Global Business Fellows
The Global Business Fellows (GBF) program is a cohort-based initiative designed for McDonough students interested in expanding their understanding of international business and public policy on a macro level. The curriculum also allows students flexibility to choose from one of the available business majors and work with a designated academic advisor to tailor course selection to their individual strengths and interests. Students apply in the spring of their sophomore year.
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Program Elements
The Global Business Fellows program has three distinctive and inter-related elements:
- (1) Interdisciplinary Curriculum
- (2) Global Business Experience
- (3) Public Policy Programming
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Fellows will take a common set of core courses in business, economics, and international affairs that will provide both breadth and depth of knowledge across multiple disciplines. The curriculum is designed to augment, not replace, the courses in the student’s major field of study.
The Global Business Experience
As part of the GBF curriculum, fellows will be required to participate in a semester-long Global Business Experience course that offers the opportunity to conduct a substantive consulting project for senior members of an international business or organization (private, public, or nonprofit) under faculty supervision. The course will culminate in a major project that may include travel to the clients’ country for one week to present their findings to senior management.
Public Policy Programming
Washington, D.C., is one of the world’s great international cities and a wealth of learning opportunities in business and international affairs exist at Georgetown’s doorstep. The McDonough School of Business regularly hosts renowned global leaders with the goals of promoting dialogue and innovative research in international affairs and business. In addition to special invitations to select events, each semester, fellows will participate in a custom program to interact with the policy community through visits to embassies and organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, the Federal Reserve, and the US Trade Representative.
Non-Curricular Activities for Fellows:
The Global Business Fellows program offers a variety of non-curricular activities that provide our students hands-on exposure to global business issues, including:
- Workshops: during the Fall, our fellows recently traveled to Blackstone’s headquarters in NYC, where they participated in a private equity workshop, and also interacted with Joseph Baratta (B’93), Global Head of Private Equity, senior executives, and Georgetown alumni.
- Global Business Trek: as part of the program, the fellows have taken part in a trek to Panama to explore the global trade hub through visits to the Panama Canal and the Free Trade Zone.
- Embassy Series: leveraging on the D.C. advantage, the program also fosters engagements with different diplomats. Previous events include receptions hosted by the Ambassadors of Spain, Italy, and Norway.
- Internships: through the Baratta Center‘s network, the fellows have the opportunity to address specific business challenges, working from D.C. with executives based in different countries. Current involvements include BMW, iFinca, and Ascend Now.
Application Process & Program Requirements
Admissions to the GBF Program is achieved through an application process. Students apply to the program early on during the spring semester of their sophomore year.
The application process is administered through the Undergraduate Program Office. To be eligible for the program, sophomores are required to:
- Be in good academic standing.
- Submit an essay explaining their motivation for joining the Global Business Fellows program and how their background and academic experience may add to the overall quality and distinction of the program.
