Grant Miller, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2027
Age: 30
Hometown: Roswell, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina. English.
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Consultant, Deloitte (2 years), U.S. government (3 years)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I chose business school because my career in public service highlighted challenges that demanded fast decisions, innovative solutions, and strategic clarity — qualities best honed in the private sector. In both consulting and government, I thrived on strategic projects that required mapping out long-term effects and possibilities, the kind of work that made every mission or project meaningful. As a strategy consultant, I want to carry that skill set into new sectors, solving dynamic challenges for new clients every day.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Georgetown’s commitment to Catholic education and shaping “ethical leaders who serve the common good” resonated deeply with me. McDonough offers a world-class education and a community that measures success in both profit and purpose – and I wanted to be a part of that community. Our location at the crossroads of global commerce and power, enables McDonough to prepares us to “do well and to do good on a global scale”. If you want to change the world for the better, you come to Georgetown – and that’s why I’m here.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring the perspective of someone who has led in both consulting and national security, where decisions are complex and the consequences are real. My contribution is a strong background in structured problem-solving, adaptability under pressure, and building trust in cross-cultural settings – qualities as critical in the classroom as they are in client service.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I’m Ecuadorian-American and have traveled across Latin America more than a dozen times, which gave me both language fluency and a deep love of Latin American culture and its peoples. I also come from a family of historic and world-renowned Ecuadorian artists – my bisabuelo César A. Villacrés and tío abuelo Atahualpa Villacrés – whose creativity and legacy continue to inspire me.
Post-MBA career interests:
My post-MBA goal is to build a long-term career in management consulting, helping clients solve their challenges with clarity and impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Knock out your standardized test (GRE/GMAT) early – months before you apply. Doing so frees up the mental bandwidth you’ll need for essays, interview prep, and the unpredictability of the process.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have narrowed my school list to three or four early on. Juggling applications with work, relationships, and life requires extreme clarity. Focusing only on schools that truly match your values, location, and career goals brings order to everything else — from the essays you write, to the test score you chase, to the coffee chats you pursue.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could — and what helped you get through it?
Standardized testing. Finalizing your test score early will pay dividends later, and I credit an amazing coach and SherpaPrep for getting me across the finish line.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
My first impression is that Georgetown McDonough attracts people who challenge you to be better, but never let you walk alone. Generous, ambitious, humble, and service-oriented – it’s a community defined by excellence and care for others.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
The Georgetown Consulting Club, to prepare for consulting recruitment; and the Student Government Association, to keep alive a lifelong thread of service.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
What has surprised me most is the strength and community of the alumni network. The access to senior leaders across industries is incredible – but even more so is how generous they are with their time, advice, and perspectives.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to experience our nation’s capital alongside new friends and classmates. Washington, D.C. is a city full of vibrancy, history, and opportunity – and exploring it together will make for lifelong memories.
