From music to the military to Darden, Mick Denner (’18) shares his transition into business.

Posted on August 10, 2017 by Darden Admissions

Mick Denner (’18) came to Darden with a unique story and the goal of making a big career change. He was a trained singer in classical and opera music and considered pursuing music professionally after college, when his plans suddenly changed his sophomore year. “I felt a calling to put my music career on hold and go serve,” said Denner. After obtaining his undergraduate degree in Music Education, Denner joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served as a Combat Engineer Officer for six years before deciding to pursue his MBA at Darden.

Being in the military helped him to develop strong leadership skills, and he wanted to carry those skills into the private sector. He knew that in order to make this transition, he needed to learn about the world of business.

“The Darden Military Association (DMA) was a huge draw for me. I was concerned about how I would transition from wearing a uniform everyday to being a student and pivoting my career, and I was immensely comforted knowing the DMA was there as a strong and established organization that would help me make the transition. Specifically, I was excited about the resources within the DMA that would help me translate my resumes, cover letters, and my story as a leader in a way that would make sense to companies,” said Denner. “A lot of the reasons that drove me to join the Marine Corps are what drove me to Darden. It has a reputation for being extremely tough and for being an MBA that you really earn. Given my untraditional background, I knew I needed a school that emphasized the academic aspect of the MBA to learn business skills. Darden was the absolute best fit in this regard and many others.”

Denner came to Darden with the goal of becoming a management consultant. However, after attending the Career Development Center’s (CDC) Career Discovery Forum panels his first few weeks at school, he realized that the general management and corporate finance industries aligned more closely with his interests and what he wanted in the next step of his career.

Denner found a lot of support as he began preparing to make a career change. “Margaret Weeks, my career advisor, and Katie White, my CDC Second Year coach, were both outstanding. Margaret answered any question I had and showed a high level of dedication to helping me get where I wanted to go. Katie gave me extremely honest feedback on my resumes, cover letters and story,” said Denner.

His hard work and preparation paid off, and he landed an internship at Northrop Grumman, where he has served as a business management intern with a focus on their finance operations this summer.

Denner offered a few pieces of advice for the Class of 2019. “Start making connections and asking questions early about what careers look like in particular industries. Darden alumni are happy to speak with Darden students and help you as you gather information for your career search.”

Denner will serve as a CDC Second Year coach this upcoming year to pay it forward to future students as they begin to figure out their next career moves.

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Summer Internship Stories from the Darden Technology Club

Posted on July 31, 2017 by Darden Admissions

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

This summer, members of the DTC are hard at work at internships around the globe, and are sharing their intern experiences with us. Over the coming weeks, we will post more stories from other Darden students about their internship experiences. Enjoy!

Kelly Sullivan, ’18: WeissBeerger, Tel Aviv

When I first accepted my offer with Beverage Analytics™ by WeissBeerger to spend the summer in Tel Aviv, Israel, I was of course, excited. I love to travel and the thought of immersing myself in the Israeli culture thrilled me. But on the other hand, I was nervous. I had accepted an offer to work in a country I had never visited, where they spoke a language I didn’t know, for a role that was undefined.

When I received the offer, my company flat out told me, “we’re growing so quickly, we can’t tell you what you’ll be working on in four months.” So, I had a dilemma – was it a risk to accept an internship without knowing the type of work I would be performing? In the end, I took a leap of faith – knowing that no matter what role I ended up in, Darden had prepared me to tackle it head on.

The greatest strength I took from the Darden core is the ability to assess and adapt. The case method challenges you to not just memorize a framework and apply it to a specific, reoccurring problem. Rather, it forces you to assess a complex challenge, use the resources at your disposal, and seek out new information, and think strategically to tailor a solution to address the problem. You learn there is not a one-size-fits-all solution and there is never one right way to do everything.

I was quickly reminded of this lesson in the first week of my internship, when I learned many of the business “norms” I knew from the U.S. did not apply in Israel. Nor did they apply in the diverse markets I was working with – from Korea to Argentina. At my company, e-mail is a last resort. WhatsApp is the go-to to get in touch and get things done. Navigating office politics and using the power of influence and persuasion is deemed inefficient in a culture that emphasizes being direct and to-the-point. They even seem to relish in the sport of (often very loud) debate and encourage you to engage.

This ability to adapt also proved invaluable as I quickly realized that at a rapidly growing start-up, you do not fill one role; you fill many. I constantly rotated around the company, working with coworkers on the data analytics, global operations, customer value creation, and product teams to execute projects that impacted the growth of the company. It was an amazing opportunity to apply skills I had taken from the core to a wide array of challenges – rather than focusing on just one. It was an even greater opportunity to see my work immediately put into action.

If I could leave the rising Darden first years with one piece of advice it would be this: take a risk. We have the unique opportunity to use the summer to do something completely different that we’ve never done before – and may never do again. And if you can work internationally, do it! Working in Israel has made me realize how insulated we are working in the U.S. and how important it is to expand our horizons. So, don’t stress the internship so much. Take the leap of faith knowing that whatever role you end up taking, Darden has prepared you to handle it and it will be an incredible learning experience. I took a risk coming to Tel Aviv this summer, and I’ve never looked back.

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Meet Darden’s EMBA and GEMBA – Erin Breitzka, Kristina Stepanek, Diogo Simas

Posted on July 26, 2017 by Isabel Adams

Much like our residential students, the students enrolled in the Executive Formats of the Darden MBA come from a wide variety of backgrounds, careers, goals, and interests. We have asked several of our EMBA and GEMBA students to answer a few questions about their MBA experiences, which we will post over the coming weeks. We hope you enjoy getting to know them, and if you have any additional questions about our Executive Formats, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with a member of our Admissions Committee.

Name: Erin Breitzka
Employer: Bluemercury
Cohort: EMBA ROS

Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?

My career has progressed quickly with many challenges and rewards. I find myself wanting that pace but I am aware that I have limited experience in some key functional business areas. It is my responsibility to make sure I have the capability to make well rounded decisions, develop employees, and lead a team. An MBA is the perfect way to supplement my underdeveloped areas as efficiently as possible to get me to the next steps.

What attracted you to the executive formats of the Darden MBA?

I have an operations background so in general I like to change a process and see the results the next day! An executive format allows me to apply what I’m learning as I’m learning it. I’m able to test theories talked about in class and see what the results are for me as a leader very quickly. I also have experts available that can help when class material gets really challenging. I have already prepared the accounting department so they are ready for my many questions!

What advice do you have for prospective students?

My advice to prospective students is to listen. Business school will only develop you as much as you allow so put down your guard and listen to everyone around you. The diverse energy at Darden cannot be found anywhere else!

Name: Kristina Stepanek
Employer: Morgan Stanley
Cohort: EMBA ROS

Why did you choose Darden?

Darden has a phenomenal reputation, wonderful faculty, and the ability to attract creative, warm, intelligent students. I looked specifically for programs with an emph

asis on global business, and I was impressed with Darden’s curriculum and the international trips the students take.  Furthermore, Darden’s new campus in DC is very convenient to my location in Baltimore, which made the choice a no-brainer!

What’s your favorite thing about your classmates?

My classmates provide an atmosphere of friendly, supportive competition, which motivates everyone to truly engage with the material. They are inquisitive, ethical, creative, and diverse in their perspectives and professional backgrounds. The ability to engage with a doctor, lawyer, analyst, military veteran, entrepreneur, etc. all in the same class has broadened my understanding of many industries considerably.  I’m impressed with my learning team on a daily basis – our conversations about the material are insightful and invaluable. My learning team is comprised of six individuals that all complement each other well in skill sets. We meet weekly to discuss cases in depth in preparation for class and we take turns producing detailed outlines and reviews to help make the workload manageable. This process ensures that our larger class discussions can be truly insightful instead of being focused on a cursory understanding of the material.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

If you enjoy learning in a collaborative environment with top-notch classmates, then Darden is the place for you. Students considering the program should familiarize themselves with the case-method and try reading some cases to make sure that fits their learning style. I personally enjoy the case method because it draws from real-life examples. Not only am I learning principles of business in an interesting fashion, but I’m also developing a vast knowledge of companies from various industries. I highly recommend observing a class to get a good sense of the program.

Name: Diogo Simas
Employer: CEB
Format/Section: EMBA/ROS

Why did you choose Darden?

Darden’s case method was a strong draw for me. It fosters great management and decision-making skills through repeated practice. The case method continually puts students in the position of important stakeholders and decision-makers weighing challenging business problems.

What’s your favorite thing about your classmates so far?

At Darden, learning does not just happen between faculty and students. Here, learning is a very collaborative process where you depend upon and learn from your peers. My classmates have a broad array of experience and are some of the brightest people I have met.  This immersive, 360 experience is transformative – both professionally and personally.

What advice do you have for prospective students?

Find out what you want to do and make sure the school you choose fills those personal aspirations. That doesn’t mean have an absolute goal in mind but have a general North Star.  It makes for a more enriching professional development experience.

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Meet Darden’s EMBA & GEMBA – Ery Zaidir (GEMBA ’18) and Julie Lasseter (EMBA ’18)

Posted on July 19, 2017 by Isabel Adams

Much like our residential students, the students enrolled in the Executive Formats of the Darden MBA come from a wide variety of backgrounds, careers, goals, and interests. We have asked several of our EMBA and GEMBA students to answer a few questions about their MBA experiences, which we will post over the coming weeks. We hope you enjoy getting to know them, and if you have any additional questions about our Executive Formats, we encourage you to schedule a conversation with a member of our Admissions Committee.

Name: Ery Rinaldi Zaidir
City: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Employer: National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia
Years of Experience: 24 years
Format/Section: Global Executive MBA / Rosslyn

  1. What is your current job?

I am originally from Indonesia, but I have been living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the past eight years. I currently work at the National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia, the largest bank in Saudi Arabia, where I have worked since relocating to Jeddah. I’m currently the Senior Vice President of the Risk Management Group, responsible for managing the retail loans of the bank, i.e. personal Loans, auto leases, residential financing, and credit cards. Overall, I have 24 years in retail banking, mostly in collections and risk management.

  1. Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?

I want to switch careers. I am almost 50 years old and would like to do something different and pursue my other passions, namely teaching and doing something for the greater good. I believe Darden will give me the courage, preparation and network to enable to start a new journey in my life.

  1. What’s your favorite thing about your classmates so far?

Their stories, background, and experience. I also have really enjoyed how supportive everyone has been, in class, in our learning team meetings. Everyone is very open and willing to share ideas, information.

  1. What advice do you have for prospective students?

To consider this as an investment for them, for their own future and benefit.

Most of my friends, relatives and colleagues, especially who are my age, are working very hard for their family, just like me. We want to have enough money so that we can have enough food to eat, can pay all the bills, and can put our children in the best schools so they can get the best education and stand on their own in the future. However, I know I have to continue to learn. The world is changing fast, and I need to equip myself with all the skills and knowledge that will make me ready to face the future. So, you have to invest in yourself. You have to choose the best institution to study. And you have to keep learning.

Name: Julie Lasseter
City: Washington, D.C.
Employer: Department of Defense
Years of Experience: 12 years
Format/Section: CHO Executive MBA

  1. What is your current job?

I am currently an Obama Administration political appointee at the Department of Defense and my job title is Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment.

  1. Why did you decide to pursue an MBA?

Many people in politics in Washington, D.C. have a JD or a Public Policy degree and while those are wonderful degrees I already had experience writing and interpreting laws and regulations, as well as making public policy. What I wanted was a degree that could help me quantify public policy and know if policies were good for the economy or not. I also enjoy managing people and I want to be the best executive I can be. Learning a new perspective will be key for my success and benefit those who report to me.

  1. Why did you choose Darden?

I wanted to stay around the D.C. area and while I looked at several schools, I felt that Darden’s staff was unparalleled in professionalism and commitment to students. Adding a school program to an already busy life is a major decision and I wanted a program that had a proven track record of elevating students to new and exciting levels in their careers, whether that was with their current employer or a new one. My time is precious to me, and I felt Darden would not only respect my life commitments, but would also respect my time by making my school experience worthwhile. Finally, I am an experiential learner, so the case method approach of Darden was my preferred classroom style.

  1. What’s your favorite thing about your classmates so far?

My favorite things about my classmates is the diversity and motivation they bring to the classes, assignments, and networking. I also have an incredible learning team. The depth of personal and professional knowledge is international and cross-industry. When we come together to solve case problems we are able to leverage the backgrounds of military, private industry, and government making our studying truly exceptional.

  1. What are you most excited about accomplishing/doing during the program?  

I am most excited about completing Accounting! All joking aside, I am also excited about learning how to present ideas in a more analytical and compelling fashion. My jobs often contain an element of public speaking and salesmanship, so I am eager to incorporate this new analytical approach into my personal ability of persuasion. I think this will be really helpful in selling my ideas to clients, bosses, colleagues, and employees as I move up the leadership chain.

  1. What advice do you have for prospective students?

Do your homework, it will always save you! Also, make sure you are coming to Darden with an expectation, and anticipation, of a challenging experience. While I would argue that is what makes Darden exceptional, if doing homework and reaping the benefits of challenging your norms and ideals is not something of interest to you, Darden is probably not the best fit. But, if you’re interested in business, how to improve your business approach, and want to expose yourself to many different kinds of people, Darden and the Executive MBA program will be your dream come true– the sweat will be worth it.

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Recent Darden Graduate Adele Young (’17) Provides Insights on Changing Careers

Posted on July 15, 2017 by Darden Admissions

Adele Young, a recent graduate of the Class of 2017, came to Darden thinking that she knew what her next career move would be. However, after self-reflection and encountering numerous influencers throughout her journey at Darden, Young found her fit in consulting and recently moved to Los Angeles to begin working full-time at Parthenon.

After four years at a private equity firm, Young found herself feeling like she was plateauing in her current job and saw an MBA degree as an opportunity to take her career to the next level. The case method was a big selling point for choosing Darden. “I wanted to go somewhere that forced you to talk a lot and the case method was really important to me because I knew it would help me find my voice as someone who felt more introverted in a work setting,” said Young. She also valued the well-rounded curriculum at Darden that allowed her to expand her business knowledge in all subject areas, building on her undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Young landed a summer internship in private wealth management at J.P. Morgan during her first year. Reflecting on her internship at the end of the summer, she realized that although she greatly enjoyed her experience, she missed strategizing for companies. Consulting presented a great opportunity to do that kind of strategy work.

As Young looked to set herself up for a successful recruiting season and identify companies she may want to pursue, she turned to her peers for advice. “My peers were definitely my biggest influencers, particularly the ones who had interned at Parthenon. They were friends who I held in high esteem and enjoyed being around, and I began to see Parthenon as a great fit when they told me about the meaningful summer experiences that they had.”

To prepare for the switch, Young recalls the preparation she took to have a successful recruiting season in her second year. “It was important to know my story and why I was interested in switching. If my story didn’t make sense, I knew a company wouldn’t understand or appreciate it,” said Young. “I also ensured I understood Parthenon, what they value, and what their interview process looked like.” Additionally, the Consulting Club held a “Crack the Case” workshop and the Career Development Center (CDC) brought in Darden alumni to help with case interview preparation, which proved to be valuable for her. Young’s preparation paid off, and she landed the role at Parthenon.

In terms of advice for incoming Darden students and preparing for their career search, Young recommends researching early, self-reflection, and beginning to build your Darden network. “I did a lot of self-reflection during the summer before Darden and thinking about what I liked and didn’t like in my past job to figure out what I valued,” Young recalls. “I also recommend talking to as many Darden alums, current students or other incoming students as you can. Those conversations can be very helpful to figure out what a career in a particular industry looks like and they will be very transparent with you because they want to see you enter into a career where you will be successful.”

Young feels confident that her time at Darden has adequately prepared her for her post MBA journey. “The curriculum at Darden and learning how to wade through the unknown or tackle a business challenge with imperfect information will be extremely valuable as I begin my new role.”

To learn more about the Darden employment outcomes, view our most recent Employment Report or listen to other career stories.

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Q&A with Patrick Weeks (EMBA ’18)

Posted on July 12, 2017 by Isabel Adams

We recently sat down with Patrick Weeks (EMBA ’18) to learn more about his experience as a student in Darden’s Executive MBA and how he’s making the program his own.

Patrick, thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. To start off, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Patrick Weeks and I’m in the Darden Executive MBA class of 2018. I live in Alexandria, VA and belong to the Rosslyn cohort. In my day job, I lead business development and business operations at Sandboxx, a military-focused social media startup. I’m a Marine Corps veteran, and father to two boys, 1 and 4.

Why did you choose the Darden Executive MBA and what has the experience been like so far?

As a leader at Sandboxx on the business side, my goal is to leverage the Darden EMBA to grow personally along with our company. Honestly, the experience has exceeded my expectations so far. The Rosslyn-based network and the executive format are an ideal fit for my work. Our faculty is more than available to us—they truly invest in coaching and building a relationship with the class. Happily, I’ve found our curriculum immediately useful to my personal development and across business functions.

What sorts of leadership roles are available to students in the Executive formats?

Whatever your interest or personality, you can find a way to serve in a leadership role here. Besides Section Representatives who liaise with administration, we have Social Chairs planning activities for our on-grounds weekends. Career Reps foster career search opportunities and development. Admissions Reps support recruiting activities and host visiting students. The Community Outreach representative engages the class in local service opportunities. Lastly, there’s the Honor Rep.

You are the honor representative for the Rosslyn section of EMBA. Can you tell us a little bit about this role and why it was something you wanted to take on?

As Honor Representative, I serve as a liaison between our class and the school on any Honor or disciplinary matters. I communicate Honor Code related matters to my classmates. As I got to know the University history and brand, I was impressed by the commitment to the Honor Code. With roots going back to Thomas Jefferson himself, the Honor Code still makes a significant impact at the school. With high expectations for student integrity, UVA lives a culture of generous trust in students and strict discipline in violations. Impressively, the entire Honor structure at Darden, and UVA more broadly, is student-led.

Why is Darden’s Honor Code important to you? What role did the Honor Code play in your decision-making process (if any), and how has it shaped your time at Darden thus far?

The Honor Code is very much a part of our common language and everyday culture. I remember how impressed I was with a campus tour the first week I visited Charlottesville. An underclassman ended the tour by sharing his belief and pride in the Honor Code. Today I’m proud to also serve in a small way by representing the Honor Code and contributing to the culture of integrity and trust here. It impacts us every time we work on a paper or quiz, or speak to ethical matters in classes. The self-policing take home tests, for example, immediately differentiate this program from other schools’.

Any advice to prospective students as they think about going back to school?

What do you want out of an MBA and what do you want to invest in it? In my opinion, the network and brand has been as valuable as advertised. However, I would encourage potential students not to underrate the value of the classes and peer learning. The leadership development classes have genuinely made me a better coach at work, and even the class many fear most (Accounting) has paid dividends. There’s nothing more exciting than leveraging new skillsets to make a positive impact on the people and processes around me.

If you’re thinking about the Darden MBA, please feel free to reach out to me. Happy to share. It’s the Darden way!

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Career Advisor Spotlight: Mike Stevens

Posted on July 5, 2017 by Isabel Adams

by Sydney Sfreddo

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business consistently ranks in the top-tier for their career services among MBA programs. To continue introducing you to the career advisors at Darden’s Career Development Center (CDC), this week we are highlighting Mike Stevens, Senior Associate Director of Career Education and Advising. Read more about Darden’s Career Development Center in the news here.

How long have you been a career advisor at Darden?

I joined Darden’s Career Development Center in January of 2017.

What drew you to Darden?

I’ve been career coaching on a part-time basis for a long time. As I thought about making coaching a greater part of what I do, I was looking for the right mix of coachees; smart, motivated individuals who engage with and challenge the process. The MBA student and program naturally fit that criteria for me.

What did you do prior to coming to Darden?

I spent 25 years working in senior executive roles for a range of industries including aviation, financial services, medical servicing and career management, and functions including marketing, operations and risk. However, a majority of my career has been spent in consumer financial services within marketing and GM roles.

What is your favorite part about serving as a career advisor?

Seeing people get where they want to go and being a part of helping them get there.

What career advice would you give to an incoming student to help them prepare for their career search before they arrive at Darden?

Be open to all of the possibilities that may be out there and don’t be afraid to explore them. Take the time before arrival to think about the attributes of a future role that are really important to you and then research the types of roles that can deliver these attributes. Talk to others who are in these roles to better understand them and what it takes to be successful. There are so many different opportunities, I don’t think it’s good idea to be tied to one outcome before walking through the door at Darden.

What are a couple of hobbies you like to do in your spare time outside of the office?

I enjoying golfing, water sports, walking my dogs and hanging out with my family.

What do think is one of the biggest strengths of Darden’s Career Development Center?

Many of our career advisors have spent a significant amount of time working in corporate America and have a great deal of industry experience. We understand the theory, but we also know first-hand what companies are looking for in job candidates. We have sat on the other side of the desk and have interviewed and hired candidates for the kinds of jobs Darden students are applying for. This insight helps us to better prepare students for their career search and interviews.

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Simonas Matulionis (MBA ’17) Discusses Career Change to Consulting

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Isabel Adams

By Sydney Sfreddo

Simonas Matulionis, a recent Darden graduate of the Class of 2017, took time to reflect on his Darden experience and how it enabled him to change careers from equity research to consulting. This summer he will begin working full-time for Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in Dallas.

“An MBA was always a part of my game plan after completing my undergraduate education,” Matulionis said. “I learned about Darden through a co-worker, and when I came to visit I was blown away by the community, the people who were here, and how everyone was like a family. The class visits were amazing as well, and experiencing the case method made me realize how I needed to be in this environment where the students really cared in the classroom.”

When Matulionis first arrived at Darden, he didn’t know what the next steps in his career looked like until he began researching different industries and learned more about consulting. “I started researching different consulting companies and fell in love with BCG from the beginning. It was my top company going into recruiting,” Matulionis recalled.

There were a number of resources Matulionis utilized to work towards achieving his goal of working at BCG including his Career Development Center (CDC) Second Year Coach, CDC Career Education workshops, and the Darden alumni network at BCG. “My coach had advice that was very insightful since he had just gone through the same process I was about to go through. The CDC workshops were also helpful for learning what to expect in a consulting interview and how to reach out to people,” Matulionis said.

Matulionis landed an internship with BCG, where he embraced the consulting culture working with partners on business strategy, planning for potential client-facing work, and learning what being on a case team was like. His internship then converted into a full-time offer with BCG in Dallas. “The Darden classroom mixed teaching technical skills with thinking about problems broadly and being able to speak to those problems. My decision analysis courses were also very important for preparing me for consulting,” Matulionis said.

Matulionis ended with sharing his advice for the incoming Class of 2019 and beginning their career search. “Really try to find where you resonate with the people that you talk to because it’s a two-way street. You have to make sure that you know you can appreciate the people that you work with and work well with them. Also, be natural in your conversations with people and don’t try to be too methodical in your approach to recruiting.”

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Forté MBA Women’s Leadership Conference

Posted on June 22, 2017 by Darden Admissions

We just returned from the annual Forte MBA Leadership Conference held at Amazon in Seattle this year. The conference was sold out with 633 women attending, a host of inspirational speakers, top companies looking to mingle with the Class of 2019 and a power pitch competition for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Darden Forte Fellows

Incoming Darden Forte Fellows supporting Second Year Meg Greenhalgh in the Power Pitch competition

As you may know, the Forté Foundation is a non-profit consortium of leading companies and business schools working together to launch women into fulfilling, significant careers through access to business education, opportunities and a network of successful women. Darden is proud to be a sponsor school, and we hope to see you at a future leadership conference or event!

Check out the schedule for 2017 Forté Forums. Registration opens July 10.

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Career Advisor Spotlight: Reid Thompson

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Isabel Adams

by Sydney Sfreddo

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business consistently ranks in the top-tier for their career services among MBA programs. To continue introducing you to the career advisors at Darden’s Career Development Center (CDC), this week we are highlighting Reid Thompson (MBA ’09), assistant director of career education and advising. Read more about Darden’s Career Development Center in the news here.

How long have you been a career advisor at Darden?

I have been a career advisor since September of 2015.

What did you do prior to coming to Darden?

I graduated from Darden in 2009, and I always had a personal long-term goal to return to Charlottesville. After graduation, I worked in North Carolina for a bank in a leadership development program and held some interesting roles there. I then left to join a multicultural consulting firm in the Washington, D.C. area conducting market research. With my background in financial services and consumer insights, I decided to pursue entrepreneurial activity. A friend and I had an online start-up, and I also worked in marketing for a fintech start-up for a little over a year. I enjoyed the entrepreneurial way of working and that there was nothing holding you back except your own ideas and ambition. However, I was looking for something more steady and encountered the career advising role at Darden. I knew I liked being surrounded by the faculty and students, and I’m passionate about helping people meet their goals and ended up in my current role.

What is your favorite part about serving as a career advisor?

Seeing the variety of experiences that Darden students already have and the ambitions they have to go on to even greater things. It’s inspiring and really energizing to see that and be a part of that everyday.

What career advice would you give to an incoming student to help them prepare for their career search before they arrive at Darden?

Talk to people and network. While your personal network is about to grow exponentially, you’re coming into Darden with a tremendous asset with your existing network. As you move to a new city, you want to cultivate your network, but also keep your network alive and healthy to be able to go to them for advice, ideas and job search support while you’re here.

What are a couple of hobbies you like to do in your spare time outside of the office?

Right now with a newborn, everything that comes along with keeping the household running. My wife and I enjoy getting out in the countryside on the weekend, going for a hike, visiting wineries or going for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. In the couple years we’ve been back in Charlottesville, there’s no shortage of places to explore or things to do.

What is your favorite thing about living in Charlottesville?

It’s hard to narrow it down to one thing. Charlottesville has the best of both worlds. It’s not overwhelming like a big city, but it has all of the amenities of a big city including concerts, cultural events, restaurants and much more. There’s also natural beauty coupled with the historical and architectural legacy that exists here, making it a really unique place when you put all of that together.

What do you think makes Darden’s Career Development Center unique?

The CDC is an extension of the Darden program in the sense that it’s high touch and individualized, and we form deep relationships with students and will meet as many times as you want. We meet one-on-one to understand your needs and desires, and we also live the highs and the lows with you. We know the job search process can be difficult, but the CDC team is your ally and we’re almost as happy as you are when you land that dream job. I think it’s a luxury that Darden allows this individualized support and that we can get as involved with the job search as we do.

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