Casey McKinley (EMBA’24) on Building Relationships and Sharing Perspectives as a Veteran at Georgetown McDonough

Our veterans represent a significant part of the Georgetown McDonough community and hail from every branch and role within the United States military. They have honed valuable skills in leadership and conflict resolution through their unique experiences that create a great path forward to a successful career in business.

Casey McKinley (EMBA’24) came to Georgetown McDonough to develop meaningful relationships and understand different societies and backgrounds through his classmates and education. From his time of service to now, McKinley has understood the importance of time management and team building in his day-to-day life and for his long-term successes. 

Learn more about McKinley’s experience on the Hilltop and how his time of service continues to shape who he is today both in and out of the classroom.

Why did you choose to pursue your EMBA degree at Georgetown McDonough?

After my last deployment in 2020 and getting out of the Army and National Guard in 2021, I knew I wanted to continue to grow personally and professionally. I researched a handful of programs and universities, but ultimately the reputation of Georgetown McDonough’s Executive MBA (EMBA), including its professionalism and high quality education, really set it apart from other advanced degree programs. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow at such an outstanding institution with exceptional classmates and professors. 

How did your experience as a veteran prepare you for your time at Georgetown and your postgraduate career?

Georgetown’s EMBA program is multifaceted and rigorous, and it would not be possible to succeed without the close relationships and partnerships of my classmates. The military taught me the importance of time management and team building which are critical to success at Georgetown and as an EMBA student. Additionally, seeing different cultures and societies during my time overseas brought me a perspective that remains valuable to an international and diverse program. 

What is one of the most important lessons you have learned while at Georgetown?

While assignments, quizzes, and tests are important, it’s the journey and relationships that you build along the way that are paramount. I think it can be easy to get into a weekly rhythm of completing the coursework, but it is critical to have perspective and focus on the overall Georgetown experience. Spending time with classmates and getting to know their backgrounds and stories is just as important as the curriculum itself. My recommendation to others is to enjoy the ride and connect with others who are on a similar journey. 

What advice would you give to veterans who are thinking about pursuing a college/graduate-level education?

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the many options out there, so prioritize what you are looking for and then give yourself enough time to fully vet your options before committing. In my experience, speaking with current students, admission counselors, and staff members was useful to gain exposure to the program experience and greatly helped in my decision making. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the Georgetown community?

Georgetown is a special place. The campus, students, faculty, and staff are all top notch. I am honored to be a part of the Hoya family and I am proud of Georgetown’s commitment to supporting the veteran community.