Global Business Fellows (GBF)

The Global Business Fellows (GBF) program integrates international business, geopolitics, and experiential, cohort-based learning for MSB and SFS juniors and seniors.

The GBF program is an immersive yet flexible program that develops three core competencies:

• Policy and market analysis – Assessing policy challenges and identifying opportunities in global markets
• Global business strategy – Applying economic and international relations frameworks to understand trade and financial systems
• Industry and policy engagement – Consulting with business leaders, participating in international site visits, and working with global firms

Students apply in the Spring of their sophomore year.

Program Elements

The GBF program has three distinctive and inter-related elements:

1. Interdisciplinary Curriculum
2. Global Business Experience
3. Public Policy Programming

Interdisciplinary Curriculum

Fellows are required to take a total of 13 credits focused on global business.

Required Core Courses (Ten Credits):

• INAF 1000: Maps of the Modern World (1 cr; Fall-only course)
• STRT 3260: International Business
• SFS Global Business (GBUS) Course
• BADM 4090: Global Business Experience (Spring-only course)

Electives (Choose one of the following; three credits):

• SFS Global Business (GBUS) Course
• ECON 2543: International Trade
• ECON 2544: International Finance
• FINC 3105: Global Financial Institutions (1.5 cr) & FINC 3250: International Finance (1.5 cr)
• MARK 3229: Marketing Across Borders
• MGMT 3205: Culture Lab
• OPAN 3280: Global Supply Chain Management
• STRT 2265: Business & Government Relations
  • Please note that STRT 2265 cannot satisfy both the Business Core requirement and the GBF elective requirement.
• STRT 4270: Advanced International Business

Fellows will receive a certificate upon completion of the program prior to graduation.

The Global Business Experience

As part of the GBF curriculum, fellows will be required to participate in a semester-long Global Business Experience course that offers the opportunity to conduct a substantive consulting project for senior members of an international business or organization (private, public, or nonprofit) under faculty supervision. The course will culminate in a major project that includes travel to the clients’ country for one week to present their findings to senior management.

Public Policy Programming

Washington, D.C., is one of the world’s great international cities and a wealth of learning opportunities in business and international affairs exist at Georgetown’s doorstep. Georgetown McDonoughregularly hosts renowned global leaders with the goals of promoting dialogue and innovative research in international affairs and business. In addition to special invitations to select events, each semester, fellows will participate in a custom program to interact with the policy community through visits to embassies and organizations such as Blackstone and hear from industry leaders through the Baratta Center for Global Business.

Non-Curricular Activities for Fellows:

The Global Business Fellows program offers a variety of non-curricular activities that  provide our students hands-on exposure to global business issues, including:

• Workshops: during the Fall, our fellows recently traveled to Blackstone’s headquarters in NYC, where they participated in a private equity workshop  and also interacted with Joseph Baratta (B’93), Global Head of Private Equity, senior executives, and Georgetown alumni.
• Global Business Trek: as part of the program, the fellows have taken part in a trek to Panama  to explore the global trade hub through visits to the Panama Canal and the Free Trade Zone.
• Embassy series: leveraging on the D.C. advantage, the program also fosters engagements with different diplomats. Previous events include receptions hosted by the Ambassadors of Spain , Italy , and Norway. 
• Internships: through the Baratta Center ‘s network, the fellows have the opportunity to address specific business challenges, working from D.C. with executives based in different countries. Current involvements include BMW, iFinca, and Ascend Now.

Application Process

Admissions to the GBF Program is achieved through an application process. You can apply below using the online application form, and the program is only open to current sophomores (Class of 2027). The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

The application process is administered through the Undergraduate Programs Office. To be eligible for the program, sophomores:

• Should be in good academic standing.
• Submit an essay explaining their motivation for joining the Global Business Fellows program and how their background and academic experience may add to the overall quality and distinction of the program.

Timeline:

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2025.

Graduating Fellows’ Reflections

All Fellows’ Reflections

Ana Clara Fernandez Portela (B’24)

“I’ve always been passionate about the convergence of global business, economics, and public policy. I knew that this certificate would provide me with a range of tools to enrich my skill set. From the start, the GBF program pushed me to think creatively. Each class within the program was not only challenging but also incredibly enriching.”

James Powell (B’23)

“The Global Business Experience in Madrid was an incredible opportunity that prepared me to be a leader in the global business arena. The chance to not just learn about business in another country but actually engage with people and present to them was an incredibly unique experience that I will take with me after graduation. It is increasingly important to approach business from a global perspective and I feel as if the GBE course and the GBF program as a whole have prepared me with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace.”

Program Contact Information

For more information about the GBF program, please email Assistant Dean Sara Skillman.