From Two Georgetown MBAs: Why The Flex Program Set Them Up For Success

Three years after the world transitioned to remote and digital environments as a result of the pandemic, the demand for more flexibility in work and study modalities has reached an all-time high. As a result, the country’s top business schools are introducing new online options to their MBA degrees to bring their high-quality, rigorous education to a brand new market. 

Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business recently announced its move to enter the online space with its new Flex MBA Online – a hybrid version of its top-ranked Flex MBA program that allows students to advance their career in a virtual environment while maintaining the academic rigor and experiential learning opportunities that define the Georgetown MBA. 

Unique to the Flex MBA Online, the degree offers both asynchronous and synchronous coursework, along with two residencies in Washington, D.C., and participation in the signature Global Business Experience consulting project, to maximize the learning experience and still offer opportunities for networking, community engagement, and global immersion. 

“The Flex MBA Online is a reflection of the feedback we’ve received from prospective students and ongoing trends in higher education,” said Shelly Heinrich, associate dean for MBA Admissions and director of marketing, in an announcement on McDonough’s website. “The online option gives our students the freedom to choose the timing, modality, and schedule that works best for them, with the confidence that they are receiving a quality education to help progress their careers.”

Similar to the in-person Flex MBA program, the online option can be completed in as little as 24 months or as long as five years. In addition to their synchronous coursework and in-person residencies, Flex MBA Online students also have the ability to leverage the renowned Georgetown community through a variety of curricular and co-curricular opportunities, including networking events, the MBA Career Center, or select in-person classes.  

The Flex MBA program was created in response to the needs of a diverse student body interested in pursuing a Georgetown MBA. According to Prashant Malaviya, vice dean of academic programs at McDonough, each student, with their own unique circumstances, should have the ability to pursue a degree that meets them where they are. 

“It’s important that we recognize each student’s unique needs, abilities, and circumstances and give them the opportunity to choose an MBA experience that sets them up for success. The online offering makes this possible for them.”

The customizable curriculum is another way the program embodies its Jesuit values of cura personalis, which means “care for the whole person.” Georgetown pays careful attention to the individual needs of each student in a way that helps them meet their personal and professional goals. 

We spoke with two current Flex MBA students, Andrea Alvarez (MBA’23) and Tim Cavanaugh (MBA’22), about why they chose to pursue their degree at Georgetown, how the degree has supported their personal ambitions, and their advice for other students who are considering in-person or online flexible degree options in the future. 

Why did you decide to pursue the Flex MBA program at Georgetown McDonough?

Andrea: When I originally started looking at MBA programs, I was actually only looking at full-time options. The more information sessions I went to, the more critically I thought about what I wanted to do with an MBA. At the time, I was working for a great company and had a marketing role I loved that offered me leadership opportunities and room to grow. I thought about whether hitting pause on my professional career trajectory to pursue an MBA made sense. That’s when I found Georgetown’s Flex program. I would get the opportunity to continue to learn and grow in my role while pursuing my MBA, not having to compromise on the type of program or miss out on an in-person experience.

Tim: Georgetown’s location in Washington, D.C., was a significant draw for me. The nation’s capital is a hub for business, policy, and international affairs, and being able to study in such a vibrant and dynamic city was a significant selling point. In addition, I was excited about the prospect of being able to connect with alumni and professionals in my field and take advantage of all the resources and opportunities the city has to offer. As a veteran, I was also impressed by Georgetown’s commitment to supporting military-affiliated students. The school has a dedicated Office of Veteran Services, which provides a wide range of resources and support to help veterans succeed academically and professionally. In addition, the staff went above and beyond to connect me with veteran resources and make me feel welcome and valued as a member of the Georgetown community.

What has your experience been like in the program so far?

Andrea: I’ve loved my experience in the program. One of my favorite things has been getting to learn alongside other professionals who can provide relevant examples from their roles and industries – many of which I would have never been exposed to otherwise. I’ve also been so impressed with how supportive my classmates are, whether it’s celebrating exciting moments like engagements, marriages, and new babies, or supporting each other through tough weeks at work or layoffs, you always have a room full of people who are eager to be there for you. 

Tim: I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first year of the Flex MBA program. The program has been challenging but also incredibly rewarding, and I have found that the skills and knowledge I am gaining are directly applicable to my professional life. The professors are experts in their respective fields and can convey complex concepts in a way that is both accessible and engaging. In addition to the program’s academic rigor, I have been impressed by the school’s program office and career center facilitating great opportunities. Whether it’s through networking events, internships, or access to industry leaders, the program has provided me with a wealth of opportunities to further my education and professional development.

Has the flexible format helped you balance commitments? 

Andrea: The Flex format has been incredibly helpful. I have had personal commitments abroad each summer of the program and was able to work with my professors and the program office to optimize my schedule to stay on track. 

Tim: The program’s flexibility is a significant asset in balancing my work, studies, and other personal commitments. It has allowed me to pursue an MBA without putting my career on hold or sacrificing other important aspects of my life. I am grateful for the understanding and accommodating approach that the program takes, and it has enabled me to succeed in the program while still maintaining a healthy work-life balance. One way that the program has been accommodating is through how the coursework is structured. The professors are mindful that we have other responsibilities outside of the program, and they have designed their coursework to make it easy to balance school and work.

What would you tell someone who is considering the Flex MBA program at Georgetown? 

Andrea: Do it! The Flex MBA at Georgetown allows you to have it all – you will get all the perks of an MBA while being able to continue to build your career. 

Tim: If someone is considering the Flex MBA program at Georgetown McDonough, I encourage them to find out for themselves what a positive and exceptional experience the program offers. One great way to learn more about the program is to attend one of the Georgetown MBA admissions events. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet current students, alumni, and admissions staff, learn more about the curriculum and student experience, and ask questions.  I also encourage anyone considering the Flex MBA program at Georgetown McDonough to contact admissions directly. The admissions staff is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, and they can provide valuable information on the application process, program requirements, and scholarship opportunities.

Fall 2023 Final Deadline: June 12th