When Hailey Monson enrolled in the MBA program at Georgia State’s Robinson College of Business this past August, she made an intentional pivot.
Before relocating to Atlanta, Monson resided in Washington, D.C. and worked as a real estate analyst at national nonprofit Enterprise Community Partners. She also participated in the organization’s Equitable Path Forward Leadership Program. When the two-year rotational series ended without a job offer, she made the call to come home to the South and invest in herself with a master’s degree.
Monson has a long history with Georgia State, from dual enrollment classes in high school to summer courses as a transient student during undergrad. She graduated from Howard University in 2022 with a degree in business management and a minor in community development.
Monson’s path toward hospitality started almost by accident. While living in Maryland and working as a financial services customer service representative, the cost of living pushed her to take a second job, which happened to be in hotels. It clicked fast.
“I’ve always had a passion for travel and new cultural experiences,” she said. “That’s why I chose the hotel industry, but I’m interested in all things travel and tourism.”
Monson discovered she could pursue a concentration in hospitality through Robinson’s MBA program. Other local options didn’t match what she was looking for, and Robinson’s flexibility made the difference.
Having recently finished her first semester, Monson says the most valuable skills she’s building aren’t only academic—they’re also personal. After three years out of school, returning to lectures while holding down full-time employment required a reset. She learned to manage deadlines, protect her mental health, and sit with discomfort.
“I’ve developed balance, discipline, and organization,” she said. “I have to do things I may not enjoy in the moment, but I recognize how beneficial my effort will be in the long run.”
Hands-on projects also shaped her clarity. During her rotational program at the nonprofit, much of Monson's role involved data and solo analysis. While useful, it confirmed something she already suspected. She missed people. Monson created her own rotation in contributing to resident services, planning events and connecting residents with resources in affordable housing communities. “I’ve always had a passion for community and helping people,” she said. It became the work she enjoyed most.
Outside the classroom, that value system shows up clearly. She volunteers with soup kitchens as well as food pantries. She also prioritizes experiences with friends, from cooking classes to paragliding.
“I am very big on community,” she said. “It keeps me grounded.”
Monson’s journey has included hardship. She lost her mother at age 12 and her grandmother just before the pandemic shutdown. The weight of those losses didn’t fully surface until after college.
“Wanting more for myself felt difficult when I didn’t have the people I wanted to share it with,” she said.
Applying to Georgia State felt intimidating, but support from her father and inner circle pushed her forward. That perspective now anchors her goals.
“Everything will always be okay and get better,” she said. “What feels impossible now won’t always feel that way.”
Marching into the future, Monson plans to use her MBA to travel and support communities, whether through an organization or her own venture. A recent internship rejection was disappointing but didn’t shake her confidence. Because of the support and structure Robinson provides, she’s exploring and open to all options.