Business Undergraduates Invested in Leadership Development (BUILD)
The Business Undergraduates Invested in Leadership Development (BUILD) program was launched in 2013 as a one-week pre-orientation opportunity for incoming first-year and transfer students of all backgrounds. The program aims to provide a foundation for business success and foster a strong sense of community as students transition into college.
BUILD extends beyond the one-week program by offering professional and social programming, called ReBUILDs, throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students focus on developing effective communication, growing their leadership skills, fostering a sense of curiosity for the business world, and immersing themselves into a long-lasting community at Georgetown. In particular, students:
- Receive instruction from McDonough faculty in key business areas (i.e. accounting, finance, marketing, management, international business, business ethics, and entrepreneurship);
- Engage in mentorship activities with their upperclassmen BUILD mentors to encourage community-building across class years
- Participate in diversified local corporate visits to prestigious organizations (such as Deloitte, Marriott, PwC, Google, Oracle, LinkedIn, Capital One), where they meet corporate leaders and Georgetown alumni to explore potential job opportunities in the business world;
- Partake in team-building activities with their peers, such as a case competition and scavenger hunt, to build a strong community and become acquainted with life on the Hilltop.
​Through academic instruction, mentorship activities, corporate visits, alumni interactions, and team-bonding activities, students develop a substantial network and skills to help them succeed with their academic, personal, and professional goals.
BUILD 2025 Dates: August 17-22
For more information, check out the recording below from the most recent BUILD Information Session in May 2024.
Student Experience
BUILD completely shaped my Georgetown experience! I came to college not knowing a single person on the Hilltop, but through BUILD, I found a community that made me feel confident, supported, and deeply connected. It gave me not only a strong network of friends but also the tools and professional development to grow as a leader and empowered college student. I truly can’t imagine my Georgetown journey without it.
Grace Keeley (B’28)
BUILD week is a must-have experience as a new McDonough student. Through BUILD, I made some of my best friends, formed strong relationships with upperclassmen, and learned the ins and outs of McDonough life. The best thing about BUILD is the fact that it never ends. Our ReBUILDs add on to the experience and I look forward to getting even closer to our cohort during the rest of the year.
Jayan Shah (B’28)
BUILD has been the most influential part of my college experience so far – I have found close friends, amazing mentors, and a group of people I consider a second family on the hilltop. The BUILD experience lasts well beyond the pre-orientation week – the community you form will make a positive impact on your life for the rest of your entire college experience. BUILD is truly an invaluable program for any incoming McDonough freshman – I can’t encourage you all enough to apply!
Kevin Zuo (B’28)