This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. And now for a chat with Saat Alety….

Accepted: We’d like to get to know you! Where are you from? Where and what did you study as an undergrad?

Saat: I grew up in Naperville, Illinois, a suburb about 40 minutes southwest of Chicago. I received a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Loyola University Chicago, which, like Georgetown University, is a Jesuit university right on the water.

Accepted: Can you share three fun facts about yourself?

Saat: 

1. I’m a citizen of both the United States and the United Kingdom.
2. I’m a former Presidential campaign staffer (Romney 2012).
3. I’ve never spent either of the two days most associated with Washington, D.C, in Washington, D.C.: Independence Day and Election Day.

Accepted: Where are you currently in b-school? What year?

Saat: I’m a second-year student in the Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Evening MBA Program. The degree traditionally takes three years to complete.

Accepted: How did you know that Georgetown was the correct fit for you?

Saat: The Georgetown McDonough School of Business is the nexus of global business and public policy, an intersection I’d like to build my career on. When combined with top-notch professors, world-class facilities, and the opportunity to pursue a graduate business education in our nation’s capital, the choice was clear.

Accepted: You’re currently the Communications Director and Legislative Assistant to House Representative Ed Royce of California. How do you think this experience prepared you for the Georgetown MBA program?

Saat: Hill staffers tend to excel at being consensus builders who can bring multiple parties together to reach an equitable solution to a problem. Whether it be coordinating a joint press release with three other Members of Congress or clearing legislation with stakeholders before it’s introduced, these skills came in handy when it came to group projects. Georgetown does an excellent job of rotating students through different groups, which presents a new set of challenges each semester as well as the opportunity to get to know your entire cohort. I should add that being a Legislative Assistant for financial services policy issues has come in handy during some of my classes.

Accepted: What do you plan to do after you graduate? Would you like to continue to work in politics?

Saat: Public policy is my passion and I haven’t accomplished everything on Capitol Hill that I set out to just yet. I do plan on transitioning from public service to government affairs and corporate advocacy in the future. The Georgetown MBA has been integral in giving me a better understanding of business operations, how the private sector interacts with policymakers, and how both sides can better work together.

Accepted: Looking back at the entire application process, what would you say was your biggest challenge? How did you overcome?

Saat: I think one of the biggest challenges was simply – “Is this the year to apply?” Both full-time and part-time candidates need to make that determination after examining their careers, personal lives, and future plans. I had (and continue to have) the privilege of working in an office that is incredibly supportive of my pursuit of an MBA, which helped immensely.

Accepted: Lastly, what would be your top tip to those just starting out with the MBA application process?

Saat: I can’t stress how important it is to give your LOR writers plenty of advance notice ahead of your application deadlines. And when possible, apply early!

You can learn about Saat’s MBA journey by connecting with him on LinkedIn. Thank you Saat for sharing your journey with us – we wish you continued success!

For one-on-one guidance on your b-school application, please see our MBA Application Packages.

[xyz-ihs snippet=”MBA-SR-MBA-MAZE”]

Related Resources:

• Tips for Applying to Part-Time MBA Programs
• Georgetown McDonough 2016-17 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines
• Too Old for an MBA? Check Out 3 Outstanding MBA and EMBA Alternatives [Episode 166]