The Donald G. Costello College of Business at George Mason University’s Graduate Students of the Year for 2023-2024 exemplify the highest standards of academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their field. Here, they explain why they chose Mason, and offer advice to others considering master’s degrees in business.
Katie Kacher
MS in Business Analytics
For Katie Kacher, George Mason University’s location in Northern Virginia, combined with its international presence, high-quality staff, and relative affordability, were the reasons she chose Costello College of Business. She chose the MS in Business Analytics Program for the opportunity to strengthen her technical and problem-solving skills. While Kacher says she enjoyed many of the courses and professors, her favorite class was Advanced Data Mining with Professor J.P. Auffret because “Professor Auffret led us in exploring machine learning and AI technologies with thought-provoking anecdotes and considerations of real-world implications and ambiguity.”
“Learning more about the world around me through a business analytics lens was the most rewarding part of the program,” says Kacher. “Building competency in several technical programs at an accelerated pace was fulfilling but ultimately having the opportunity to apply those skills to learning more about ongoing changes and challenges in multiple industries, as well as higher-level economic trends was the most rewarding.” Following the program, Kacher hopes to continue her work at Children's National Hospital as a financial data analyst.
Kacher’s advice to others considering the program: “I recommend anyone interested in this program to pursue it. Pursuing any degree, particularly while working or balancing other life obligations, calls for effort and the ability to stay organized. However, try not to let concerns about time management stand in your way of learning more about a topic you are genuinely interested in.”
Tassos George McCarthy
MS in Real Estate Development
Despite an academic suspension and subsequent "drop out" status over a decade ago, Tassos George McCarthy says his journey led him back to George Mason University where he has excelled. “After earning an associate’s degree at Northern Virginia Community College, George Mason welcomed me back with open arms. Since then, my academic journey has been fruitful—I graduated with honors in business management for my bachelor's degree and now have done the same with my Master's in Real Estate Development. Mason’s community spirit and second chance have left an indelible mark. If I pursue a Ph.D., it will undoubtedly be here.”
McCarthy says he chose the MS in Real Estate Development Program for multiple reasons. “Firstly, it’s an outstanding program—one that aligns with my aspirations. Financially, it made perfect sense. Moreover, the faculty’s deep industry ties and unwavering support from the CREE Board reinforced my choice.”
McCarthy says that undoubtedly, the most rewarding aspect of the program lies in its network. “Commercial real estate thrives on relationships, and this program has facilitated invaluable connections,” says McCarthy. “From forming strong bonds with peers in my cohort to building relationships with industry-involved instructors who readily offer support, I’ve also engaged with organizations like NAIOP, ULI, and CREW, further expanding my professional network.”
McCarthy says that choosing a favorite class is challenging because he enjoyed so many, but if he had to choose one, the Leadership and Project Management class with Professor Mark Hassinger stood out amongst the rest. “Not only did we delve into strategies of industry titans—an intellectually stimulating experience—but we were also tasked with interviewing a real estate leader,” says McCarthy. “That connection directly paved the way to my current job.”
Following graduation, McCarthy aims to contribute to his company’s strategic portfolio expansion by enhancing property value through meticulous construction management, and says one day he may consider starting his own company.
His advice to students considering the program: “Commit wholeheartedly or reconsider. Graduate school demands more than a financial investment—it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself. If you’re passionate about commercial real estate, eager to learn, and keen on forging lifelong connections, this program is a no-brainer. Remember, graduate school isn’t a summer camp; treat it like a job, seize every opportunity, and you won’t regret it.”
John Walton
MS in Finance
John Walton was an undergraduate student completing his bachelor’s in finance degree when he learned that the accelerated MS in Finance Program at the Costello College of Business had a more direct application process for current students. “I enjoyed the bachelor's program” says Walton, “and when I learned what the master's program entailed, it was an easy decision.”
For Walton, he says his favorite class was investment analysis because they would took live data from the Montano Student Managed Investment Fund and measured the portfolio's performance using tools such as Python and Bloomberg.
Walton says, “The most rewarding part of the program was getting to know my cohort, as we all took the same classes together, so it made the program more engaging.”
In the future, Walton is interested in pursuing a career in investment banking, capital markets, and risk management.
His advice for prospective students: “Take part in as much as you can. There are great opportunities and great people who want you to succeed, you just have to reach out about what your interests are and they can help you get there.”
Laura (Larry) Johnston
MS in Management
Laura (Larry) Johnston chose George Mason University's MS in Management Program to get exposure to business/management theory and practice. “I have a strong STEM background, and wanted to complement those skills,” says Johnston. “I picked George Mason because it allowed me to continue my job while furthering my education.”
She says her favorite class was Management of Information Technology with Professor Penny Deans. “It was one of the first classes in our program, and it was incredibly engaging,” says Johnston. “We had to work in teams and present very week, acting like a CIO. Presentations are not normally a favorite, but the payoff was worth it. Everyone became better at presenting, and we learned a lot about technology management. It was the only class where I felt like a true participant and not just a student.”
Johnston says, “Making connections with my fellow classmates was the most rewarding part of the program.” In the future, Johnston plans to continue to work in clinical proteomics and genomics research at Inova.
Johnston’s advice for prospective students:” This program is what you make of it. If you are not willing to embrace opportunity, you will not be successful and this program will not help you. But, if you are ready to take advantage of mentors and new connections then you can use this program like a diving board.”
Jennifer Nelson
MS in Management
Jennifer Nelson says she chose Costello’s MS in Management Program because of the business school’s great reputation and the ease of transitioning from the undergraduate to graduate program. “I also wanted a business degree to complement my undergraduate degree in IT that I could begin right away,” says Nelson.
Nelson says her favorite class in the program was the information technology class, where Professor Deans taught students how to take their technical knowledge and apply it at the enterprise/C-suite level.
“The most rewarding part of the program was the sense of accomplishment felt after completing each fast-paced module,” Nelson. “Since the program is only one year long, we cover a lot of material in a short amount of time, with few breaks in between. I was very proud that I was able to complete everything while also holding two part-time jobs and playing club volleyball at George Mason.”
In the future, Nelson plans to continue her work with the federal government and hopes to start a new position as an adjunct professor teaching IT Project Management.
Her advice to students considering the program: “As your classmates share their experiences, really take care to listen and put yourselves in their shoes. You can learn a lot from textbooks, but only by listening to others can you truly expand your worldview and become a more well-rounded person.”
Jimmy Benoit
MBA
Jimmy Benoit was looking for a program to enhance his skills and George Mason's MBA Program fit the bill. “I am an IT executive and wanted to become more 'bi-lingual' so I could not only speak the language of technology, but also the language of business,” says Benoit. “George Mason offered an excellent in-person experience that I sought in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia area, and the MBA program at George Mason has equipped me with the knowledge and lexicon I need to be an even more effective executive.”
For Benoit, organizational behavior, leadership, and negotiations were his favorite classes. “Throughout my career, I find that the technical components of any job—whether that be finance, IT, or accounting—are seldom the most challenging. To have the greatest influence and impact for your organization, you need to really understand and master working well with many different types of people,” says Benoit. “These three classes provide insight into topics such as motivation theory, introspection into your own leadership capabilities, and an understanding on how to work together to mutually benefit all.”
Benoit says the most rewarding part of the program was being able to take lessons learned from class back to his job and apply concepts and knowledge in a real-world setting. “Working while attending the program really afforded me opportunities to apply what we learned and realize an almost immediate return on investment from the time, energy, and money spent,” says Benoit.
Following graduation, Benoit intends to continue to serve as an executive at the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and is considering pursuing a PhD in organizational behavior in the future. “One day I'd like to contribute to academia through research and lecture to help grow and develop the world's future business leaders,” says Benoit.
His advice to prospective students: “Do it. There is never going to be a better time to take the leap and commit to the challenge. Embrace it and persevere through the challenges of the program. Through focus and determination you'll rise out the other side an MBA graduate with greater knowledge, skills, and abilities than ever before.”
Jim Grace
MBA
With a professional background concentrated in the multifamily real estate industry, Jim Grace was impressed that George Mason’s MBA Program attracted a wide variety of professionals in the Washington, D.C. / Virginia region. “I found it very intriguing to gain exposure to industries outside of the real estate field and grow my professional network and general business knowledge,” says Grace. “I picked this program after listening to former students talk about the significance of the relationships they formed with classmates and professors during their time in the program.”
Grace says his favorite class was the entrepreneurship elective. “I wouldn't consider myself an entrepreneur, so this class stretched me out of my comfort zone,” says Grace. “It taught me how to formulate a complete business plan from idea to execution, and did a great job connecting in-class learning to real world companies and business professionals.”
Grace says the most rewarding part of the program was the sense of teamwork and camaraderie with fellow classmates, particularly after finishing group assignments. “Almost all of the classmates I was paired with were dedicated and hardworking students, and that resulted in healthy work environments which encouraged efforts above and beyond minimum requirements and helped push everyone to be their best,” says Grace. “Staying close with those classmates and seeing their success in their respective careers post-MBA is also very exciting.”
For Grace, the future is still to be decided. “My MBA has opened up opportunities to grow and pursue leadership roles within my current company. It also opens up opportunities to pursue roles at smaller companies within the industry that require more involvement in day-to-day business operations and require the types of skills an MBA provides.”
Grace’s advice to future students: “Go out of your way to form relationships with fellow students and professors. Everyone in the program is very smart and talented, and there are connections to fields and individuals that you would never know about if you didn’t put yourself out there and go the extra mile. The extracurricular activities (like networking events) are also very beneficial.”