Peter Hogan (MBA ‘25) came to Darden eager to be back in the classroom after working for four years in client-facing roles at Bloomberg. He is an active member of both Darden Capital Management and the Darden Outdoors Club. Outside of school, he is testing his love of endurance sports by training for his first Ironman triathlon. After graduating, he will return to New York City to work in investment banking at Guggenheim Securities. In the spring of 2025, Peter took his studies to Austria on a weeklong Darden Worldwide Course. Now back in the U.S., he shares his experiences abroad and the insights he gained along the way.
1) What were you hoping to learn or experience by joining the inaugural DWC in Austria? Did the DWC confirm or challenge those expectations?
As a student of history, I could not pass up the chance to explore Vienna, the former seat of empires. The city’s rich cultural and intellectual legacy — from imperial palaces to beautiful coffee houses — made it the perfect setting to reflect on Austria’s historical influence in Europe. Pairing this backdrop with visits to innovative companies and insights into Austrian business culture added a fresh perspective to the country’s storied past. Experiencing it all alongside Professor Anton Korinek, one of the leading minds on how AI is shaping the economy, made the global course well worth it.
2) How did the course’s focus on AI and technology shape your experience of Austria’s business landscape?
The course’s focus on AI and technology allowed us to see firsthand how substantial investment in AI has become table stakes across industries. Every company we visited, regardless of sector, was actively developing or implementing an AI strategy – reinforcing the idea that those who fail to adapt will be left behind. SKIDATA, for example, showcased a company-wide, bottom-up approach, where AI-driven efficiencies are beginning to yield significant long-term benefits. Resultantly, the firm will free up capital for innovation and growth. Seeing how AI is reshaping Austria’s business landscape firsthand underscored its transformative potential across all economies.
3) What cultural differences stood out to you most while spending time in Vienna or Salzburg?
The opportunity to learn about the cultural differences in Austria’s business landscape was very much appreciated. A recurring theme that we noticed was the focus on family-owned businesses and long-term thinking, with companies like Julius Meinl having been around since 1862, prioritizing sustainability over quick gains. The respect for tradition and continuity was palpable in nearly every business we encountered. I also loved experiencing Vienna’s coffee house culture and am actively looking for an equivalent back home — suggestions are welcome.
4) What was the most unforgettable moment of your week in Austria?
As a lifelong skier, the opportunity to tour the Atomic ski factory in Altenmarkt has to be one of the most unforgettable moments of the week. Seeing firsthand how precision engineering and innovation come together to create some of the world’s best skis was great; more impressive, though, was the passion and craftsmanship behind it all. It seems to be a blend of tradition and technology that drives the firm’s success. Following the factory tour with dinner at the Museum der Moderne in Salzburg wasn’t bad either — can’t beat good Austrian wine!
5) What part of this experience do you think will stay with you five or ten years from now?
Travel seemingly has a way of expanding one’s worldview, and I am sure that the lessons and experiences from this global course will stay with me for years to come. Whether it was learning about Austria’s deep-rooted culture of family businesses or seeing firsthand how technology and tradition coexist in industries like skiing, these experiences have broadened my understanding of the global economy. As Mark Twain said: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” The people I met, the history I learned, and the businesses we connected with will continue to shape how I view the world for a long time.
