honored to take on a leadership role that would allow me to bring global experiences to my classmates. It was a pay-it-forward moment and a unique privilege to lead this group, bringing global experiences to others as I had once helped facilitate.

Organizing an iTrek to Turkey

Alongside my fellow club leaders, Dhruv Rao (MBA‘25) and Hadi Uppal (MBA‘25), we embarked on the ambitious task of planning a trek to Turkey. The decision to choose Turkey was deliberate – not only had it not been visited on an iTrek, but the country also offered a unique blend of history, culture, and modern business dynamics. Our planning process spanned months, involving late-night calls after long days at our summer internships, numerous meetings with Georgetown’s program office, and countless logistical details.

When the day finally arrived, we set off for Turkey with a group of excited classmates. Our journey began in Istanbul, a city that spans two continents and serves as a mix of history and modernity. The trek was kicked off by a captivating talk from Professor Özgür Demirtaş, one of Turkey’s most prominent economists. He provided a deep dive into the country’s economic challenges, the state of global finance, and the transformative potential of technology and innovation. Demirtaş’ insights set the tone for the rest of the trip, encouraging us to think critically about the intersection of culture, business, and resilience.

In Istanbul, we visited some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, each revealing layers of history and cultural significance. At the Hagia Sophia, we were amazed by its grandeur. Originally constructed as a cathedral in A.D. 537 during the reign of Emperor Justinian, it later became a mosque under the Ottoman Empire and now serves as a symbol of Turkey’s rich and complex history. Learning about the architectural genius behind its massive dome and the intricate mosaics that blend Christian and Islamic artistry was a fascinating reminder of how cultures can converge and coexist.

Our business visits in Istanbul were equally inspiring. We toured a leading pharmaceutical company led by a pioneering female CEO, a rarity in a country where women in leadership is not yet the norm. We also met with executives at one of Turkey’s largest investment banks, which competes on a global scale with some of the U.S. banks in that region, and a financial services company that is transforming Turkey’s banking landscape through cutting-edge technology and digitization. These visits highlighted the resilience and ingenuity of Turkish businesses, which are operating effectively despite economic and geopolitical challenges.

From Istanbul, we traveled to Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes and ancient underground cities. Cappadocia offered a glimpse into how natural forces and human creativity come together. The underground cities, built thousands of years ago by early Christian communities, were particularly fascinating. These labyrinthine structures, carved into the soft volcanic rock, served as shelters during periods of persecution and conflict. As we explored their narrow passageways, we were struck by the resourcefulness and resilience of the people who built them.

We also visited Devrent Valley, with its striking rock formations, and the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site that houses ancient stone-carved churches with vivid frescoes. These sites gave us an appreciation for how faith and art have shaped the region over centuries. Visiting the ancient Aspendos Theatre ruins in Antalya, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, was also a reminder of the enduring power of cultural heritage and innovation in architecture.

Impactful Business and Cultural Insights

Beyond the landmarks and business visits, the trip was an opportunity to reflect on Turkey’s unique position in the global landscape. As a country that bridges Europe and Asia, Turkey has a complex blend of cultures, religions, and political ideologies. It was interesting to see how the country balances its rich traditions with the demands of a modern, interconnected world.

The lessons I took away from Turkey extended beyond borders. Witnessing the resilience of the country’s people, the innovation of its business leaders, and the richness of its culture reaffirmed my belief in the power of global exposure and education. Many of the Turkish leaders we met had studied abroad themselves, including at Georgetown, and were using their experiences to drive meaningful change in their communities.

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to lead alongside Rao and Uppal, whose exceptional efforts in planning and bringing this trip to life were invaluable, and to learn from my classmates throughout the experience. Organizing the Turkey iTrek was a professional milestone and a deeply personal experience, marking a full-circle moment. 

Moving forward, I plan to draw on these experiences as I navigate my career. The lessons of resilience, adaptability, and cultural understanding are invaluable in today’s global business environment. The iTrek to Turkey was more than a trip. It was a transformative experience that reminded me of what is possible when diverse perspectives come together to learn, grow, and create a positive impact.

-Albert Ofosu (MBA’25)