Valeria San Roman, Georgetown McDonough MBA Class of 2028
Age: 28
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Business Administration, Universidad de Lima
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Product & People Specialist, Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP), 4 years.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I had always loved the idea of studying and living in another country. After more than five years of work experience applying what I learned during my undergraduate business degree, I felt ready for the next step in my career and for an opportunity to take my leadership skills and business knowledge to the next level.
Two years ago, I went through a very difficult moment in my personal life that made me rethink many things. More than anything, it taught me that life does not wait and that dreams are meant to be pursued now. That was the moment when I decided to start preparing for business school and finally go after something I had wanted for a long time.
Why did you choose Georgetown McDonough? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
From the beginning of my business school search, Georgetown was always one of my top choices because of its strong academic reputation and the quality of its community. I had the opportunity to attend career fairs in Peru and connect with current students, those conversations helped me see how much the idea of “cura personalis,” or caring for the whole person, is reflected in the Georgetown experience.
Being in Washington, D.C. was also an important factor in my decision. As the nation’s capital, it offers so many opportunities to learn and connect.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
My ability to connect with others and bring different perspectives together. Working across business, technology, and organizational development has taught me to look at challenges from different angles.
I also genuinely enjoy building community and getting to know people beyond their professional backgrounds. I hope to bring that energy to the Class of 2028, while also sharing my perspective as a Latin American professional and learning from classmates whose experiences are very different from mine.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
One of my biggest passions outside of work is dancing. It’s something I’ve really enjoyed since I was a little girl. Before moving to the U.S., I was part of a dance squad, where I got to learn different styles. Dancing has always been a great way for me to disconnect from my routine and have fun.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Taking the time to learn as much as I could about the process. In addition to preparing for the exams, connecting with people who had already gone through the experience was extremely helpful. Hearing their advice helped me navigate the process, answer many of my questions, and find the right resources when I needed them.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would trust myself more and take the time earlier in the process to reflect on where I was coming from and where I wanted to go. When applying to an MBA, it is very easy to compare yourself to others or find reasons to feel like you are not ready yet. I learned that being confident in your own story and combining that with hard work can take you further than you think. That is a mindset I wish I had kept in mind more throughout my application process.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Probably preparing for standardized tests while also working full-time. What helped me the most was staying organized and treating the preparation almost like a second job. I made sure to give it the time it needed and planned my weeks carefully so I could meet the goals I had set for both my MBA preparation and my full-time job.
What is your initial impression of the Georgetown McDonough students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that Georgetown really cares about bringing together people who are strong professionals and genuinely good people, while maintaining a very global perspective. The sense of community is also very strong, and you can really feel the Hoya Saxa spirit in the way people support each other and stay connected through events and different spaces across the program.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I am currently part of the Consulting Club and the Latin America Business Association (LABA). I joined the Consulting Club because I am interested in pursuing consulting after my MBA and wanted to start learning more about the industry and the recruiting process. LABA has also been a great way to stay connected to the Latin American community and meet people with similar backgrounds and interests.
What is one thing you have learned about Georgetown McDonough that has surprised you?
I think what has surprised me the most is how global the program really feels. There are people from so many different countries and cultures, and I really enjoy getting to know them.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about everything I will learn this year, both in the classroom and from the people I will meet along the way. I am also excited to learn more about consulting as a new industry.
