Business Undergraduates Invested in Leadership Development (BUILD)
Launched in 2013, the Business Undergraduates Invested in Leadership Development (BUILD) program is a one-week, pre-orientation experience designed for incoming first-year and transfer students of all backgrounds. BUILD provides a strong foundation for academic and professional success while helping students form meaningful connections as they transition to college life.
Beyond Orientation: The BUILD Community
BUILD continues throughout the academic year with ReBUILDs—ongoing professional development and community-building events during the fall and spring semesters. Students in the program focus on:
Business Fundamentals:
- Participate in engaging sessions with McDonough School of Business faculty covering key areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, management, international business, business ethics, and entrepreneurship.
Mentorship and Peer Support:
- Connect with upperclassmen mentors to build relationships across class years and foster a supportive community.
Corporate Visits:
- Gain real-world insights through visits to top companies like Capital One, Deloitte, Google, LinkedIn, Marriott, Oracle, and PwC. These visits include networking with corporate leaders and Georgetown alumni.
Team-Building Activities:
- Take part in activities such as a case competition and scavenger hunt to build camaraderie and get oriented to life on the Hilltop.
Through faculty engagement, mentorship, corporate exposure, and peer-led activities, students develop lasting networks and critical skills to support their academic, personal, and career journeys.
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)
Questions?
All programs and activities are open to all Georgetown University students regardless of race, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected under University policy or applicable law.