Meet the Class of 2022: Hallie Sacks (MBA’22) on Honing Your Personal Brand

As the spring semester comes to a close, Georgetown McDonough is pleased to commemorate the accomplishments of the Class of 2022. This year’s graduating class demonstrated immense resiliency and determination to reach this milestone, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as they start their next chapter as Hoya alumni. To celebrate, Georgetown McDonough is spotlighting several of the exceptional students in the Class of 2022 as they share their personal stories, reflect on their time on the Hilltop, and preview what’s next after commencement.

Hallie Sacks (MBA’22) is deeply committed to sustainability and social impact work. During her time in the Georgetown MBA program, she held leadership positions with Net Impact, Business for Impact, and Georgetown’s Graduate Women in Business. She completed an MBA Fellowship with Inspiring Capital and has held previous positions in the Conservation Finance Network, World Bank, World Wildlife Fund, and the Nature Conservancy. 

Sacks shared her most memorable moments from Georgetown, her advice for honing your brand and finding community, and how she plans to apply her lessons from McDonough in the next phase of her career. 

What is your favorite memory or proudest moment from your time at Georgetown?

Giving a final presentation in front of clients from the Norwegian Embassy for my Design Thinking class. My team worked incredibly hard around a complex question on climate change, and our final presentation was considered one of the best the embassy had ever seen. It was such a great feeling seeing our work pay off and being able to celebrate as a team afterward. We also got invited to the embassy at an event with the Crown Prince of Norway! 

How do you plan to apply the skills you have learned at Georgetown in the next phase of your career?

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned at Georgetown is the power of teams. Understanding what makes teams effective and what can make them break down is important no matter what industry you are in. I’m excited to bring this experience to future collaborations. Also, never underestimate the importance of a great PowerPoint deck! 

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

It might sound cheesy, but understanding your personal brand. Early in your career, it’s easy to try and be everything to everyone. As much as you’re learning new skills, the MBA is also a time to step back, be introspective, and hone who you are, what you want, and what you can bring to your career. 

Is there a particular person in the Georgetown community that has been instrumental to your success?

Not one person, but the Georgetown social impact community has been so central to my MBA experience. From Net Impact, to Business for Impact, to the Impact Scholars program, I’ve gained so much by finding a community within a community during these past two years. I’m so inspired by everyone who is using their MBA to pursue their passion and make a difference.

What are your post-graduate plans?

I’m excited to be joining Hilton Supply Management as a manager for governance and special projects. I’ll be working on strategy and sustainability solutions for Hilton’s portfolio of brands and clients. 

What advice would you give to the next class of Georgetown students?

Don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone. Whether that means taking a leadership role, developing a new skill, or enrolling in a class with a subject that you know nothing about. This is a safe time to make mistakes, learn, and come out more well-rounded than you were before. Go toward what makes you uncomfortable and ask your peers for feedback and