As a Political Science and Spanish double major, Scott McDonough knew he wanted to explore the world beyond Utah. Thanks to the Hinckley Institute, he got that chance. In 1992, McDonough packed his bags for Washington, D.C., where he interned with Pragma, an international development consulting firm. That experience sparked a deeper curiosity about global affairs, policymaking, and the unique energy of the East Coast.

Going to Washington really opened my eyes…it broadened my perspective on what was possible—professionally and personally.

 Beyond the internship, McDonough immersed himself in the Hinckley Institute’s on-campus programming. He attended numerous seminars that brought a diverse range of speakers and ideas to the U, and credits those experiences with helping to sharpen his critical thinking and shape his personal philosophies on government and policy.

While his time in Washington included visits to seafood expos in Boston and meetings in Florida (plus a memorable first trip to Epcot), McDonough is quick to emphasize that it was the relationships formed along the way that had the biggest impact. 

The connections he made, and the confidence he gained through engaging in political dialogue, have stayed with him. After graduating, McDonough returned to Washington, D.C., to attend  law school at Georgetown, where he also interned in a U.S. senator’s office and continued building on the foundation laid by Hinckley Institute. Today, as a founding partner of Alta Growth Capital, he frequently speaks on panels and participates in conferences, a format he first encountered at Hinckley forums years ago.

The idea of public conversations, exchanging views and listening to different perspectives, was something Hinckley introduced me to. It’s become a lasting part of my professional life.

Those early experiences didn’t just spark an interest—they helped chart the course for his future. From graduate school in D.C. to a career filled with public engagement, McDonough’s Hinckley experiences provided the foundation for a lifelong commitment to thoughtful discourse and global perspective.