Meet Georgetown McDonough’s MBA Class of 2017

Lynn Lai Oo

Lynn Lai Oo 

Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business 

Hometown: Yangon, Myanmar

Undergraduate School and Major: Shenandoah University, International Business

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: I worked at Mekong Group, a Thai-Myanmar advertising and distribution company specializing in beverages based in Yangon, Myanmar as an Operations Analyst. I was then promoted to business development manager within 7 months of employment. I also worked as a part-time campaign manager for Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi’s campaign for the upcoming election in November.

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? Based on my own experience, I would recommend applicants not to invest too much time in studying. Instead, invest time in taking practice tests on a realistic time every week if possible. That way, you can keep track of your performance and develop stamina for the actual exam.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? I suggest applicants do extensive research on the MBA programs and, if possible, visit your target programs and observe a class at each. Doing so will help you decide whether a particular program is “fit” for you and your long-term career goal or not. 

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? I would advise applicants to develop an application timeline to brainstorm and write essays, meet and follow up with recommenders, and prepare for admission interviews.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I chose McDonough for its global outreach and technical rigor supported by a strong culture that encourages students to collaborate and learn beyond the classroom. McDonough is focused on building bonds among students through professional and social student clubs and cohorts focused on MBA curriculum. 

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? Before I graduate, I would ultimately like to develop quantitative and analytical skills and intangible qualities of successful global principled leaders such as the ability to manage, presence to inspire, charisma to lead, and fortitude to persist in the face of challenges. 

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