About Us & Apply
Join the MBSC Committee
Learn more about who we are, what we do, and why you should join. Please email mbsc@georgetown.edu with questions/interest.
- What is the McDonough Business Strategy Challenge?
The Challenge is the largest non-profit case competition in the United States. Every year, 20 of the best undergraduate schools from around the world send a student team to Georgetown to work on a case we prepare. It is one of the largest consulting events held in D.C. every year.
- What is a Case Competition?
A “case” is a lengthy situational analysis of a business. We work with a non-profit client before the competition to prepare a case that describes their current standing and any problems they face. The teams each receive a copy of the case, and have two days to prepare a set of comprehensive, concrete, and implementable solutions. They present before a judging panel, and a winner is crowned at the end of the competition.
- Why is MBSC special?
As touched on above, the Challenge is the largest case competition held in the US right now. Its prestige is rooted in the 20-year history and the fact that it brings the best and most competitive case competition teams from across the world. Teams from Australia, China, Spain, Ireland, Hong Kong, Romania, Belgium, The Netherlands, Mexico, and Canada have attended, and are met by some of the best US schools as well. In addition to size and competition level, our unique focus on non-profit clients means we have a definite social impact. By working with the client to identify problems and offering free solutions from top students around the world, we turn a learning and competitive experience into real community impact. We take pride in bringing excellence and social impact to everyone involved.
- What does the Committee do?
The Committee is split into teams, each with a definite role in making the competition run as smoothly as possible. They are usually run by a more senior VP, who in turn reports to the Directors of the competition. The Events team runs the logistics of the competition as well as handles key finances/budgeting. Working with this team will create some of the best event planning experiences you can find on campus. The Judging team works with industry experts to create a judging panel through networking and connections to bring in the best judges. The Case Writing team works closely with the client to write a thought provoking case. This team usually gets the most in-depth experience of what consulting is really like and the most in-depth understanding of non-profit business challenges. Last but not least, the Marketing team prepares marketing materials for our clients, sponsors, and other universities.
- Will I participate in solving the case?
Joining the MBSC team is not the same as joining the case competition team. You will not be presenting the case before judges, although there will be a Georgetown case competition team in attendance. The Georgetown team only accepts undergraduates from the business school. As part of the planning committee, you will get a chance to see how a case competition works while working directly with sponsors, clients, and advisors to create a memorable and impactful experience for all involved. You will also be able to see how teams form and format their solutions to the case. Members of the committee have also gone on to be part of the Georgetown case team later.
- What is the relationship with Hilltop Consultants?
MBSC has historically been close to Hilltop Consultants, and we share a desire for social impact through non-profit consulting. As a result, we are fortunate to be able to have them as a resource. Members of the MBSC often have a close and fruitful relationship with Hilltop Consultants as a result. The day-to-day operations are distinctly separate, though.
- Why should I join?
You should join MBSC because you want to help run a huge event for teams from all over the world. You should join because you want to help make a difference in the non-profit community. You should join to network with local and international consulting experts. You should join because you’ll be a part of a motivated and energetic team. You should join because MBSC opens doors.
- How do I join?
In the beginning of each semester, MBSC will look for a few individuals to fill one of our teams: Events, Judging, Case Writing, and Marketing. We will begin recruiting in the Fall 2023 semester, so be on the look out for new opportunities. If you are interested in learning more about the team, please send an email to mbsc@georgetown.edu. Thank you!