Q&A: Technology and Innovation in the MiM Program

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business has announced the launch of a new Master of Science in Management (MiM) program for recent graduates who wish to supplement their bachelor’s degree with the business acumen and technology skills needed to succeed in a variety of industries.

But what does that mean for students, and how will a technology and innovation focus help their career opportunities? We spoke with Evelyn Williams, academic director of the MiM program and teaching professor of management, to find out.

A focus on the application and implication of technology and innovation is a defining feature of the Master’s in Management program at Georgetown. What does that mean, and why is it important?

The Master’s in Management is a foundational business program patterned on the first-year core courses of an MBA program. We’ve tailored the program to focus on technology and innovation because we find those are the skills that employers are increasingly looking for. We want to ensure our students can ride the technology wave that is upon us now – no matter what industry they enter – and be prepared for the waves that inevitably will come throughout their careers.

So while we are are not going to turn our students into master computer coders, it is important for business students to be able to translate the terminology, languages, and platforms that innovative companies use for their software products and services. Employers tend to expect that type of skill now, in addition to the more traditional Excel and PowerPoint skills.

Also central to this theme is the concept of design thinking. In fact, even the organizational behavior and leadership courses will have a “designing your success” focus.

How is this focus on technology and innovation incorporated into the classroom and off-campus experiences?

All of our faculty embed a technology and innovation focus in cases, class visits, and local and global experiences. In the very first module, for example, students will complete a lean startup project focused on the technology and innovation sector. Site visits will focus on companies known for global innovations, as will case studies used for class discussion and learning. And the global residency at the end of the program is focused on innovation.

Students also will learn a computer language, Python, as well as learn data analytics throughout the curriculum. All of these skills and assignments are geared toward assembling a portfolio to show prospective employers.

Do I need to know how to code to enroll?

No, you do not need to know how to code before you start. You will learn Python and data analytics throughout the program.

I’m not sure I want to go into the technology industry. Are these skills relevant to other career opportunities?

The MiM is a general management degree, not a technology degree. We expect students will enter consulting, general marketing, leadership rotational programs, and sales and customer-facing roles. Our program is focused on teaching students analytic and evidence-based decision-making skills, as well as collaborative team skills. They should thrive in those types of innovative, team-based corporate or non-profit cultures in a variety of industries.