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 fall 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

Global business fellows program info graphic

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.

Application Process & Program Requirements

Admissions to the GBF Program is achieved through an application process. The application for the program will open in September and end in November. Admitted students will begin their coursework in January. Admitted students will work with a designated advising dean to enroll in appropriate courses for their sophomore spring.

The application process is administered through the Undergraduate Program Office. To be eligible for the program, sophomores:

Are required to take a minimum of four semesters of a modern foreign language or equivalent. Students who have received a language proficiency score upon their admission to Georgetown University should discuss their situation with Sara Skillman, Assistant Dean.
Should be in good academic standing.
Should 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.

Courses Required to Complete Global Business Fellows Program

Foreign Language Proficiency – coursework or placement beyond Intermediate/Level II
INAF 008: Maps of the Modern World (1 credit)
ECON 243: International Trade
ECON 244: International Finance
Three GBUS courses
BADM 290: Global Business Experience

The Global Business Fellows Program will be designated on a student’s transcript. In addition, fellows receive a certificate at graduation.

Timeline:

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Wednesday, September 28, 2022: Information Session #1, 2:45 p.m. in Hariri 145
Wednesday, October 19, 2022: Information Session #2, 5 p.m. in Hariri 130
Monday, October 31, 2022 by 11:59 p.m.: Applications due
Monday, November 7, 2022: Decisions released to students
Friday, November 11, 2022: Deadline for admitted students to commit to program

Graduating Fellows’ Reflections

All Fellows’ Reflections

“Anisha Pai (B’19)

“Through my GBF classes, I have learned that understanding other regions’ political and economic systems is of equal, if not greater, importance. Exposure to courses in the School of Foreign Service has put my business education into perspective.””

“Vishal Menon (B’19)

“The program has first and foremost taught me that I want to continue to surround myself with intellectual, open-minded individuals throughout my life. I am so grateful to have been able to hear the unique stories and experiences of other Global Business Fellows and form both personal and professional relationships with them.””

“Ananya Chowla (B’22)

“I really enjoyed taking the Global Business Experience. My class had the opportunity to consult for Uber Spain and travel to Madrid to present our final recommendations to our points of contact at Uber. It was such a culturally and professionally enriching experience, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be a part of an in-person global consulting project with a real client.””

Program Contact Information

For more information about the Global Business Fellows program, please email Assistant Dean Sara Skillman.