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UVA Darden MBA Admissions and Related Blogs!

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newsDarden
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Director
Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 972
Part-Time MBA Application Goes Live! [#permalink] New post  10 Aug 2021, 06:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Part-Time MBA Application Goes Live!
[url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba]UVA Darden’s Part-Time MBA[/url] joins Darden’s Executive MBA formats as another compelling option for professional students seeking to continue to advance their career while simultaneously pursuing an MBA. Based in the Washington, DC area and featuring in-person and virtual components, the Part-Time MBA is designed to maximize convenience and minimize disruption to students’ busy schedules.

[b]Join the App Launch Webinar[/b]
Join members of Darden’s Admissions Committee on Wednesday, 11 August at 6:00 p.m. EDT for an Application Launch webinar, featuring insights about the application process and highlights of the program format. [b][url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/?id=35a695d2-c1d5-48d8-921a-e1d079d301c0]Register for the Application Launch webinar[/url][/b]

The program offers [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process/deadlines]multiple application deadlines[/url] for Part-Time MBA applicants, with the first deadline on [b]1 October[/b]. All deadlines are focused on the same start date of August 2022.

Applicants are advised to apply as soon as they feel they can put together a strong application. There are typically more seats available and more scholarship money available earlier in the cycle, however. All students admitted to the Part-Time MBA are evaluated for available scholarships at the time of admission. Student’s scholarship decisions are traditionally released at the same time as their admissions decision.

Part-Time MBA students are also eligible for the Batten Scholars Program. This partial scholarship for students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, strong leadership skills and a drive innovation is the only Part-Time MBA scholarship that requires a separate essay. For additional insights about this scholarship offering, check out [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/batten-scholars]our Executive MBA webpage about the Batten Scholars[/url]. 

Application and Program Resources
[list]
[*][url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process]Part-Time MBA Application Process page[/url]:  A step-by-step guide to the Part-Time MBA application. [/*]
[*][url=https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EtyMkjZzi9ErgSjrTxKEl?si=7bca647213c04cb9]Application Tips Podcast Playlist:[/url] Tips and insights from Darden’s Admissions Committee. Each episode focuses on a different part of the application and application process. [/*]
[*][url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/category/application-tips/]Discover Darden Blog App Tips Series:[/url] The blog contains a wealth of information for applications, including our ongoing application tips series. Subscribe and never miss a post.  [/*]
[*][url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/portal/conversation-parttime]Schedule a Part-Time MBA 1:1 Conversation[/url] with a member of the Admissions Committee[/*]
[*][url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba#signup]Join the Part-Time MBA mailing list[/url] to stay up to date on announcements and program updates[/*]
[*]Ready to check out the application? [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/apply/]Get started here![/url][/*]
[/list]
[b]Part-Time MBA Format[/b]
The Part-Time MBA consists of a cohort-based core curriculum followed by an elective period. Students also participate in two week-long residencies, one at the beginning of the program and another after the conclusion of the core. During the elective period, students have the flexibility to speed up or slow down their course of study as their life and career demands, with completion timelines ranging from 28 months to 48 months, and a standard path of 33 months.

The Part-Time MBA will follow an evenings-based schedule, and classes will occur on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. Weeks will alternate between in-person and virtual delivery, with in-person classes taking place at UVA Darden DC Metro, the School’s state-of-the-art location in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. Students will need to be within commuting distance of the Washington, DC area in order to participate in the in-person class sessions.

All Part-Time MBA students graduate with the same degree as students in Darden’s other MBA formats – a Darden MBA. Best of luck, and as always, we are here to help! [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/portal/conversation-parttime]Schedule a Part-Time MBA 1:1 Conversation[/url] with a member of the Admissions Committee to discuss how this program may fit your MBA goals.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/10/part-time-mba-application/]Part-Time MBA Application Goes Live![/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
newsDarden
Director
Director
Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 972
Part-Time MBA Application Goes Live! [#permalink] New post  10 Aug 2021, 06:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Part-Time MBA Application Goes Live!
[url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba]UVA Darden’s Part-Time MBA[/url] joins Darden’s Executive MBA formats as another compelling option for professional students seeking to continue to advance their career while simultaneously pursuing an MBA. Based in the Washington, DC area and featuring in-person and virtual components, the Part-Time MBA is designed to maximize convenience and minimize disruption to students’ busy schedules.

[b]Join the App Launch Webinar[/b]
Join members of Darden’s Admissions Committee on Wednesday, 11 August at 6:00 p.m. EDT for an Application Launch webinar, featuring insights about the application process and highlights of the program format. [b][url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/?id=35a695d2-c1d5-48d8-921a-e1d079d301c0]Register for the Application Launch webinar[/url][/b]

The program offers [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process/deadlines]multiple application deadlines[/url] for Part-Time MBA applicants, with the first deadline on [b]1 October[/b]. All deadlines are focused on the same start date of August 2022.

Applicants are advised to apply as soon as they feel they can put together a strong application. There are typically more seats available and more scholarship money available earlier in the cycle, however. All students admitted to the Part-Time MBA are evaluated for available scholarships at the time of admission. Student’s scholarship decisions are traditionally released at the same time as their admissions decision.

Part-Time MBA students are also eligible for the Batten Scholars Program. This partial scholarship for students who demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, strong leadership skills and a drive innovation is the only Part-Time MBA scholarship that requires a separate essay. For additional insights about this scholarship offering, check out [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships/batten-scholars]our Executive MBA webpage about the Batten Scholars[/url]. 

Application and Program Resources
[list]
[*][url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process]Part-Time MBA Application Process page[/url]:  A step-by-step guide to the Part-Time MBA application. [/*]
[*][url=https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EtyMkjZzi9ErgSjrTxKEl?si=7bca647213c04cb9]Application Tips Podcast Playlist:[/url] Tips and insights from Darden’s Admissions Committee. Each episode focuses on a different part of the application and application process. [/*]
[*][url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/category/application-tips/]Discover Darden Blog App Tips Series:[/url] The blog contains a wealth of information for applications, including our ongoing application tips series. Subscribe and never miss a post.  [/*]
[*][url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/portal/conversation-parttime]Schedule a Part-Time MBA 1:1 Conversation[/url] with a member of the Admissions Committee[/*]
[*][url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba#signup]Join the Part-Time MBA mailing list[/url] to stay up to date on announcements and program updates[/*]
[*]Ready to check out the application? [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/apply/]Get started here![/url][/*]
[/list]
[b]Part-Time MBA Format[/b]
The Part-Time MBA consists of a cohort-based core curriculum followed by an elective period. Students also participate in two week-long residencies, one at the beginning of the program and another after the conclusion of the core. During the elective period, students have the flexibility to speed up or slow down their course of study as their life and career demands, with completion timelines ranging from 28 months to 48 months, and a standard path of 33 months.

The Part-Time MBA will follow an evenings-based schedule, and classes will occur on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET. Weeks will alternate between in-person and virtual delivery, with in-person classes taking place at UVA Darden DC Metro, the School’s state-of-the-art location in the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia. Students will need to be within commuting distance of the Washington, DC area in order to participate in the in-person class sessions.

All Part-Time MBA students graduate with the same degree as students in Darden’s other MBA formats – a Darden MBA. Best of luck, and as always, we are here to help! [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/portal/conversation-parttime]Schedule a Part-Time MBA 1:1 Conversation[/url] with a member of the Admissions Committee to discuss how this program may fit your MBA goals.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/10/part-time-mba-application/]Part-Time MBA Application Goes Live![/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
newsDarden
Director
Director
Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 972
The Quintessential Application Tips Playlist [#permalink] New post  11 Aug 2021, 06:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: The Quintessential Application Tips Playlist
No matter which Darden MBA format you’re thinking about applying to (did we mention the Part-Time MBA application just launched?!), we have a brand new resource that might just be the last playlist you’ll ever need. We are excited to announce a new step-by-step application guide in podcast form! The mini-episodes feature perspectives and helpful tips from across the Admissions Committee, and include popular topics such as:

[list]
[*]Choosing your deadline [/*]
[*]Tips for reapplicants[/*]
[*]Telling your story through the application[/*]
[*]Building your academic readiness case[/*]
[*]Crafting your short answer responses[/*]
[*]What happens after you press submit? [/*]
[/list]
[url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vZ8jZsLwplmeKvHr1MR46?si=66798bdfb3004248][b]Listen to the playlist here[/b][/url]
Unable to access Spotify? You can also [url=https://www.kaltura.com/tiny/wh6sp]listen to the podcast series via Kaltura.[/url]

That’s right, the collective wisdom of the Darden Admissions Committee is now available to you on demand, in easily digestible micro podcast episodes. Most episodes are just five to seven minutes in length (or less). Listen along as you assemble your application! 

The application tips podcast series joins the Discover Darden blog as well as a number of application-focused webpages as helpful resources for Darden applicants.

[b]Three key application resources that should be in any applicant’s bookmarks: [/b]

[list]
[*][url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/category/application-tips/]App Tips Blog Series[/url]: The Discover Darden blog is your source for all the latest news from grounds. However, the blog also features a host of helpful application advice. Subscribe over on the righthand side of the page and never miss a post.  [/*]
[*]Application Process Web Pages: These detailed pages break down the application process into a series of numbered steps ([url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/guidelines]Full-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process]Part-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/admissions/application-process]Executive MBA[/url])[/*]
[*]Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Have questions? In the FAQs, we tackle some of the most common applicant questions. From test waivers to transcripts, the FAQ explains it all! ([url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/faq]Full-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/faq]Part-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/admissions/faq]Executive MBA[/url])[/*]
[/list]
Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/11/application-tips-playlist/]The Quintessential Application Tips Playlist[/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
newsDarden
Director
Director
Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 972
The Quintessential Application Tips Playlist [#permalink] New post  11 Aug 2021, 06:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: The Quintessential Application Tips Playlist
No matter which Darden MBA format you’re thinking about applying to (did we mention the Part-Time MBA application just launched?!), we have a brand new resource that might just be the last playlist you’ll ever need. We are excited to announce a new step-by-step application guide in podcast form! The mini-episodes feature perspectives and helpful tips from across the Admissions Committee, and include popular topics such as:

[list]
[*]Choosing your deadline [/*]
[*]Tips for reapplicants[/*]
[*]Telling your story through the application[/*]
[*]Building your academic readiness case[/*]
[*]Crafting your short answer responses[/*]
[*]What happens after you press submit? [/*]
[/list]
[url=https://open.spotify.com/episode/7vZ8jZsLwplmeKvHr1MR46?si=66798bdfb3004248][b]Listen to the playlist here[/b][/url]
Unable to access Spotify? You can also [url=https://www.kaltura.com/tiny/wh6sp]listen to the podcast series via Kaltura.[/url]

That’s right, the collective wisdom of the Darden Admissions Committee is now available to you on demand, in easily digestible micro podcast episodes. Most episodes are just five to seven minutes in length (or less). Listen along as you assemble your application! 

The application tips podcast series joins the Discover Darden blog as well as a number of application-focused webpages as helpful resources for Darden applicants.

[b]Three key application resources that should be in any applicant’s bookmarks: [/b]

[list]
[*][url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/category/application-tips/]App Tips Blog Series[/url]: The Discover Darden blog is your source for all the latest news from grounds. However, the blog also features a host of helpful application advice. Subscribe over on the righthand side of the page and never miss a post.  [/*]
[*]Application Process Web Pages: These detailed pages break down the application process into a series of numbered steps ([url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/apply/guidelines]Full-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process]Part-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/admissions/application-process]Executive MBA[/url])[/*]
[*]Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Have questions? In the FAQs, we tackle some of the most common applicant questions. From test waivers to transcripts, the FAQ explains it all! ([url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/mba/admissions/faq]Full-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/faq]Part-Time MBA[/url] | [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/executive-mba-formats/admissions/faq]Executive MBA[/url])[/*]
[/list]
Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/11/application-tips-playlist/]The Quintessential Application Tips Playlist[/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
newsDarden
Director
Director
Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 972
Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrep [#permalink] New post  13 Aug 2021, 10:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrepreneurship
Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022) graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in 2011, then joined the Army as a military intelligence officer. She’s already had a lifetime of experience by many standards, so it may be no surprise that after graduating from Darden’s Full-Time MBA program in 2022, Pace plans to make an entrepreneurial pivot. Pace is actively involved in the Darden community, while also growing her her Americana-themed home goods startup, Goose & Willow.

Veterans, active-duty military and international service members make up approximately 7-8% of each Full-Time MBA class. As a public university, UVA Darden is one of the few Top 10 MBA programs where veterans can benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Darden Military Association (DMA) also plays an active role in helping students and their partners make the transition from public to private.

Learn more by joining one of our upcoming events hosted by the DMA:


Q: How did you decide that business school was the next step? What skills/gaps were you hoping to fill by pursuing your MBA?


Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022)
A: I chose to attend Darden at the age of 31 because I realized I wanted to pursue entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, I have continuously pursued challenging jobs that reinforce the importance of long-term operational planning, logistics, concise communication, leadership, and general management. Throughout my 8.5 years of service in the Army, I commanded an organization of 80 personnel operating globally, provided strategic outreach and executive messaging for the Commanding General of the Army’s intelligence warfighting function, and delivered intelligence analysis in support of executive-level decision making and war planning efforts throughout a 12-month combat tour in Afghanistan. After serving my country and completing an internship on Wall Street, I decided that I was ready to take a leap—leveraging the organizational and managerial skills I sharpened in my 20’s, coupled with my upbringing that reinforced resourcefulness and my artistic abilities—to focus on founding and running my own company (called Goose & Willow).


Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022) works on her startup, Goose & Willow
Q: How did you land on Darden as your best fit?

A: Darden was the only school my husband and I applied to. As a dual military couple who has spent several months apart, going through graduate school together was a top consideration. There were three main pulls that attracted us to Darden. 1) Darden had a reputation for being military friendly and was something we quickly recognized during engagements with faculty, staff, and students. 2) My husband—a huge nerd—was really attracted to the dual degree Data Science program that UVA offers, and 3) We were both interested in going to school in Charlottesville so that we could live closer to family. Additionally, I couldn’t have been more thrilled about the idea of returning to my alma mater.

Q: Can you share a little more about Darden Military Association and the community of veterans at Darden? 

A: The DMA is my favorite social club at Darden because it provides an immediate bond with others who share a similar experiences, sense of humor, and dedication to making the nation stronger. I’ve also learned a lot more about the joint forces through my peers who have served in the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, which help me to become a better Soldier and leader for the Army Reserve intelligence unit I am assigned to based out of the Charlottesville area.

Q: Any advice for women vets considering an MBA?

A: Prior to attending Darden, I got really used to being really good at my job. I thought getting an MBA was going to be a breeze in comparison to the obstacles I overcame and challenges I maneuvered throughout my military service. It was both humbling and invigorating to be immersed in the Darden academic experience where I often found myself in the middle of the pack. Darden is very challenging, but the experience prepares you to be more informed and better prepared as a leader. Do not feel intimidated about not being the best if you aren’t at the top of the class. Remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grow and transform throughout the journey without putting too much pressure on yourself for not knowing some of the business terminology and jargon that many of your peers are intimately familiar with.

Q: Favorite memory/experience from your first year?


Goose & Willow is a home goods company featuring Americana-themed products.
A: My learning team experience is my fondest memory from first year.  The five other people I spent several hours a week with working through our case studies is similar to a military training experience – you go through a really challenging and vulnerable experience together, but as a result, form a lifetime bond and friendship with one another.

Q: What’s something that surprised you about Darden that you didn’t expect?

A: I underestimated how time consuming the academic experience would be. I was also surprised by the vast (and frankly overwhelming) number of opportunities available. My best advice is to do your research in advance and determine the clubs and extra circulars you want to get involved with so you can remain focused. For example, I deliberately decided not to run for leadership positions because I felt like I had ample leadership experiences from my military service, Instead, I decided to get involved in as many entrepreneurial focused activities as possible, focus on learning and establishing strong relationships with professors, and pursue study abroad opportunities and the Darden Prison Reentry Education Program (PREP).




Q: What do you love most about Charlottesville/Virginia?

A: Charlottesville is one of my favorite places because it is close to home and close to nature. You are able to truly focus on your academic pursuits without the distraction of the hustle and bustle inherent to city life. You are also able to make close connections with your classmates because the main housing options are all within walking distance to one another. I’ve also found a way to connect with the town and make this my home through joining a local gym (Solidarity Crossfit, which several DMA members also attend) and through going to the various farmers’ markets and local shops on Barracks Road and the Downtown Mall.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrepreneurship first appeared on Discover Darden.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
User avatar
newsDarden
Director
Director
Joined: 13 Nov 2013
Posts: 972
Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrep [#permalink] New post  13 Aug 2021, 10:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrepreneurship
Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022) graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.A. in 2011, then joined the Army as a military intelligence officer. She’s already had a lifetime of experience by many standards, so it may be no surprise that after graduating from Darden’s Full-Time MBA program in 2022, Pace plans to make an entrepreneurial pivot. Pace is actively involved in the Darden community, while also growing her her Americana-themed home goods startup, Goose & Willow.

Veterans, active-duty military and international service members make up approximately 7-8% of each Full-Time MBA class. As a public university, UVA Darden is one of the few Top 10 MBA programs where veterans can benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Darden Military Association (DMA) also plays an active role in helping students and their partners make the transition from public to private.

Learn more by joining one of our upcoming events hosted by the DMA:


Q: How did you decide that business school was the next step? What skills/gaps were you hoping to fill by pursuing your MBA?


Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022)
A: I chose to attend Darden at the age of 31 because I realized I wanted to pursue entrepreneurship. Over the past decade, I have continuously pursued challenging jobs that reinforce the importance of long-term operational planning, logistics, concise communication, leadership, and general management. Throughout my 8.5 years of service in the Army, I commanded an organization of 80 personnel operating globally, provided strategic outreach and executive messaging for the Commanding General of the Army’s intelligence warfighting function, and delivered intelligence analysis in support of executive-level decision making and war planning efforts throughout a 12-month combat tour in Afghanistan. After serving my country and completing an internship on Wall Street, I decided that I was ready to take a leap—leveraging the organizational and managerial skills I sharpened in my 20’s, coupled with my upbringing that reinforced resourcefulness and my artistic abilities—to focus on founding and running my own company (called Goose & Willow).


Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022) works on her startup, Goose & Willow
Q: How did you land on Darden as your best fit?

A: Darden was the only school my husband and I applied to. As a dual military couple who has spent several months apart, going through graduate school together was a top consideration. There were three main pulls that attracted us to Darden. 1) Darden had a reputation for being military friendly and was something we quickly recognized during engagements with faculty, staff, and students. 2) My husband—a huge nerd—was really attracted to the dual degree Data Science program that UVA offers, and 3) We were both interested in going to school in Charlottesville so that we could live closer to family. Additionally, I couldn’t have been more thrilled about the idea of returning to my alma mater.

Q: Can you share a little more about Darden Military Association and the community of veterans at Darden? 

A: The DMA is my favorite social club at Darden because it provides an immediate bond with others who share a similar experiences, sense of humor, and dedication to making the nation stronger. I’ve also learned a lot more about the joint forces through my peers who have served in the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, which help me to become a better Soldier and leader for the Army Reserve intelligence unit I am assigned to based out of the Charlottesville area.

Q: Any advice for women vets considering an MBA?

A: Prior to attending Darden, I got really used to being really good at my job. I thought getting an MBA was going to be a breeze in comparison to the obstacles I overcame and challenges I maneuvered throughout my military service. It was both humbling and invigorating to be immersed in the Darden academic experience where I often found myself in the middle of the pack. Darden is very challenging, but the experience prepares you to be more informed and better prepared as a leader. Do not feel intimidated about not being the best if you aren’t at the top of the class. Remember to be kind to yourself and allow yourself to grow and transform throughout the journey without putting too much pressure on yourself for not knowing some of the business terminology and jargon that many of your peers are intimately familiar with.

Q: Favorite memory/experience from your first year?


Goose & Willow is a home goods company featuring Americana-themed products.
A: My learning team experience is my fondest memory from first year.  The five other people I spent several hours a week with working through our case studies is similar to a military training experience – you go through a really challenging and vulnerable experience together, but as a result, form a lifetime bond and friendship with one another.

Q: What’s something that surprised you about Darden that you didn’t expect?

A: I underestimated how time consuming the academic experience would be. I was also surprised by the vast (and frankly overwhelming) number of opportunities available. My best advice is to do your research in advance and determine the clubs and extra circulars you want to get involved with so you can remain focused. For example, I deliberately decided not to run for leadership positions because I felt like I had ample leadership experiences from my military service, Instead, I decided to get involved in as many entrepreneurial focused activities as possible, focus on learning and establishing strong relationships with professors, and pursue study abroad opportunities and the Darden Prison Reentry Education Program (PREP).




Q: What do you love most about Charlottesville/Virginia?

A: Charlottesville is one of my favorite places because it is close to home and close to nature. You are able to truly focus on your academic pursuits without the distraction of the hustle and bustle inherent to city life. You are also able to make close connections with your classmates because the main housing options are all within walking distance to one another. I’ve also found a way to connect with the town and make this my home through joining a local gym (Solidarity Crossfit, which several DMA members also attend) and through going to the various farmers’ markets and local shops on Barracks Road and the Downtown Mall.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrepreneurship first appeared on Discover Darden.
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Now Open: 2021 Darden Diversity Conference Application [#permalink] New post  16 Aug 2021, 10:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Now Open: 2021 Darden Diversity Conference Application
The application is now open for Darden’s fourth annual [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/diversity-conference]Diversity Conference[/url], and while the experience will once again take place virtually, the planning team has taken steps to ensure meaningful dialogue, authentic student experiences and plenty of time for connecting with peers!

[b]Who is the Diversity Conference for?[/b] 
The Diversity Conference is an opportunity for prospective students from across Darden’s degree formats to experience how Darden embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusion, and it has a special focus for prospective students from diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ and members of domestic under-represented racial or ethnic communities. A brief application to attend is due by Friday, 17 September.

New for this year’s conference: [b]All prospective students are welcome to attend — Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA formats, Part-Time MBA and the Future Year Scholars Program.[/b][b] [/b]

[b]Where can I learn more about the Diversity Conference? [/b]
Great question! [b]Join Associate Director for Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruiting Kristian Robinson and members of the student planning committee on 1 September at 6:30 p.m. EDT for an online session featuring insights into this year’s event.[/b] The session will feature more information about the application process, goals for the conference and programming highlights.[b] [/b][url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/?id=eeb360ab-9c4b-4316-a557-731cc779b248][b]Sign up here.[/b][/url][b] [/b]We hope to see you online!

[b]What is the application process like?[/b]
The [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/divco]application[/url] itself is fairly brief and should take no more than one hour to complete. Students will be asked to share some basic personal information (biographical details, academic background, etc.), upload a resume and answer a short essay question: “Introduce yourself and tell us why you would like to attend the Darden Diversity Conference. (300 words)”

In addition, as a benefit for individuals who submit a Diversity Conference application and have not previously opened an application for one of the 2022 rounds, the information you share in your Diversity Conference application will automatically create a new application. We hope this will save you some time should you decide to apply to Darden in this year’s cycle!

[b]What are some of the event highlights?[/b]
[list]
[*]Participate in a mock case [/*]
[*]Get to know Darden’s affinity clubs [/*]
[*]Meet with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion faculty and staff [/*]
[*]Connect with members of the Darden community [/*]
[*]Network with employers and alumni [/*]
[*]Receive a Darden application fee waiver for the current admissions cycle [/*]
[*]And more!  [/*]
[/list]
Read more benefits for conference attendees on the [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/diversity-conference]Diversity Conference event page[/url].

[b]What did last year’s attendees say about the virtual conference?[/b]
Here are a few of our favorite post-event survey responses from 2020! 

“I was blown away by the candid community and the passion behind every member of the Darden community. Darden encourages its faculty, students, and staff to push boundaries, think outside the box, and be ambitious – all while being vulnerable and kind.” 

“The Conference was a success! I enjoyed every moment of the event, and I was able to connect with current students who shared their Darden experience in the break-out rooms. I enjoyed the case method with [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/martin-n-davidson]Professor Martin Davidson[/url]. The Conference was AMAZING!”

“I found the opportunity of hearing from multiple faculty very valuable. I was very impressed with how open the faculty were to difficult conversations and how welcoming they were to all of us. It was clear that diversity and inclusion are top of mind.”

[url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/?id=2b6e5a74-8233-40aa-9ce4-f2c756bca8e4][b]Apply to attend[/b][/url][b] the 2021 Darden Diversity Conference[/b] by 17 September.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/16/now-open-2021-darden-diversity-conference-application/]Now Open: 2021 Darden Diversity Conference Application[/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
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Now Open: 2021 Darden Diversity Conference Application [#permalink] New post  16 Aug 2021, 10:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Now Open: 2021 Darden Diversity Conference Application
The application is now open for Darden’s fourth annual [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/diversity-conference]Diversity Conference[/url], and while the experience will once again take place virtually, the planning team has taken steps to ensure meaningful dialogue, authentic student experiences and plenty of time for connecting with peers!

[b]Who is the Diversity Conference for?[/b] 
The Diversity Conference is an opportunity for prospective students from across Darden’s degree formats to experience how Darden embraces and celebrates diversity and inclusion, and it has a special focus for prospective students from diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQ and members of domestic under-represented racial or ethnic communities. A brief application to attend is due by Friday, 17 September.

New for this year’s conference: [b]All prospective students are welcome to attend — Full-Time MBA, Executive MBA formats, Part-Time MBA and the Future Year Scholars Program.[/b][b] [/b]

[b]Where can I learn more about the Diversity Conference? [/b]
Great question! [b]Join Associate Director for Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Recruiting Kristian Robinson and members of the student planning committee on 1 September at 6:30 p.m. EDT for an online session featuring insights into this year’s event.[/b] The session will feature more information about the application process, goals for the conference and programming highlights.[b] [/b][url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/?id=eeb360ab-9c4b-4316-a557-731cc779b248][b]Sign up here.[/b][/url][b] [/b]We hope to see you online!

[b]What is the application process like?[/b]
The [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/divco]application[/url] itself is fairly brief and should take no more than one hour to complete. Students will be asked to share some basic personal information (biographical details, academic background, etc.), upload a resume and answer a short essay question: “Introduce yourself and tell us why you would like to attend the Darden Diversity Conference. (300 words)”

In addition, as a benefit for individuals who submit a Diversity Conference application and have not previously opened an application for one of the 2022 rounds, the information you share in your Diversity Conference application will automatically create a new application. We hope this will save you some time should you decide to apply to Darden in this year’s cycle!

[b]What are some of the event highlights?[/b]
[list]
[*]Participate in a mock case [/*]
[*]Get to know Darden’s affinity clubs [/*]
[*]Meet with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion faculty and staff [/*]
[*]Connect with members of the Darden community [/*]
[*]Network with employers and alumni [/*]
[*]Receive a Darden application fee waiver for the current admissions cycle [/*]
[*]And more!  [/*]
[/list]
Read more benefits for conference attendees on the [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/diversity-conference]Diversity Conference event page[/url].

[b]What did last year’s attendees say about the virtual conference?[/b]
Here are a few of our favorite post-event survey responses from 2020! 

“I was blown away by the candid community and the passion behind every member of the Darden community. Darden encourages its faculty, students, and staff to push boundaries, think outside the box, and be ambitious – all while being vulnerable and kind.” 

“The Conference was a success! I enjoyed every moment of the event, and I was able to connect with current students who shared their Darden experience in the break-out rooms. I enjoyed the case method with [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/faculty-research/directory/martin-n-davidson]Professor Martin Davidson[/url]. The Conference was AMAZING!”

“I found the opportunity of hearing from multiple faculty very valuable. I was very impressed with how open the faculty were to difficult conversations and how welcoming they were to all of us. It was clear that diversity and inclusion are top of mind.”

[url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/register/?id=2b6e5a74-8233-40aa-9ce4-f2c756bca8e4][b]Apply to attend[/b][/url][b] the 2021 Darden Diversity Conference[/b] by 17 September.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/16/now-open-2021-darden-diversity-conference-application/]Now Open: 2021 Darden Diversity Conference Application[/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
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How to Earn a Part-Time MBA Fee Waiver, Application Launch Webinar Rec [#permalink] New post  17 Aug 2021, 09:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: How to Earn a Part-Time MBA Fee Waiver, Application Launch Webinar Recording
Darden Admissions hosted an application launch webinar for [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/apply/]the Part-Time MBA application[/url], highlighting application insights, program format and strategies for Part-Time MBA applicants.

If you missed the session or simply want to review the conversation, check out a link to the webinar recording below and read on for additional Part-Time MBA application-related insights.

[url=https://www.kaltura.com/tiny/izhn2][b]Watch: Part-Time MBA App Launch Webinar[/b][/url]

[url=https://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2612011/uiconf_id/44897311/entry_id/1_oy51e7p7/embed/dynamic][img]https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2021/08/PTMBA-app-launch-webinar.png[/img][/url]

[b]Apply for Free [/b]
For the inaugural admissions cycle for the Part-Time MBA, we’re excited to offer an application fee waiver for Part-Time MBA applicants. Qualifying for a fee waiver and saving $250 on your Part-Time MBA application is as easy as 1-2:

[list]
[*]Participate in a [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/portal/conversation-parttime]Part-Time MBA conversation[/url] OR Part-Time MBA virtual coffee chat; AND[/*]
[*]Attend a [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/events?region=All&field_event_type_target_id=2876]Part-Time MBA webinar[/url] (or similar online event)[/*]
[/list]
[b]Deadlines[/b]
We offer [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process/deadlines]multiple application deadlines[/url] for Part-Time MBA applicants, and the first deadline is [b]1 October[/b]. All deadlines are focused on the same start date in August 2022, and we will accept applications until the cohort is filled. For the current application cycle beginning next August, we are anticipating a cohort of 65 students. 

Getting Started
Once you start a Part-Time application, take 10-15 minutes to just read through it. What questions are asked? What materials are required? To help you get (and stay) organized, the [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process]Part-Time MBA Application Process web page[/url] provides a step-by-step guide. From resumes to recommenders, the Application Process page has you covered! 

[b]Helpful Resources [/b]
We have a number of resources to help you sharpen and craft your Part-Time MBA application. Our [url=https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EtyMkjZzi9ErgSjrTxKEl?si=7bca647213c04cb9]application tips podcast playlist[/url] features tips and insights from Darden’s Admissions Committee, and each episode focuses on a different part of the application and application process.

In addition, the [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/category/application-tips/]Discover Darden blog app tips series[/url] contains a wealth of information for applications, including our ongoing application tips series. Subscribe and never miss a post.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/17/how-to-earn-a-part-time-mba-fee-waiver-application-launch-webinar-recording/]How to Earn a Part-Time MBA Fee Waiver, Application Launch Webinar Recording[/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
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How to Earn a Part-Time MBA Fee Waiver, Application Launch Webinar Rec [#permalink] New post  17 Aug 2021, 09:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: How to Earn a Part-Time MBA Fee Waiver, Application Launch Webinar Recording
Darden Admissions hosted an application launch webinar for [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/apply/]the Part-Time MBA application[/url], highlighting application insights, program format and strategies for Part-Time MBA applicants.

If you missed the session or simply want to review the conversation, check out a link to the webinar recording below and read on for additional Part-Time MBA application-related insights.

[url=https://www.kaltura.com/tiny/izhn2][b]Watch: Part-Time MBA App Launch Webinar[/b][/url]

[url=https://www.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/preview/partner_id/2612011/uiconf_id/44897311/entry_id/1_oy51e7p7/embed/dynamic][img]https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/files/2021/08/PTMBA-app-launch-webinar.png[/img][/url]

[b]Apply for Free [/b]
For the inaugural admissions cycle for the Part-Time MBA, we’re excited to offer an application fee waiver for Part-Time MBA applicants. Qualifying for a fee waiver and saving $250 on your Part-Time MBA application is as easy as 1-2:

[list]
[*]Participate in a [url=https://apply.darden.virginia.edu/portal/conversation-parttime]Part-Time MBA conversation[/url] OR Part-Time MBA virtual coffee chat; AND[/*]
[*]Attend a [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/events?region=All&field_event_type_target_id=2876]Part-Time MBA webinar[/url] (or similar online event)[/*]
[/list]
[b]Deadlines[/b]
We offer [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process/deadlines]multiple application deadlines[/url] for Part-Time MBA applicants, and the first deadline is [b]1 October[/b]. All deadlines are focused on the same start date in August 2022, and we will accept applications until the cohort is filled. For the current application cycle beginning next August, we are anticipating a cohort of 65 students. 

Getting Started
Once you start a Part-Time application, take 10-15 minutes to just read through it. What questions are asked? What materials are required? To help you get (and stay) organized, the [url=https://www.darden.virginia.edu/part-time-mba/admissions/application-process]Part-Time MBA Application Process web page[/url] provides a step-by-step guide. From resumes to recommenders, the Application Process page has you covered! 

[b]Helpful Resources [/b]
We have a number of resources to help you sharpen and craft your Part-Time MBA application. Our [url=https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EtyMkjZzi9ErgSjrTxKEl?si=7bca647213c04cb9]application tips podcast playlist[/url] features tips and insights from Darden’s Admissions Committee, and each episode focuses on a different part of the application and application process.

In addition, the [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/category/application-tips/]Discover Darden blog app tips series[/url] contains a wealth of information for applications, including our ongoing application tips series. Subscribe and never miss a post.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on [b][url=https://ideas.darden.virginia.edu/]Ideas to Action[/url][/b]. And stay connected with us via social media: [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/DardenMBA]Facebook[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.instagram.com/dardenmba/]Instagram[/url][/b], [b][url=https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=19605]LinkedIn[/url][/b], [b][url=https://twitter.com/DardenMBA]Twitter[/url][/b], [b][url=https://brand.darden.virginia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/qrcode_for_gh_23920314812f_860.jpg]WeChat[/url][/b]
The post [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/2021/08/17/how-to-earn-a-part-time-mba-fee-waiver-application-launch-webinar-recording/]How to Earn a Part-Time MBA Fee Waiver, Application Launch Webinar Recording[/url] first appeared on [url=https://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/admissions/]Discover Darden[/url].
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‘Thankful to be on This Journey:’ Lorchi “Chi” Lo on Leading ExecMBA S [#permalink] New post  20 Aug 2021, 11:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: ‘Thankful to be on This Journey:’ Lorchi “Chi” Lo on Leading ExecMBA Student Initiatives
Our Executive MBA profile series continues with a Q&A with second year student Lorchi “Chi” Lo (Class of 2022).

Lo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he recently started a new job in Talent Success at Tesla. During his time at Darden, Lo has also been busy outside of the classroom leading the Executive MBA program’s Diversity Committee and helping spark a number of student-focused initiatives, including Darden Stories, an informal conversation series in which Executive MBA students share their personal stories with their classmates. Lo is also a member of the 2021 Darden Diversity Conference planning committee. This year’s conference will be hosted in a virtual format, and is open to prospective students from all degree formats. Learn more about how to attend.

Read on for additional insights about Chi’s background and career as well as the Diversity Committee’s work and mission. Be sure to also check out his recent interview on The ExecMBA Podcast to hear Chi’s MBA journey firsthand.

Q: Who are you? What is your background?

A: My name is Chi Lo, I was born and raised in Omaha, NE.  I was born into a family of Hmong American refugees, as they served alongside of the US during the
Vietnam War and were taken in by a church afterwards. I am a first-generation Hmong American, who is always striving to be the best version of myself to help inspire and guide the next generation of people. I have spent most of my life living in different states: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Arizona, and back to California.

My wife and I just celebrated our 12-year anniversary and are proud owners of two wonderful Yorkies. I have spent majority of my career in higher education. During my dissertation, I started to get a better understanding of the type of work that would connect more with my strengths and passion. This led is what led me to Darden’s Executive MBA program as I knew that the case study, faculty, and career team would have a great impact on my personal transformation along with my career pivot.

This past February, I took a leap of faith and took on an internship role at Tesla. Since then, I have recently converted to a full-time Sr. Talent Partner. I could not be more thankful to be on this journey with this amazing group of people. The people within this cohort have made this journey enjoyable as the relationships have and will continue to develop into lifelong friendships.

Q: What is the Diversity Committee?

A: The Diversity Committee is committed to improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness within our three pillars: recruitment, student experience, and alumni relations.

Q: What are the goals of this group?

A: Our goal is to continue building upon the work that was started by the Executive MBA Class of 2021 in creating more educational opportunities to support the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We have an amazing opportunity to understand the different perspectives of people through the diverse backgrounds within our cohort. We hope to continue the education process through our efforts to help improve the DEIB knowledge within the Darden community.

Q: What would you want prospective students to know about Darden’s Executive MBA program?

A: If you are looking for a rigorous program that will challenge your growth as a leader, you’ve come to the right place. Darden’s Executive MBA program has had a tremendous impact on my personal growth. I chose Darden’s program because I wanted to improve my confidence and decision-making skills as a leader.

The case study methodology, application of theory through practice, faculty, and my amazing learning team (LT20) have contributed greatly to my learning. I would not trade this experience for anything, as I have formed many life-long friendships with our talented Executive MBA Class of 2022 cohort.

The Darden community is also unique, as they have always been helpful and supportive from day one.  Whenever I had questions about a job or industry, the alumni network has always answered the call.  They are truly special and will do everything in their power to make sure that you succeed. I am truly grateful to be a part of Darden’s Executive MBA program.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post 'Thankful to be on This Journey:' Lorchi "Chi" Lo on Leading ExecMBA Student Initiatives first appeared on Discover Darden.
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‘Thankful to be on This Journey:’ Lorchi “Chi” Lo on Leading ExecMBA S [#permalink] New post  20 Aug 2021, 11:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: ‘Thankful to be on This Journey:’ Lorchi “Chi” Lo on Leading ExecMBA Student Initiatives
Our Executive MBA profile series continues with a Q&A with second year student Lorchi “Chi” Lo (Class of 2022).

Lo is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and he recently started a new job in Talent Success at Tesla. During his time at Darden, Lo has also been busy outside of the classroom leading the Executive MBA program’s Diversity Committee and helping spark a number of student-focused initiatives, including Darden Stories, an informal conversation series in which Executive MBA students share their personal stories with their classmates. Lo is also a member of the 2021 Darden Diversity Conference planning committee. This year’s conference will be hosted in a virtual format, and is open to prospective students from all degree formats. Learn more about how to attend.

Read on for additional insights about Chi’s background and career as well as the Diversity Committee’s work and mission. Be sure to also check out his recent interview on The ExecMBA Podcast to hear Chi’s MBA journey firsthand.

Q: Who are you? What is your background?

A: My name is Chi Lo, I was born and raised in Omaha, NE.  I was born into a family of Hmong American refugees, as they served alongside of the US during the
Vietnam War and were taken in by a church afterwards. I am a first-generation Hmong American, who is always striving to be the best version of myself to help inspire and guide the next generation of people. I have spent most of my life living in different states: Nebraska, Oklahoma, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Arizona, and back to California.

My wife and I just celebrated our 12-year anniversary and are proud owners of two wonderful Yorkies. I have spent majority of my career in higher education. During my dissertation, I started to get a better understanding of the type of work that would connect more with my strengths and passion. This led is what led me to Darden’s Executive MBA program as I knew that the case study, faculty, and career team would have a great impact on my personal transformation along with my career pivot.

This past February, I took a leap of faith and took on an internship role at Tesla. Since then, I have recently converted to a full-time Sr. Talent Partner. I could not be more thankful to be on this journey with this amazing group of people. The people within this cohort have made this journey enjoyable as the relationships have and will continue to develop into lifelong friendships.

Q: What is the Diversity Committee?

A: The Diversity Committee is committed to improving diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness within our three pillars: recruitment, student experience, and alumni relations.

Q: What are the goals of this group?

A: Our goal is to continue building upon the work that was started by the Executive MBA Class of 2021 in creating more educational opportunities to support the knowledge and understanding of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We have an amazing opportunity to understand the different perspectives of people through the diverse backgrounds within our cohort. We hope to continue the education process through our efforts to help improve the DEIB knowledge within the Darden community.

Q: What would you want prospective students to know about Darden’s Executive MBA program?

A: If you are looking for a rigorous program that will challenge your growth as a leader, you’ve come to the right place. Darden’s Executive MBA program has had a tremendous impact on my personal growth. I chose Darden’s program because I wanted to improve my confidence and decision-making skills as a leader.

The case study methodology, application of theory through practice, faculty, and my amazing learning team (LT20) have contributed greatly to my learning. I would not trade this experience for anything, as I have formed many life-long friendships with our talented Executive MBA Class of 2022 cohort.

The Darden community is also unique, as they have always been helpful and supportive from day one.  Whenever I had questions about a job or industry, the alumni network has always answered the call.  They are truly special and will do everything in their power to make sure that you succeed. I am truly grateful to be a part of Darden’s Executive MBA program.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
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Future Year Scholars Program: When is the Right Time to Enroll? [#permalink] New post  23 Aug 2021, 08:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Future Year Scholars Program: When is the Right Time to Enroll?
Darden’s Future Year Scholars Program is a deferred enrollment program for exceptional college seniors and Master’s students with no full time work experience. Future Year Scholars embark upon their careers knowing they have a seat in Darden’s top MBA program, with the flexibility to matriculate after two, three or four years of professional work experience.

One of the more frequent questions we receive from prospective students relates to how students think about their matriculation timeline. When is the right time to start an MBA program? Here are a few things for a student to consider as they think through matriculating after two, three or four years of work experience.

There are a number of questions for you to consider when deciding if now is the right time for you to enroll in an MBA program. Many of these questions relate to your career goals and how an MBA fits into your ultimate career plans. As you consider next steps, you’ll want to start with self-reflection and introspection.

For Consideration:
  • Have you reached a plateau in your current role that an MBA will help to overcome?
  • Do you have your sights set on a position that requires an MBA?
  • Are you ready to make a career pivot, i.e.to try a new industry or a new function?
  • Do you want time, space and resources to grow your own start-up?
  • Most importantly, do you know WHY you are pursuing an MBA, what you are going after and where you want to land post MBA?
In some ways, business school will help you explore career options, but, on the other hand, the time goes by quickly, and current students will tell you that there is value in being focused (but also open) as you embark upon this journey.

There is no shortage of jobs available to Darden students, and current students sometimes report feeling overwhelmed by all of the opportunities ⁠— particularly if they arrive on Grounds without much definition around their career goals. Over 1,600 jobs are posted on Darden’s career portal and over 140 companies host on-Grounds recruiting events at Darden. Not to mention there’s also interview forums and other informal channels available to students. Don’t overlook how much value your pre-MBA experience will have when it comes to teaching you more about what you like and what you don’t like.

It is always a good idea to leverage your time now to network and learn about different industries and job functions. Admitted Future Year Scholars: Check out the FYS LinkedIn group. Is anyone doing something you find interesting? Reach out. Schedule a call. Take this time to learn more about what is out there!

As you hone-in on the industry and/or function you will be targeting at Darden, think about how your pre-MBA work experience will look through the eyes of employers of interest and prepare you for your internship and post-MBA work experience. Are there additional tools, skills or experiences you can gain now or over the next year that will make you more competitive for the position you seek through your MBA?

All of these steps are important as you reflect upon your matriculation timeline. If you feel like your plan is still unclear or there are outstanding goals you would benefit from completing before starting your MBA journey, you will want to take these considerations into account as you evaluate next steps.

Supplemental Application
Admitted Future Year Scholars: Once you have your plan and know the direction you are heading, it’s time to fill out the supplemental application and get the ball rolling. The application is one of the first steps in the matriculation process. It’s purpose is to serve as a request to the Admissions Committee to begin your MBA studies with the class matriculating in August.

As a reminder, the Supplemental Application consists of an updated resume, an updated career goals statement and a new recommendation letter from a current supervisor. Students hoping to maximize their competitiveness for merit-based scholarship may also submit a new standardized test score.

When reviewing your Supplemental Application, the Admissions Committee will be taking a look to see how you have spent your first years out of school coupled with your new career goals. Do your goals align with your prior work experience? Does your career story make sense?

When reviewing your recommendation, we will be particularly focused on what kind of teammate you have been and your achievements and contributions during your career thus far.

The purpose of the Supplemental Application is to help you think through your narrative (an incredibly important part of the MBA recruitment process) and to allow our Admissions Committee to learn how you have been spending your time post-degree, and to make sure you are ready to excel as a member of the Darden community.

Different timelines make sense for different students, and our team can help you think through your options.

Connect
We can always be reached at futureyear@darden.virginia.edu.

Considering applying to our deferred enrollment program? We are looking forward to opening the 2021-22 application later this fall!

In the meantime, our team is also hosting Future Year Scholars Program coffee chats for prospective students ⁠— check out the calendar and sign up for a space here.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Future Year Scholars Program: When is the Right Time to Enroll? first appeared on Discover Darden.
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Future Year Scholars Program: When is the Right Time to Enroll? [#permalink] New post  23 Aug 2021, 08:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Future Year Scholars Program: When is the Right Time to Enroll?
Darden’s Future Year Scholars Program is a deferred enrollment program for exceptional college seniors and Master’s students with no full time work experience. Future Year Scholars embark upon their careers knowing they have a seat in Darden’s top MBA program, with the flexibility to matriculate after two, three or four years of professional work experience.

One of the more frequent questions we receive from prospective students relates to how students think about their matriculation timeline. When is the right time to start an MBA program? Here are a few things for a student to consider as they think through matriculating after two, three or four years of work experience.

There are a number of questions for you to consider when deciding if now is the right time for you to enroll in an MBA program. Many of these questions relate to your career goals and how an MBA fits into your ultimate career plans. As you consider next steps, you’ll want to start with self-reflection and introspection.

For Consideration:
  • Have you reached a plateau in your current role that an MBA will help to overcome?
  • Do you have your sights set on a position that requires an MBA?
  • Are you ready to make a career pivot, i.e.to try a new industry or a new function?
  • Do you want time, space and resources to grow your own start-up?
  • Most importantly, do you know WHY you are pursuing an MBA, what you are going after and where you want to land post MBA?
In some ways, business school will help you explore career options, but, on the other hand, the time goes by quickly, and current students will tell you that there is value in being focused (but also open) as you embark upon this journey.

There is no shortage of jobs available to Darden students, and current students sometimes report feeling overwhelmed by all of the opportunities ⁠— particularly if they arrive on Grounds without much definition around their career goals. Over 1,600 jobs are posted on Darden’s career portal and over 140 companies host on-Grounds recruiting events at Darden. Not to mention there’s also interview forums and other informal channels available to students. Don’t overlook how much value your pre-MBA experience will have when it comes to teaching you more about what you like and what you don’t like.

It is always a good idea to leverage your time now to network and learn about different industries and job functions. Admitted Future Year Scholars: Check out the FYS LinkedIn group. Is anyone doing something you find interesting? Reach out. Schedule a call. Take this time to learn more about what is out there!

As you hone-in on the industry and/or function you will be targeting at Darden, think about how your pre-MBA work experience will look through the eyes of employers of interest and prepare you for your internship and post-MBA work experience. Are there additional tools, skills or experiences you can gain now or over the next year that will make you more competitive for the position you seek through your MBA?

All of these steps are important as you reflect upon your matriculation timeline. If you feel like your plan is still unclear or there are outstanding goals you would benefit from completing before starting your MBA journey, you will want to take these considerations into account as you evaluate next steps.

Supplemental Application
Admitted Future Year Scholars: Once you have your plan and know the direction you are heading, it’s time to fill out the supplemental application and get the ball rolling. The application is one of the first steps in the matriculation process. It’s purpose is to serve as a request to the Admissions Committee to begin your MBA studies with the class matriculating in August.

As a reminder, the Supplemental Application consists of an updated resume, an updated career goals statement and a new recommendation letter from a current supervisor. Students hoping to maximize their competitiveness for merit-based scholarship may also submit a new standardized test score.

When reviewing your Supplemental Application, the Admissions Committee will be taking a look to see how you have spent your first years out of school coupled with your new career goals. Do your goals align with your prior work experience? Does your career story make sense?

When reviewing your recommendation, we will be particularly focused on what kind of teammate you have been and your achievements and contributions during your career thus far.

The purpose of the Supplemental Application is to help you think through your narrative (an incredibly important part of the MBA recruitment process) and to allow our Admissions Committee to learn how you have been spending your time post-degree, and to make sure you are ready to excel as a member of the Darden community.

Different timelines make sense for different students, and our team can help you think through your options.

Connect
We can always be reached at futureyear@darden.virginia.edu.

Considering applying to our deferred enrollment program? We are looking forward to opening the 2021-22 application later this fall!

In the meantime, our team is also hosting Future Year Scholars Program coffee chats for prospective students ⁠— check out the calendar and sign up for a space here.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Future Year Scholars Program: When is the Right Time to Enroll? first appeared on Discover Darden.
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‘Don’t Shy Away From Opportunities Because You Think You Don’t Fit’, A [#permalink] New post  25 Aug 2021, 11:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: ‘Don’t Shy Away From Opportunities Because You Think You Don’t Fit’, Advice From a Future West Point Instructor

Mary Swan, Class of 2022
We continue our series featuring Darden MBA veteran and active duty women today with Mary Swan (Class of 2022). Post-Darden, Swan will return to West Point as an instructor. She shared why Darden was a good fit, what she would have done differently, and how to overcome those imposter feelings during the First Year.

Meet Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022), Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrepreneurship and Kate Bishop (Class of 2022): Marine Corps to MBA: “Don’t Be Afraid of Making the Leap”

Veterans, active-duty military and international service members make up approximately 7-8% of each Full-Time MBA class. As a public university, UVA Darden is one of the few Top 10 MBA programs where veterans can benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Darden Military Association (DMA) also plays an active role in helping students and their partners make the transition from public to private.

Learn more by joining one of our upcoming events hosted by the DMA:


Q: What was your military/pre-MBA experience?

A: I graduated from West Point in 2014 and commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer. I completed my Platoon Leader and XO time in the 25th Sustainment Brigade out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Following Logistics Captains Career Course, I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. I served as a Forward Support Company Commander in an engineer battalion and did some time on brigade staff before coming to Darden.

Q: How did you decide that business school was the next step? What skills/gaps were you hoping to fill by pursuing your MBA?

A: Once you complete Company Command in the Army, you have the opportunity to participate in what is known as a “broadening assignment”. I chose to apply to go back and teach at West Point in the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department, more specifically in their management major. I was selected and a requirement to serve as an instructor in the management major was to receive my MBA. After not having been around finance or accounting concepts for the past seven years, I knew a

n MBA would help me brush up on those core competencies before going back and being expected to teach cadets.

Q: How did you land on Darden as your best fit?

A: After being out west for most of my military career, I knew that I wanted to make it back to the east coast not only for the pace of life but also to be closer to family. I am from Virginia, so UVA had always been in the back of my mind as a potential school. My dad had done a few things with Darden’s Executive MBA program and always had great things to say about the school and the Professors, so that’s what really drove me to look closely at Darden. Once I got a feel for how big Darden was on building community not just among students but with the faculty as well, I knew it would be a great place to be. I got a feel for that on my prospective student visit with Section A, they really all seemed like they were one big family and were so supportive of each other in the classroom which put my mind at ease. The Army is also one big community/team, so Darden really felt like it would just be an extension of that environment. I was also really attracted to the academic environment; I knew that I wanted to be challenged because I wanted to retain the material I’m going to be expected to teach. After first year, I can truly say that Darden delivered on that promise. Casing is no joke.

Q: Can you share a little more about Darden Military Association (DMA) and the community of vets at Darden? What has that support been like?

A: I honestly didn’t know what to expect from DMA when I first got here, because I was a bad prospective student and didn’t reach out before coming to Darden. Don’t be like me! DMA has really been an awesome community to be a part of. It’s just nice to be able to take a step back and grab beers with classmates that understand the acronyms that sometimes slip out in conversation and to laugh about our military experiences. I didn’t go through the recruiting process, but I know DMA really works hard to bring in companies to talk to veterans and to help each other out with connections, etc. I’m really looking forward to some of the things we’ve got coming down the pipeline this year, including a grad school tailgate at the UVA Home Football game on September 11th.


Mary Swan, Class of 2022
Q: Advice for vets considering making the jump from public to private?

A: The military is a huge network, so lean on that network to find people who have gone into industries you are interested in and/or schools you are interested in applying to. I feel like I see veterans making connections every day on social media to ask questions about jobs, locations, and the like. People have made the jump before, so it doesn’t hurt to see what their road maps look like.

Q: Any advice for women vets specifically?

A: The network piece is a big one, but also that you have a unique perspective and experience that people want to hear about and listen to. I struggled with that a bit this year, feeling a bit like I was an imposter, but you have knowledge about dealing with people issues and leadership challenges that people are going to want to hear about. Don’t shy away from opportunities because you think you don’t fit or wouldn’t be an asset. You are. Be a boss, like I know you can be, and own it.

Q: Favorite memory/experience from your first year?

A: I tried to narrow it down but couldn’t, so I have two. The first was the First Year Camping Trip. That was really my first introduction to some of my classmates and it was in a neutral and fun environment, so it was easy to just relax and have fun with a bunch of strangers. I’m still really close with a bunch of the people that were in my camping group. Even though it rained all weekend, my group still made it a ton of fun. The second was pretty much all of Darden Cup, being on the championship Kickball team was pretty awesome. Section A was ‘robbed’ out of our back-to-back win, so we’re coming back with a vengeance this year. Also, I lied, my third favorite was playing on some of the intramural teams with my classmates. It was great to just get out of the house and be in a competitive environment, even though we didn’t do that well. It was just nice to have that kind of fun in person given the year that we had.

Q: What’s something that surprised you about Darden that you didn’t expect?

A: I really didn’t expect how willing I would be to be so open and vulnerable with my section mates. You’re kind of thrown into the fire


Mary Swan (Class of 2022) with Crosby
with them from the get-go (similar to the military in a sense), so you’re all experiencing the same hardships together which allows for some pretty tight bonds to form. One of my section mates started hosting a Section A Stories series and that really allowed us to learn about each other more intimately and to share things that we might not have in the regular classroom setting. Especially given that we were mostly virtual this past year, it really helped us to grow closer and to bond in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise.

 

Q: What are your post-MBA plans/goals?

A: My life is pretty much mapped out for the next few years. I’ll be going back to teach at West Point for a 3-year assignment following graduation from Darden. Then I’ll go back to serving in the operational Army as a logistics officer.

Q: What do you love most about Charlottesville/Virginia?

A: Charlottesville is gorgeous. I love that you can kind of get a city feel on the down-town mall and then you can drive 15-20 minutes outside of downtown and be in the country at a winery. It feels like the best of both worlds. I also love how close it is to Washington DC, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. Those are all easy day trips you can take on the weekends to explore different parts of Virginia.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share about your journey?

A: It’s been amazing and fun. I can’t wait for Second Year and all the awesomeness that DSA has planned for us this year.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post 'Don’t Shy Away From Opportunities Because You Think You Don’t Fit', Advice From a Future West Point Instructor first appeared on Discover Darden.
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‘Don’t Shy Away From Opportunities Because You Think You Don’t Fit’, A [#permalink] New post  25 Aug 2021, 11:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: ‘Don’t Shy Away From Opportunities Because You Think You Don’t Fit’, Advice From a Future West Point Instructor

Mary Swan, Class of 2022
We continue our series featuring Darden MBA veteran and active duty women today with Mary Swan (Class of 2022). Post-Darden, Swan will return to West Point as an instructor. She shared why Darden was a good fit, what she would have done differently, and how to overcome those imposter feelings during the First Year.

Meet Gretchen Pace (Class of 2022), Former Military Intelligence Officer Pursues Americana-Inspired Entrepreneurship and Kate Bishop (Class of 2022): Marine Corps to MBA: “Don’t Be Afraid of Making the Leap”

Veterans, active-duty military and international service members make up approximately 7-8% of each Full-Time MBA class. As a public university, UVA Darden is one of the few Top 10 MBA programs where veterans can benefit from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Darden Military Association (DMA) also plays an active role in helping students and their partners make the transition from public to private.

Learn more by joining one of our upcoming events hosted by the DMA:


Q: What was your military/pre-MBA experience?

A: I graduated from West Point in 2014 and commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer. I completed my Platoon Leader and XO time in the 25th Sustainment Brigade out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Following Logistics Captains Career Course, I was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. I served as a Forward Support Company Commander in an engineer battalion and did some time on brigade staff before coming to Darden.

Q: How did you decide that business school was the next step? What skills/gaps were you hoping to fill by pursuing your MBA?

A: Once you complete Company Command in the Army, you have the opportunity to participate in what is known as a “broadening assignment”. I chose to apply to go back and teach at West Point in the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department, more specifically in their management major. I was selected and a requirement to serve as an instructor in the management major was to receive my MBA. After not having been around finance or accounting concepts for the past seven years, I knew a

n MBA would help me brush up on those core competencies before going back and being expected to teach cadets.

Q: How did you land on Darden as your best fit?

A: After being out west for most of my military career, I knew that I wanted to make it back to the east coast not only for the pace of life but also to be closer to family. I am from Virginia, so UVA had always been in the back of my mind as a potential school. My dad had done a few things with Darden’s Executive MBA program and always had great things to say about the school and the Professors, so that’s what really drove me to look closely at Darden. Once I got a feel for how big Darden was on building community not just among students but with the faculty as well, I knew it would be a great place to be. I got a feel for that on my prospective student visit with Section A, they really all seemed like they were one big family and were so supportive of each other in the classroom which put my mind at ease. The Army is also one big community/team, so Darden really felt like it would just be an extension of that environment. I was also really attracted to the academic environment; I knew that I wanted to be challenged because I wanted to retain the material I’m going to be expected to teach. After first year, I can truly say that Darden delivered on that promise. Casing is no joke.

Q: Can you share a little more about Darden Military Association (DMA) and the community of vets at Darden? What has that support been like?

A: I honestly didn’t know what to expect from DMA when I first got here, because I was a bad prospective student and didn’t reach out before coming to Darden. Don’t be like me! DMA has really been an awesome community to be a part of. It’s just nice to be able to take a step back and grab beers with classmates that understand the acronyms that sometimes slip out in conversation and to laugh about our military experiences. I didn’t go through the recruiting process, but I know DMA really works hard to bring in companies to talk to veterans and to help each other out with connections, etc. I’m really looking forward to some of the things we’ve got coming down the pipeline this year, including a grad school tailgate at the UVA Home Football game on September 11th.


Mary Swan, Class of 2022
Q: Advice for vets considering making the jump from public to private?

A: The military is a huge network, so lean on that network to find people who have gone into industries you are interested in and/or schools you are interested in applying to. I feel like I see veterans making connections every day on social media to ask questions about jobs, locations, and the like. People have made the jump before, so it doesn’t hurt to see what their road maps look like.

Q: Any advice for women vets specifically?

A: The network piece is a big one, but also that you have a unique perspective and experience that people want to hear about and listen to. I struggled with that a bit this year, feeling a bit like I was an imposter, but you have knowledge about dealing with people issues and leadership challenges that people are going to want to hear about. Don’t shy away from opportunities because you think you don’t fit or wouldn’t be an asset. You are. Be a boss, like I know you can be, and own it.

Q: Favorite memory/experience from your first year?

A: I tried to narrow it down but couldn’t, so I have two. The first was the First Year Camping Trip. That was really my first introduction to some of my classmates and it was in a neutral and fun environment, so it was easy to just relax and have fun with a bunch of strangers. I’m still really close with a bunch of the people that were in my camping group. Even though it rained all weekend, my group still made it a ton of fun. The second was pretty much all of Darden Cup, being on the championship Kickball team was pretty awesome. Section A was ‘robbed’ out of our back-to-back win, so we’re coming back with a vengeance this year. Also, I lied, my third favorite was playing on some of the intramural teams with my classmates. It was great to just get out of the house and be in a competitive environment, even though we didn’t do that well. It was just nice to have that kind of fun in person given the year that we had.

Q: What’s something that surprised you about Darden that you didn’t expect?

A: I really didn’t expect how willing I would be to be so open and vulnerable with my section mates. You’re kind of thrown into the fire


Mary Swan (Class of 2022) with Crosby
with them from the get-go (similar to the military in a sense), so you’re all experiencing the same hardships together which allows for some pretty tight bonds to form. One of my section mates started hosting a Section A Stories series and that really allowed us to learn about each other more intimately and to share things that we might not have in the regular classroom setting. Especially given that we were mostly virtual this past year, it really helped us to grow closer and to bond in a way we wouldn’t have otherwise.

 

Q: What are your post-MBA plans/goals?

A: My life is pretty much mapped out for the next few years. I’ll be going back to teach at West Point for a 3-year assignment following graduation from Darden. Then I’ll go back to serving in the operational Army as a logistics officer.

Q: What do you love most about Charlottesville/Virginia?

A: Charlottesville is gorgeous. I love that you can kind of get a city feel on the down-town mall and then you can drive 15-20 minutes outside of downtown and be in the country at a winery. It feels like the best of both worlds. I also love how close it is to Washington DC, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. Those are all easy day trips you can take on the weekends to explore different parts of Virginia.

Q: Anything else you’d like to share about your journey?

A: It’s been amazing and fun. I can’t wait for Second Year and all the awesomeness that DSA has planned for us this year.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post 'Don’t Shy Away From Opportunities Because You Think You Don’t Fit', Advice From a Future West Point Instructor first appeared on Discover Darden.
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Class of 2023 Sets Records for Excellence and Diversity [#permalink] New post  26 Aug 2021, 12:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Class of 2023 Sets Records for Excellence and Diversity
Darden welcomed the MBA Class of 2023 to Grounds with a series of in-person events in recent days, an indication of plans for a more normal fall following a year of hybrid instruction and limited indoor activity on Grounds. Read the full story on the Darden Report.


Dean Scott Beardsley speaks with students during Opening Week.
During the welcome event for the Full-Time Class of 2023,Dean Scott Beardsley said, ““We’re so incredibly excited to have you here, and especially thrilled to be able to welcome all of you together in person. The enthusiasm that you’ll see today and in the coming days across Grounds as faculty, staff and peers welcome you — that’s real.”

Beardsley noted the palpable excitement among faculty and staff upon the return of students, and said Darden and UVA leaders planned to do everything within their power to maintain a safe environment in the coming academic year.

Members of the Class of 2023 in both the Full-Time and Executive MBA formats were selected amid record application volume, and represent new high-water marks in a number of metrics — including more than 40 percent women in both formats.

Full-Time MBA Class Includes Record Diversity, Academic Accomplishments
The 351 Full-Time MBA students in the Class of 2023 broke both academic and diversity records on multiple fronts, with new records, including:

  • 40 percent women (ties record)
  • 40 percent international citizens, representing 40 countries
  • 52 Consortium members
  • 21 percent U.S. minority students
  • 13 percent underrepresented minorities
  • 19 percent underrepresented minorities among U.S. citizens
  • 15 percent first-generation college students
  • 59 students with advanced degrees
  • 3.52 average undergraduate GPA
“This is a really special class, and I think you’re going to be delighted with the company that you’re going to have over the next two years,” Senior Associate Dean for the Full-Time MBA Program Tom Steenburgh said at the opening week event, which also included remarks from Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke and Darden Student Association leaders.


Class of 2023 students during Opening Week.
Executive MBA Class Makes Strides Toward Gender Parity
The Executive MBA Class of 2023, including students in both the Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA formats, includes 138 students drawn from a record number of applications. The class, which includes 27 students in the Global Executive MBA format, includes:

  • 46 percent women
  • 23 percent U.S. minority students
  • 17 percent underrepresented minorities among U.S. citizens
  • 32 percent with advanced degrees
The class includes students from 16 states and citizenship from eight different countries. It also includes students representing more than 115 employers from 24 industries. The most represented organizations include the United States Navy, Capital One, Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte.


Executive MBA program students during a spring event.
Originally posted on the Darden Report

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Class of 2023 Sets Records for Excellence and Diversity first appeared on Discover Darden.
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Class of 2023 Sets Records for Excellence and Diversity [#permalink] New post  26 Aug 2021, 12:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Class of 2023 Sets Records for Excellence and Diversity
Darden welcomed the MBA Class of 2023 to Grounds with a series of in-person events in recent days, an indication of plans for a more normal fall following a year of hybrid instruction and limited indoor activity on Grounds. Read the full story on the Darden Report.


Dean Scott Beardsley speaks with students during Opening Week.
During the welcome event for the Full-Time Class of 2023,Dean Scott Beardsley said, ““We’re so incredibly excited to have you here, and especially thrilled to be able to welcome all of you together in person. The enthusiasm that you’ll see today and in the coming days across Grounds as faculty, staff and peers welcome you — that’s real.”

Beardsley noted the palpable excitement among faculty and staff upon the return of students, and said Darden and UVA leaders planned to do everything within their power to maintain a safe environment in the coming academic year.

Members of the Class of 2023 in both the Full-Time and Executive MBA formats were selected amid record application volume, and represent new high-water marks in a number of metrics — including more than 40 percent women in both formats.

Full-Time MBA Class Includes Record Diversity, Academic Accomplishments
The 351 Full-Time MBA students in the Class of 2023 broke both academic and diversity records on multiple fronts, with new records, including:

  • 40 percent women (ties record)
  • 40 percent international citizens, representing 40 countries
  • 52 Consortium members
  • 21 percent U.S. minority students
  • 13 percent underrepresented minorities
  • 19 percent underrepresented minorities among U.S. citizens
  • 15 percent first-generation college students
  • 59 students with advanced degrees
  • 3.52 average undergraduate GPA
“This is a really special class, and I think you’re going to be delighted with the company that you’re going to have over the next two years,” Senior Associate Dean for the Full-Time MBA Program Tom Steenburgh said at the opening week event, which also included remarks from Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions Dawna Clarke and Darden Student Association leaders.


Class of 2023 students during Opening Week.
Executive MBA Class Makes Strides Toward Gender Parity
The Executive MBA Class of 2023, including students in both the Executive MBA and Global Executive MBA formats, includes 138 students drawn from a record number of applications. The class, which includes 27 students in the Global Executive MBA format, includes:

  • 46 percent women
  • 23 percent U.S. minority students
  • 17 percent underrepresented minorities among U.S. citizens
  • 32 percent with advanced degrees
The class includes students from 16 states and citizenship from eight different countries. It also includes students representing more than 115 employers from 24 industries. The most represented organizations include the United States Navy, Capital One, Accenture, Booz Allen Hamilton and Deloitte.


Executive MBA program students during a spring event.
Originally posted on the Darden Report

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Class of 2023 Sets Records for Excellence and Diversity first appeared on Discover Darden.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
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Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions [#permalink] New post  01 Sep 2021, 07:00
FROM Darden Admissions Blog: Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions Team!
We are thrilled to announce that our Professional Degree programs team has grown — we now have even more incredible team members to support and coach you during your MBA journey. Please join us in welcoming Associate Director Erika Elaine Glander and Assistant Director Ashley Robinson to the Darden School of Business!

If you are considering Darden’s Part-Time MBA or Executive MBA formats, Erika Elaine and Ashley will be familiar faces and serve as helpful resources over the coming months. Managing Director, Admissions & Strategic Initiatives Professional Degree Programs (and ExecMBA podcast host) Brett Twitty and Director of Admissions Katherine Alford complete the Professional Degree programs admissions team.

Check out the short Q&As below to learn a little more about Darden’s newest admissions team members. And who knows, you just might have a phone conversation with one of them!

Speaking of conversations, participating in a phone conversation satisfies 50% of the requirements for our Part-Time and Executive MBA application fee waiver offers. Schedule a conversation (Part-Time MBA | Executive MBA).

Associate Director of Admissions Erika Elaine Glander
Your name: Erika Elaine Glander (Yes, it’s a double first name!)

Your hometown: Morehead City, North Carolina

What is one fun fact about you?

I have never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – and no, I am not allergic to peanuts!

What is your background?

Believe it or not, I didn’t originally plan to be in higher education! As an 18-year-old, my grand plan was to be a genetic counselor – but fate intervened. I graduated from NC State University with a degree in Biology and Genetics and went straight into Higher Education at the University of Mississippi – sight unseen. From there, the past nine years of my career have been more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined.

I started my career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on the University’s access initiative, the Carolina Covenant. After five and a half years I knew enrollment management was where I wanted to be and I made the move to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where I led the admissions and recruitment efforts for the Weekend Executive MBA program.

What led you to Darden?

Many factors led to coming to Darden, but the one that stands out the most is the community. From the top down, Darden exudes collaboration and teamwork. A place where you can learn new things, be challenged to grow as a professional and as a person, but also a place that celebrates your talents.

What do you enjoy about working with working professional students?

I love working with working professional students because no matter what they have already accomplished in their careers and personal lives, they are hungry for more. This population inspires me every day to be my best self, and to remember that we never stop learning and growing.

Your best piece of advice for prospective students?

It sounds cliché but talk to those who have walked the path before you. Talk to current students and recent alumni about the lived experience of being a working professional while pursing an MBA. Ask them anything and everything from how to adjust to going back to school and balancing it all, traveling for school and work, to having the conversation with those you love most about why taking this time is important for you.

Assistant Director of Admissions Ashley Robinson
Your name: Ashley Robinson

Your hometown: Memphis, TN

What is one fun fact about you?

I love karaoke and all things sports-related!

What is your background?

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Athletic Training. I also have a master’s degree in Higher Education with a focus on Administration and Leadership.

What led you to Darden?

Darden provided the opportunity to do what I am most passionate about while creating a team dynamic and atmosphere that encourages and allows professional and personal growth. I stand by the school’s mission and the support provided by faculty to the students.

What do you enjoy about working with working professional students?

What I enjoy most about working with professional students are the lived experiences they have through being in the working field. These experiences allow learning in a different aspect than the traditional classroom. This can often shift our way of thinking and decision making and gives a broader understanding of what we want to do moving forward in our careers. We may not always know the path to get there, but my hope is that by working collectively with these students and the Darden team, we can bring those plans and dreams to a reality.

Your best piece of advice for prospective students?

Be your authentic self, be confident, and enjoy this journey.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions Team! first appeared on Discover Darden.
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Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions [#permalink] New post  01 Sep 2021, 07:01
FROM Darden EMBA Blog: Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions Team!
We are thrilled to announce that our Professional Degree programs team has grown — we now have even more incredible team members to support and coach you during your MBA journey. Please join us in welcoming Associate Director Erika Elaine Glander and Assistant Director Ashley Robinson to the Darden School of Business!

If you are considering Darden’s Part-Time MBA or Executive MBA formats, Erika Elaine and Ashley will be familiar faces and serve as helpful resources over the coming months. Managing Director, Admissions & Strategic Initiatives Professional Degree Programs (and ExecMBA podcast host) Brett Twitty and Director of Admissions Katherine Alford complete the Professional Degree programs admissions team.

Check out the short Q&As below to learn a little more about Darden’s newest admissions team members. And who knows, you just might have a phone conversation with one of them!

Speaking of conversations, participating in a phone conversation satisfies 50% of the requirements for our Part-Time and Executive MBA application fee waiver offers. Schedule a conversation (Part-Time MBA | Executive MBA).

Associate Director of Admissions Erika Elaine Glander
Your name: Erika Elaine Glander (Yes, it’s a double first name!)

Your hometown: Morehead City, North Carolina

What is one fun fact about you?

I have never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich – and no, I am not allergic to peanuts!

What is your background?

Believe it or not, I didn’t originally plan to be in higher education! As an 18-year-old, my grand plan was to be a genetic counselor – but fate intervened. I graduated from NC State University with a degree in Biology and Genetics and went straight into Higher Education at the University of Mississippi – sight unseen. From there, the past nine years of my career have been more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined.

I started my career at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, focusing on the University’s access initiative, the Carolina Covenant. After five and a half years I knew enrollment management was where I wanted to be and I made the move to Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where I led the admissions and recruitment efforts for the Weekend Executive MBA program.

What led you to Darden?

Many factors led to coming to Darden, but the one that stands out the most is the community. From the top down, Darden exudes collaboration and teamwork. A place where you can learn new things, be challenged to grow as a professional and as a person, but also a place that celebrates your talents.

What do you enjoy about working with working professional students?

I love working with working professional students because no matter what they have already accomplished in their careers and personal lives, they are hungry for more. This population inspires me every day to be my best self, and to remember that we never stop learning and growing.

Your best piece of advice for prospective students?

It sounds cliché but talk to those who have walked the path before you. Talk to current students and recent alumni about the lived experience of being a working professional while pursing an MBA. Ask them anything and everything from how to adjust to going back to school and balancing it all, traveling for school and work, to having the conversation with those you love most about why taking this time is important for you.

Assistant Director of Admissions Ashley Robinson
Your name: Ashley Robinson

Your hometown: Memphis, TN

What is one fun fact about you?

I love karaoke and all things sports-related!

What is your background?

I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Human Performance with a concentration in Athletic Training. I also have a master’s degree in Higher Education with a focus on Administration and Leadership.

What led you to Darden?

Darden provided the opportunity to do what I am most passionate about while creating a team dynamic and atmosphere that encourages and allows professional and personal growth. I stand by the school’s mission and the support provided by faculty to the students.

What do you enjoy about working with working professional students?

What I enjoy most about working with professional students are the lived experiences they have through being in the working field. These experiences allow learning in a different aspect than the traditional classroom. This can often shift our way of thinking and decision making and gives a broader understanding of what we want to do moving forward in our careers. We may not always know the path to get there, but my hope is that by working collectively with these students and the Darden team, we can bring those plans and dreams to a reality.

Your best piece of advice for prospective students?

Be your authentic self, be confident, and enjoy this journey.

Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
The post Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions Team! first appeared on Discover Darden.
This Blog post was imported into the forum automatically. We hope you found it helpful. Please use the Kudos button if you did, or please PM/DM me if you found it disruptive and I will take care of it. -BB
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Meet the Newest Members of the Professional Degree Programs Admissions [#permalink]
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