The Batten Scholars program, sponsored and administered by Darden’s Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, supports a collection of full- and partial-tuition scholarships for students admitted to Darden’s two-year, full-time MBA program with an interest and ability in entrepreneurship, innovation or technology. Batten Scholars benefit from access to programs and resources including innovation work spaces, mentorship, legal support and unique networking opportunities. The highly selective program empowers students with educational and experimental opportunities to grow. Learn more about the Batten Scholars and how to apply for this unique opportunity.
Today, we are featuring one of this year’s Batten Scholars, Purvaj Dharia (Class of 2021) of Mumbai, India. His entrepreneurial passion started in manufacturing and has continued to grow into the realm of e-commerce and beyond.
Before coming to Darden, I managed my family’s manufacturing business in the energy space and later continued to follow my entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding an e-commerce startup that sells pop-culture T-shirts and merchandise online. I became very interested in starting a manufacturing business in other industries, but I often found myself short of understanding the value chain that drives different industries. Hence, I decided to pursue an MBA at Darden to gain more structure to my thinking and develop a holistic education that will teach me how to approach various business functions and industries.
Experience as a Batten Scholar
The Batten Institute is very generous in terms of the plethora of resources available and the support provided. The team that runs the Batten Institute, including MJ Toms and Sean Carr, is amazing and always reachable and helpful. Even before I matriculated to Darden, MJ Toms provided me helpful resources and links that I needed while I was researching a certain industry. She also connected me to various alumni who could guide me and support me in my ventures. Within the Darden community and peers, the entrepreneurial spirit is appreciated and respected.
Tips for Batten Scholars applicants
Research Darden resources and speak to current Batten Scholars to find out about the support that your entrepreneurial, tech or innovation pursuit will get here. When writing your Batten Scholar essay in the application, demonstrate how your idea or venture is different. Show your passion for it through both the essay and the interview. Don’t talk only about your success but also highlight your failures, what you learned from them and how the Batten Institute can support you to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes again.
Try to understand what sets you apart as an entrepreneur or an innovator. Remember, entrepreneurs often give themselves less credit than they deserve for taking a more difficult path. Tell your story and be authentic about it — people at Darden and the Batten Institute are interested in listening to and investing in enterprising candidates.
Be sure to consult the Latest News regularly for the most updated news releases and media hits. Check out faculty thought leadership published on Ideas to Action. And stay connected with us via social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, WeChat
