UVA Darden MBA Admissions and Related Blogs! : Darden

BlogBot · 2016-02-29T17:02:52-08:00

Is the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business on your short list of dream MBA programs? Then be sure to check out this new video blog from the Darden admissions team, which shares solid advice for those hoping to interview at this top-tier MBA program. In it, Admissions Dean Sara Neher gives an overview of the Darden interview process and stresses the three things candidates should focus on for a successful interview experience, which we’ve summarized below. Pay attention to first impressions: The interview actually begins before the interview, says Neher, so make sure your interactions with your interviewer—or the person setting up the interview beforehand— via email, by phone or in person, are positive and demonstrate your enthusiasm and positive attitude. Answer questions in C.A.R. format: Applicants should expect to answer behavioral questions during their interview. The “Tell me about a time when…” question can cover many areas, and Neher suggests framing your answer using the CAR format, which she says she learned while working a Procter and Gamble. The acronym stands for Context, Action, Result. As you answer the question, you’ll first summarize the situation, then tell the interviewer what you did, and finally discuss what happened afterward. Remember to include anything quantifiable—give them the numbers—whenever possible. Ask a question at the end of the interview: Your interviewer can learn more about you from the kinds of questions you ask him or her, Neher says. So, think of something you’d like to know that you couldn’t find on the company or school website and that works for many kinds of interviewers, no matter their level. If you can follow these three steps successfully, you’re sure to ace your Darden interview. You may also be interested in: UV Darden Tops Forbes List of Most Satisfied MBAs https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/StacyBlackman/~4/h1rfa3XCjOA *** If you are looking for guidance on your MBA application, Stacy Blackman Consulting can help with hourly and comprehensive consulting services. Contact us to learn more. Visit the website for Stacy Blackman Reviews , and check out the company’s e-publications for more in depth school-by-school guidance.

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Summer Stories from the Marketing Club [#permalink]

24 Aug 2017, 10:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Summer Stories from the Marketing Club

The Marketing Club is one of over 50 student-run clubs and organizations here at Darden. The club is dedicated to helping its members:

Understand the varied and exciting professional opportunities in marketing;
Develop the necessary skills and experience to be successful in their career search;
Build lasting personal relationships with peers, faculty and alumni; and
Build strong professional relationships with companies and organizations.

This summer a few of its members are sharing their summer internship experiences with us. Our first story comes from Kareen Okaka, who interned at Dell in Austin, TX.

Kareen Okaka ’18: Dell

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Kareen Okaka ’18

After spending the last three years in Los Angeles before business school in Virginia, I was open to a new location and Austin was easily the best fit for me in the South. While the heat required adjusting to, especially being a Canadian, used to mild summers, Austin was still a lovely change. Austin has beautiful bodies of waters; Lake Travis and Lake Colorado to name a few and I indulged in the water activities to cool down during the sizzling summer. Austin is a fantastic city with many startups, and corporations calling it home. The southern love is undeniable, coupled with a liberal laid-back vibe, made for a great summer in Austin.

My summer as a Product Marketing Manager at Dell was a mix of marketing and technology. I have always been curious about working in a technology company and Dell took care of us as interns this summer. As interns, we get access to top executives, fun events, and networking with other interns. We also get to play with virtual reality toys, video games and watch movie premiers such as Spiderman – Dell collaboration. To start us off this summer, we had a scavenger hunt of 70 cool spots in Austin. In true fashion, the Darden interns put our heads together and plotted how to win the scavenger hunt. We bonded over exploring new areas, and ultimately supported each other through our Dell summer experience.

Initially starting at Dell, you are given an ambiguous problem statement to test your thinking and ability to navigate the unknown. My problem statement was a mix of strategic, marketing and analytical thinking. I was required to leverage my MBA to answer the question; develop a go to market one-year strategy to support Dell’s consumer electronics expansion efforts. With a vague understanding of my project, I embraced the ambiguity rolled up my sleeves and got to work. Here are some tactics and culture information I used to impress my employers and succeed in my internship:

Develop a plan: As an intern, no one expects you to know the answer right away, but people pay attention to the questions you ask, how you carry yourself around the organization. The Darden case method prepares you for that. YOU are responsible for your success and you must take the initiative. Before I got to Dell, I consulted the previous interns at Dell, talked to marketing professor Kim Whitler about how to approach the internship. I had one big task, prove to my manager that I had an aptitude for seeking creative solutions to multi-faceted problems, and I did this through developing a plan. By sharing my approach to the problem within my first two weeks, I got buy in from my manager, displayed my ability to influence and built credibility. However, you cannot succeed on a plan alone, you need to execute and understand the culture.

Understand the culture: At Dell, I quickly learned you need to communicate the “Dell way”. This means stating your recommendations first, especially when communicating with high-level executives. Without this, you will lose the attention of executives.

Organizational Structure: Dell’s hierarchy like most technology companies is flat and working conditions are flexible. There is a strong culture of networking at Dell. I was pleasantly surprised by how willing people were to help, and answer questions from an intern. You can book a meeting with senior executives to learn about their jobs which was refreshing coming from a more traditional corporate culture. Dell also promotes a strong work life balance, so a flexible workspace and remote working were all perks the interns enjoyed.

At Dell, executives are looking for fresh ideas, and people willing to challenge the status quo. This means leveraging the skills I learned at Darden. I applied design thinking into my recommendations by asking what if we could push the boundaries, what would that look like? I loved the autonomy and flexibility to drive outcomes that my project provided. MBAs are extremely valuable at Dell and marketers manage the growth and revenue generation at Dell. My summer at Dell was invaluable and I want to continue to play in the growing technology space.

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Summer Stories from the Marketing Club: E&J Gallo Winery [#permalink]

28 Aug 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Summer Stories from the Marketing Club: E&J Gallo Winery

The Marketing Club is one of over 50 student-run clubs and organizations here at Darden. The club is dedicated to helping its members:

Understand the varied and exciting professional opportunities in marketing;
Develop the necessary skills and experience to be successful in their career search;
Build lasting personal relationships with peers, faculty and alumni; and
Build strong professional relationships with companies and organizations.

This summer a few of its members are sharing their summer internship experiences with us. Our next story comes from Messai Belayneh, who interned at E&J Gallo Winery.

Messai Belayneh ’18: E&J Gallo Winery

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Messai Belayneh ’18

Is it really over?!

They told me the E&J Gallo MBA internship experience would be “fun” but I had no idea fun would translate to arguably the best summer of my life. From building my own brand to treating my mother to a memorable vacation in Wine Country, Gallo helped me empty my bucket list over such a short, but sweet summer. I know it sounds surreal – but it felt as though good weather, even better people and the best wine were on my agenda every day. Brand management at Gallo is everything it’s hyped up to be!

One of the many things I learned was how to better prioritize and balance everything on my plate, and no, I’m not talking about the tasty seasonal fish and filet mignon risotto dish at the intimate Gallo-owned restaurant downtown. I’m talking about the work-life balance and figuring out what’s of greatest importance at the time. Gallo did an incredible job at making sure we coupled our hard work with leisure time to experience beautiful California and develop meaningful relationships. Weekly happy hours, wine contests, dinners with directors and their families, trips to Wine Country and baseball games were just a few of the events on my calendar when I arrived in mid-June. The Gallo family made it clear that with over 5,000 employees and 100 brands, they plan on continuing to grow and flourish as company, but they’ll NEVER lose sight of their culture and tight-knit family values. It was 2 o’clock on a Friday afternoon (the week prior to due dates for our final deliverables) when a VP asked my co-intern “are you homeless?” and then proceeded to tell us to go home. Let’s not get it misunderstood – not only was there more than enough work to keep us busy, but they also expected top notch results and it was up to us to drive our projects.

In the first week we were introduced to two projects that we’d be responsible for throughout the course of the summer. One day we were in data training for eight hours straight and the next day we were applying everything we were taught to our projects. Even though our projects were high stakes for the company and others in the industry, we had full autonomy. Cross-functional teams and managers were extremely helpful, but it was our responsibility to find direction and no one was going to stop us from bumping into walls. When you’re in the weeds you don’t know how much you’re learning – but looking back in retrospect, I now feel much more prepared to take a swing at the dreaded cold-call!

My summer at Gallo made me a better marketer and a better person. The past nine weeks were nothing short of amazing and I’m appreciative for the opportunity to share it with the Darden community.

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Spend Labor Day Getting to Know Darden! [#permalink]

29 Aug 2017, 13:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Spend Labor Day Getting to Know Darden!

On Monday, 4 September we will host the second in a series of open houses designed to help you learn more about Darden. These open houses are designed for all prospective applicants who are interested in learning more about the full-time MBA. The day consists of a class visit, tour, lunch with students, and admissions and financial panel. In the afternoon, we will dive more in to the particular area of focus with a panel discussion and faculty talk. Monday’s Open House will focus on technology and data analytics. Raj Venkatesan will share more about teaching at Darden, his research, and our newest dual degree with the Data Science Institute.

Spend your day off experiencing what it’s like to be a Darden student! You can learn more and register here. So that we can prepare for your visit, please register by 8 pm on Thursday, 31 August.

Can’t make it Monday? Check out our other open house events this fall!

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Exec MBA Class Visits Now Available [#permalink]

31 Aug 2017, 10:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Exec MBA Class Visits Now Available

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Interested in the executive formats of the Darden MBA? Want to experience the case method firsthand? Join us for a class visit in September or October!

Click here to register for a class visit

We offer options to participate in a class in both of our two world-class locations: Charlottesville and the Washington, DC area (Rosslyn). These visits provide excellent opportunities to connect with faculty, staff and current students, and to learn more about our Executive MBA (EMBA) and Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) formats. If your schedule permits, you can join our students for lunch!

Can’t make it for a class visit but want to learn more about Darden?

Schedule a conversation. We offer both phone and in-person conversations (Office Hours) for prospective students interested in the executive formats of the Darden MBA.

Attend an Event. We host events and receptions throughout the United States and around the world.

We look forward to seeing you!

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Summer Stories from the Consulting Club: ZS Associates [#permalink]

01 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Summer Stories from the Consulting Club: ZS Associates

The Consulting Club is one of over 50 student-run clubs and organizations here at Darden. The club has the largest membership base on Grounds and is dedicated to educating the Darden Community about the consulting industry and preparing students for successful careers within it.

This summer, we asked a few members of the Consulting Club to share their internship experiences with us. Our next story comes from Daniele Giraldo, who interned at ZS Associates doing sales and marketing consulting for healthcare clients.

Daniele Giraldo ’18: ZS Associates

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Daniele Giraldo ’18

I spent the summer at ZS Associates, a sales and marketing strategy consulting firm that primarily serves pharmaceutical clients. I had worked at ZS before coming to Darden in the Sao Paulo, Brazil office, and I was excited to rejoin the ZS team in the Princeton office. My summer could not have been any better! During my 11 weeks, I had a great balance between working on challenging projects and going to fun activities where I got to know the other interns and other ZSers.

ZS made an effort from day one to welcome us to the company and to help us network with our peers. In our first week, the associate and consultant interns from the East Region had trainings to get up to speed on Excel, PowerPoint, presentation skills, and the pharmaceutical industry. Over that first week, the interns bonded over meals and happy hours, including a BBQ hosted at the Princeton office. In the middle of the summer, the consultant interns headed to Chicago for ZStart, ZS’ learning and expertise development program for new ZSers. We joined new team members from around the world for more trainings and events. It was a fantastic opportunity to interact with people from different offices.

As for project work, ZS did not hold back; we were immediately treated like full-time employees. I started working on a project on my very first day after the training. Over the summer, I worked on two projects and a proposal for the same client, a multinational pharmaceutical company. On the first project, I learned more about physician segmentation and how to extract insights from the vast amount of data available in the healthcare industry. On the second project, I engaged in a Brand Dashboard project to define relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) for a launch of a new indication of a mature product, including creating mock-ups of dashboard screens.

One highlight of working for this client included learning to think holistically when creating solutions for a client. I had to think as the brand manager, sales manager, and access manager to assess what KPIs the client should track. It was also exciting to interact with the User Experience team from ZS, who supported the design phase, to analyze KPIs from a different perspective. Finally, I worked on a proposal to address a complex business problem: our client was about to lose exclusivity of one of their most important products. We developed a proposed strategy for our client to pursue in seven different countries to respond to this loss of patent. I interacted with ZSers from multiple countries and learned the nuances of structuring a proposal response as opposed to a project deliverable.

Overall my experience at ZS was amazing. I learned about the culture in the firm in the Princeton office, which was tremendously similar to what I experienced in ZS Sao Paulo. ZSers are always extremely collaborative and willing to help each other. On both of my projects, I really felt like part of the team and enjoyed having ownership of my work streams. Additionally, HR organized events with senior leadership, and I was able to meet with ZS’s CEO, Chairman, and Managing Principal for the Princeton office. Insight from these senior leaders provided the strategic perspective on where ZS and the healthcare industry are heading in the coming years. Finally, I became even closer friends with my colleagues from Darden that interned at the firm, and made new friends with interns joining from other schools.

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Full-Time Residential MBA Class of 2019 Kicks Off Their Year [#permalink]

02 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Full-Time Residential MBA Class of 2019 Kicks Off Their Year

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The 2019 class of Full-Time Residential MBA students kicked off their year with enthusiasm and lots of energy. This class, which ties the record for the highest percentage of women in the full-time program and hits a new peak for GMAT scores, was encouraged from the start to “discover their why,” or their noble purpose, and to “put their why to work as a path to happiness and ultimate success.” Students were encouraged to get to know one another on a deeper level and to focus on Darden’s core values of diversity, inclusion and respect.

Full-Time Residential MBA Class of 2019 Key Facts:

Class Size: 326
Women: 39%
Average Age: 27
Born Outside the U.S.: 36%
Domestic Minorities: 20%
36 countries represented
29 states & territories

The Class of 2019 is the first class to take part in a new dual-degree program with UVA’s Data Science Institute. Seven students in the class will participate in the MBA/Master of Science in Data Science program, which aims to provide robust training and cutting edge tools for students.

If you are considering applying for the Class of 2020, register for our Office Hours, Coffee Chats, and other Admissions Events. We look forward to meeting with you soon!

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Attend Darden’s Open House on September 11 [#permalink]

06 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Attend Darden’s Open House on September 11

Darden Admissions invites you to join us for an Open House on Monday, 11 September! Our Open Houses are designed for all prospective applicants who are interested in learning more about the full-time MBA. You’ll enjoy a class visit, tour, lunch with students, and admissions and financial panel. These activities provide lots of opportunities to talk to faculty and students, and to have your questions answered.

On Monday afternoon, we will dive into “Business in Society” through a panel discussion and faculty talk. Joey Burton, Executive Director of the Institute for Business in Society, will discuss the intersection of business, society and government, and the role of the Institute for Business in Society, whose mission is to help Darden’s faculty change the prevailing narrative about business and capitalism.

Check out the below video to learn about Darden’s Institute for Business in Society, and read Professor Gentile’s reflection on one of the 5 finalists for this year’s P3 Impact award, presented in part by the Institute.

Please register for Monday’s open house by 8 pm on Thursday, 7 September.

If you can’t make it to Darden on 11 September, we’d love for you to attend one of our other open house events this fall!

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We’ve Got a Podcast! [#permalink]

09 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: We’ve Got a Podcast!

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Darden’s Executive MBA Podcast

Do you like podcasts? Are you interested in the executive formats of the Darden MBA? Well, you are in luck!

We recently launched our Darden Executive MBA Podcast. On this podcast, we explore our Executive MBA (EMBA) and Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) formats, tackling a host of topics ranging from Admissions questions to the student experience and everything in between. Episodes are hosted by Brett Twitty, Director of Admissions for the executive formats of the Darden MBA and feature interviews with current students, program staff, faculty and more!

Check out out our first episode! In this episode, we introduce the podcast, as well as our Class of 2019, and highlight a few upcoming application deadlines. Exciting!

Have an idea for a podcast segment? Please email your comments, suggestions and ideas to ExecMBA@darden.virginia.edu

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Darden Hosts Networking Breakfasts in the DC Area [#permalink]

11 Sep 2017, 10:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Darden Hosts Networking Breakfasts in the DC Area

In addition to scheduling a class visit in September or October, there are several upcoming opportunities in the DC area to learn more about Darden.

We will host a series of networking breakfasts – one for women and another hosted by our Black Executive MBA organization. These informal gatherings are a great way to connect with current Darden students and staff, meet other prospective students and ask any questions you have about the executive formats of the Darden MBA. We hope you will be able to join us!

Darden Networking Breakfast hosted by our Black Executive MBA Organization

15 September – Arlington, Virginia (Rosslyn)

7:30 – 9:00 am

Click Here to Register

Darden Women’s Networking Breakfast

29 September – Arlington, VA (Rosslyn)

7:30 – 9:00 am

Click Here to Register

Can’t make one of these breakfasts? Be sure to keep an eye on our Events page for updates in the coming weeks!

Ready to take the next step? We encourage you to schedule a conversation with a member of our Admissions Committee. We offer both phone as well as in-person (Office Hours) conversations.

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An Interview with Darden’s Black Executive MBA Student Association [#permalink]

15 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: An Interview with Darden’s Black Executive MBA Student Association

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[/b] BEMBA Student Association President, Arica Booker, and Vice President, Corbin Norman

What is the name of your student organization? What is the purpose of your student organization?

The Black Executive MBAs (BEMBA) mission is to enrich Darden and the broader UVa community by piecing together the minds, experiences, and resources of past, present, and prospective Darden executive format students to discuss issues of African-American business, economics, culture, and history.

Open to all, BEMBA is one of the first student associations chartered in Darden’s Executive MBA Program, and we plan to serve executive format students with a variety of programming – including leadership development, fellowship activities, community service, and conversations on topics of diversity and inclusion.

Why did you start your organization?

We wanted to play a key role in Darden’s increased focus on diversity and inclusion in the classroom and the Darden community. We believe a student-led organization that engages senior leaders and executives in conversations around topics difficult to discuss yet necessary to uncover is the best avenue for us to make meaningful contributions to our school, business, and society.

Are you planning any programming or activities in the upcoming year?

This year, our programming will focus on three primary areas:

1) Professional development through both networking and career planning;

2) Supporting Darden’s admissions team in their efforts to continue to grow the number of African Americans interested in the Executive MBA Program. In fact, on 15 September, we’re co-hosting a networking breakfast for African-Americans interested in the executive formats of the Darden MBA. Read additional details, including registration information.

3) Influencing the Darden curriculum to include more cases on diversity and inclusion issues in business.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Darden’s Executive MBA Program?

It is extremely difficult to identify just one thing positive about the Darden’s Executive MBA Program so we will mention two.

The diversity of our classmates is extraordinary. The differences not just in race, gender, color, nationality, etc. but the uniqueness of each of our classmates’ experiences, perspectives, interests, and attitudes is amazing.

Secondly, the personal and professional network among classmates, alumni, faculty, and staff here is unmatched. In many ways, this network of global leaders and influencers will be one of the most significant takeaways from our time on grounds.

What advice would you offer a prospective student considering the executive formats of the Darden MBA?

Your career and ultimately your life is a marathon, not a sprint. Reflect on your needs professionally and personally. Where are you pre-Darden? Where do you want to be post-Darden? Once you’ve identified those gaps, it is time to put together a roadmap for success. Does an MBA fill in those gaps? Why Darden? This period of reflection and planning will really help you to extract the most value from the Darden experience.

How can an interested prospective student connect with your organization?

Reach out to the President or Executive Vice President of the Black Executive MBA group (see emails below) and join us for breakfast on September 15!

Arica Booker, President BookerA18@darden.virginia.edu

Corbin Norman, Executive Vice President NormanC18@darden.virginia.edu

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What’s it Like to Attend Darden? Find out on September 25 [#permalink]

19 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: What’s it Like to Attend Darden? Find out on September 25

Come experience what it’s like to be a Darden student on Monday, 25 September! Darden Admissions is excited to host an open house for all prospective applicants interested in learning more about our full-time MBA program. Each open house consists of a class visit, tour, lunch with students, and admissions and financial panel. In the afternoon, we will dive more in to the particular area of focus with a panel discussion and faculty talk. The afternoon portion on Monday will focus on asset management. Even if this isn’t your particular area of focus, you will learn more about life at Darden and how students are using what they learn to propel their future.

Associate Professor of Business Administration Rich Evans will share more about teaching at Darden, his research, and the Darden Capital Management Club. This student-run club impressively manages the Darden Fund, Jefferson Fund, Cavalier Fund, Rotunda Fund and Monticello Fund, totaling approximately $10 million in assets.

Learn more about the Darden Capital Management Club in this video.

Check out details about Monday’s open house and register by 8 pm on Thursday, 21 September.

If you can’t make it to Darden on the 25 September, we’d love for you to attend one of our other open house events this fall!

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Summer Stories from the Tech Club [#permalink]

21 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Summer Stories from the Tech Club

The Darden Technology Club (DTC) is one of over 50 student-run clubs and organizations here at Darden. With over 200 members, DTC is dedicated to connecting its members with opportunities at tech companies, providing industry knowledge from thought leaders, offering hands-on skills training, and providing mentorship and recruiting support.

This summer, members of the DTC are hard at work at internships around the globe, and are sharing their intern experiences with us. Last week we heard from Kelly Sullivan (’18) who interned at Beverage Analytics™ by WeissBeerger. This week Breana Fife shares about her internship experience at Airbnb!

Breana Fife, ’18: Airbnb

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Breana Fife ’18

“What’s the best aspect of interning at Airbnb?” I cannot count the number of times I’ve been asked this question over the past few months. I think people expect me to talk about the unique office, in-house chefs, or Airbnb credits; but I see all of those things as icing on the cake. For me, it’s the people.

I had three main criteria going into recruitment: I wanted to be in the tech space, to work for a company that truly values its employees, and perhaps most of all, I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way to said company. I knew Airbnb was a good fit from my first interview with the recruiter. During this interaction, she walked through the entire process from first interview to first workday. These included a typical phone screening, a couple of function-specific interviews with managers, and one additional interview I didn’t expect. It was a core values interview. She said cultural fit was equally important as the ability to perform on the job.

On my first day, I saw exactly what she meant. I met so many brilliant people from extremely diverse backgrounds who were also very humble and excited to be working towards Airbnb’s mission of everyone belonging anywhere. It actually felt like I was back in the Darden classroom. At Airbnb, like at Darden, everyone brings something new and unique to the table. I saw first-hand how synergizing diverse strengths helps Airbnb push closer to its goal.

I feel very fortunate that Darden and my prior working experience prepared me for my internship within Product Management of the Growth Team at Airbnb. My main project for the summer was to take an ambiguous concept, make it more concrete, and conduct a competitor analysis surrounding this concept. I constantly found myself thinking back to similar cases or discussions we had in class, and I realized how invaluable some of those takeaways are. More than that, how valuable it is to embrace ambiguity and figure out how to manage it.

I have two pieces of advice for incoming First Years:

1. Absorb as much knowledge as you can during your time at Darden

2. Prioritize what you’re looking for in an internship and stick to it throughout the recruitment process. It may end up that you’ll find your dream job or that you’ll realize the things you thought were important to you really aren’t. Both are equally as valuable.

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An Interview with Darden’s Veterans’ Student Association [#permalink]

23 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: An Interview with Darden’s Veterans’ Student Association

https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2017/09/VESD-Photo-300x225.jpg
Darden’s Veterans Executive Students

What is the name of your student organization? What is the purpose of your student organization?

Our group is the Veterans Executive Students at Darden (VESD), we serve the Executive MBA community as an affinity group by leveraging former and current military experiences to enhance career opportunities, build esprit de corps, and camaraderie within the entire Darden Community.

Why did you start your organization?

We felt this organization would be a great resource for Veterans in the Executive MBA Program. There are certainly unique challenges Veterans face as they transition from the military to a world class program like Darden’s executive formats, and we wanted to help support these students before, during, and after their time as students.

Darden is already such a close-knit and supportive community; one of the hallmarks of Darden is the incredible student body, faculty, and administrative staff who all work together and support one another. The VESD wants to add to that general sense of community, but from a veteran perspective.

What are your goals for your organization? Are you planning any programming or activities in the upcoming year?

We are planning a Class of 2019 welcome event, a joint Happy Hour with the Darden Military Association and extended joint networking opportunities with the Veterans in Darden’s full-time format. We also plan to co-host a community service and a charity event during the 2018 holiday season.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Darden’s Executive MBA Program?

As previously mentioned, Darden does a fantastic job of fostering a genuine spirit of community within the Executive MBA Program. Everyone genuinely wants to help each other succeed, whether it’s in the classroom or with a job search. It’s truly amazing how willing our classmates are to help each other, and the people and the sense of community really make Darden a truly special place to learn.

What advice would you offer a prospective student considering the executive formats of the Darden MBA?

A few different things come to mind: Do it, and don’t look back. Jump in with both feet, and give it your all. People always wonder how they will be able to juggle this program with everything they have going on in their life, but you will find a way to make it work. You’ll get more out than you put in, and in the end you’ll have greater understanding of the business (and civilian) world, and a strong network to leverage as you chart the next chapter in your career.

How can an interested prospective student connect with your organization?

Email the Veteran Exec Students at Darden at VESD@Darden.virginia.edu or the VP for Admissions at coppoj18@darden.virginia.edu. The other plug I would make is that we can be our own recruiters and help the Darden Admissions team with referrals. Please encourage any veterans who may be good candidates or interested in one of the best EMBA programs in the world to consider applying and reaching out to find out more information.

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An Interview with Darden’s Veterans’ Student Association [#permalink]

26 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: An Interview with Darden’s Veterans’ Student Association

https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2017/09/VESD-Photo-300x225.jpg
Darden’s Veterans Executive Students

What is the name of your student organization? What is the purpose of your student organization?

Our group is the Veterans Executive Students at Darden (VESD), we serve the Executive MBA community as an affinity group by leveraging former and current military experiences to enhance career opportunities, build esprit de corps, and camaraderie within the entire Darden Community.

Why did you start your organization?

We felt this organization would be a great resource for Veterans in the Executive MBA Program. There are certainly unique challenges Veterans face as they transition from the military to a world class program like Darden’s executive formats, and we wanted to help support these students before, during, and after their time as students.

Darden is already such a close-knit and supportive community; one of the hallmarks of Darden is the incredible student body, faculty, and administrative staff who all work together and support one another. The VESD wants to add to that general sense of community, but from a veteran perspective.

What are your goals for your organization? Are you planning any programming or activities in the upcoming year?

We are planning a Class of 2019 welcome event, a joint Happy Hour with the Darden Military Association and extended joint networking opportunities with the Veterans in Darden’s full-time format. We also plan to co-host a community service and a charity event during the 2018 holiday season.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Darden’s Executive MBA Program?

As previously mentioned, Darden does a fantastic job of fostering a genuine spirit of community within the Executive MBA Program. Everyone genuinely wants to help each other succeed, whether it’s in the classroom or with a job search. It’s truly amazing how willing our classmates are to help each other, and the people and the sense of community really make Darden a truly special place to learn.

What advice would you offer a prospective student considering the executive formats of the Darden MBA?

A few different things come to mind: Do it, and don’t look back. Jump in with both feet, and give it your all. People always wonder how they will be able to juggle this program with everything they have going on in their life, but you will find a way to make it work. You’ll get more out than you put in, and in the end you’ll have greater understanding of the business (and civilian) world, and a strong network to leverage as you chart the next chapter in your career.

How can an interested prospective student connect with your organization?

Email the Veteran Exec Students at Darden at VESD@Darden.virginia.edu or the VP for Admissions at coppoj18@darden.virginia.edu. The other plug I would make is that we can be our own recruiters and help the Darden Admissions team with referrals. Please encourage any veterans who may be good candidates or interested in one of the best EMBA programs in the world to consider applying and reaching out to find out more information.

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The Sounding Board at Darden [#permalink]

26 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: The Sounding Board at Darden

An interview with Ruchir Ghildiyal, an executive format student at Darden’s Charlottesville location.

https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admiss ... Ruchir.jpg
Ruchir Ghildiyal, MBA for Executives 2018

What is the Sounding Board? What is the purpose of this informal group?

The Sounding Board is a platform that encourages students to voice ideas, opinions, and thoughts they have on a problem they think can be solved. This group is a safe place to discuss such ideas that have the potential to be something worthwhile.

What prompted you to start this group?

Early in the program, we had a Professional Advancement Course with Connie Dunlop, and I observed that more than half of the class expressed an interest in entrepreneurship. Of course, we were all at different points in acting upon this interest, but I thought if we could create a platform for discussion, it might help at least a few of us move forward with our ideas. And The Sounding Board was born.

Is this resource available to students in Charlottesville and Rosslyn?

The Sounding Board started in Charlottesville, but it will be launched in Rosslyn during our next residency there. We are also looking at options to make it available virtually so that it is not limited by location.

How do you think Darden’s executive formats prepare students to launch their own businesses?

The availability of bright and experienced minds is a requirement for any idea to flourish. One of the reasons I chose Darden was the collaborative nature of its learning environment. When collaboration happens amongst bright minds who come from a variety of backgrounds, amazing things happen. Sounds abstract and vague, but at Darden, it’s actually very real. In my time as a Darden student, I have seen repeatedly how students, faculty and staff can shape each other’s thoughts and ideas in truly profound ways.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Darden’s Executive MBA Program?

The best thing is the people – students, faculty, the Program team, Admissions team, everyone. I am not sure how it happens, but when a student needs an answer or help, everyone comes together to lend a hand. This support has particular impact for executive format students because we are all balancing a number of different things – work, family, personal and professional commitments, etc. – in addition to school. No one gets through a program as challenging as Darden without the help of others.

What advice would you offer a prospective student considering the executive formats of the Darden MBA?

Be open and be free. Darden is not just a school, it will soon be an extended family that will be a part of you forever. Make sure the most of every opportunity Darden presents. Be active in class participation, network with classmates, form friendships, and, most importantly, have fun.

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The Sounding Board at Darden [#permalink]

27 Sep 2017, 01:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: The Sounding Board at Darden

An interview with Ruchir Ghildiyal, an executive format student at Darden’s Charlottesville location.

https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admiss ... Ruchir.jpg
Ruchir Ghildiyal, MBA for Executives 2018

What is the Sounding Board? What is the purpose of this informal group?

The Sounding Board is a platform that encourages students to voice ideas, opinions, and thoughts they have on a problem they think can be solved. This group is a safe place to discuss such ideas that have the potential to be something worthwhile.

What prompted you to start this group?

Early in the program, we had a Professional Advancement Course with Connie Dunlop, and I observed that more than half of the class expressed an interest in entrepreneurship. Of course, we were all at different points in acting upon this interest, but I thought if we could create a platform for discussion, it might help at least a few of us move forward with our ideas. And The Sounding Board was born.

Is this resource available to students in Charlottesville and Rosslyn?

The Sounding Board started in Charlottesville, but it will be launched in Rosslyn during our next residency there. We are also looking at options to make it available virtually so that it is not limited by location.

How do you think Darden’s executive formats prepare students to launch their own businesses?

The availability of bright and experienced minds is a requirement for any idea to flourish. One of the reasons I chose Darden was the collaborative nature of its learning environment. When collaboration happens amongst bright minds who come from a variety of backgrounds, amazing things happen. Sounds abstract and vague, but at Darden, it’s actually very real. In my time as a Darden student, I have seen repeatedly how students, faculty and staff can shape each other’s thoughts and ideas in truly profound ways.

In your opinion, what is the best thing about Darden’s Executive MBA Program?

The best thing is the people – students, faculty, the Program team, Admissions team, everyone. I am not sure how it happens, but when a student needs an answer or help, everyone comes together to lend a hand. This support has particular impact for executive format students because we are all balancing a number of different things – work, family, personal and professional commitments, etc. – in addition to school. No one gets through a program as challenging as Darden without the help of others.

What advice would you offer a prospective student considering the executive formats of the Darden MBA?

Be open and be free. Darden is not just a school, it will soon be an extended family that will be a part of you forever. Make sure the most of every opportunity Darden presents. Be active in class participation, network with classmates, form friendships, and, most importantly, have fun.

https://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/virginia ... qNVxMZfQe0

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Podcast Interviewing Greg Fairchild, Associate Dean for DC Initiatives [#permalink]

27 Sep 2017, 03:00

FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Podcast Interviewing Greg Fairchild, Associate Dean for DC Initiatives

https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2017/09/Podcast-screenshot-300x189.png
Darden’s Executive MBA Podcast

The second episode of our podcast is now available! Check it out.

In this episode, we profile class visit opportunities, and interview Greg Fairchild, Darden Faculty member and Associate Dean for DC Initiatives, about the work he does with our executive format students. This episode includes part one of our interview with Greg. Stay tuned for the second half of our conversation in a later episode.

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Podcast Interviewing Greg Fairchild, Associate Dean for DC Initiatives [#permalink]

27 Sep 2017, 03:00

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