Darden offers several dual-degree programs in connection with other schools at the University of Virginia. These dual-degree programs are designed to enhance the educational experience beyond what could be achieved if the two degrees were pursued independently (not to mention, in many cases, reduce the time it would take to earn both degrees separately). The Second Year students featured in this post are MBA/MSDS students, and they recently shared insights about their experiences as both Darden MBAs and UVA School of Data Science students. MBA/MSDS dual degree students take classes for both programs at the same time across two years, starting in the Summer with the MS in Data Science program.
Aditi Rajagopal (Class of 2021)
Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Undergrad: University of Michigan
Pre-Darden Professional Background: Software Engineer
Why Darden? Why a dual degree?
My initial draw to Darden was their track record of being the MBA program with the best learning experience, and the best student experience. Coming from a challenging undergraduate program, I wanted to be in a graduate program where teaching is paramount, and where the student body is engaged in all dimensions – academic, career, and social. I decided to pursue the dual degree in Data Science to keep my technical skills up to par, and to explore this new space.
How have you utilized your dual-degree and leveraged your connections at each school in your internship/job search process?
I was surprised to find that the MBA/MSDS combination has piqued the interest of folks in the venture capital space. Outdated wisdom says that you need prior experience in banking or finance to be in venture – but as VCs increasingly want to invest in companies that are data driven, many of them have recognized that they too must be data driven firms.
Advice to prospective students considering dual-degree:
Know what your motivators and demotivators are. Jot them down as you have conversations and experiences. Every once in a while reflect on them and see if you notice any trends.
Brian Foster-Pegg (Class of 2021)
Hometown: Erie, Pennslyvania
Undergrad: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Pre-Darden Professional Background: Financial Services/Corporate Finance
Why Darden? Why a dual degree?
Case method, quality of teachers. Always wanted a masters degree but was conflicted between an MBA or a more technical program. The MBA/MSDS program provides the best of both worlds
How have you utilized your dual-degree and leveraged your connections at each school in your internship/job search process?
Employers love MSDS and the Darden Career Center tells us they ask for an MBA/MSDS resume book. Being part of that seven resume list is pretty beneficial!
If you could go back to the start of your program, what would you do differently to get the most out of your experience?
I would spend some time becoming more proficient with Python before classes start.
Charlie Putnam (Class of 2021)
Hometown: McClean, Virginia
Undergrad: University of Virginia
Pre-Darden Professional Background: Data Science/Engineering
Why Darden / Why dual-degree?
I wanted a mix of business acumen and technical expertise when it came to working as a data scientist. Darden’s MBA/MSDS program offered the best opportunity to obtain both of these simultaneously.
How are the dual-degree students integrated in the main Darden cohort?
We are tightly integrated with Darden during our first year throughout Core, and we get the chance to bond with the other cohort of dual degree MBA/MSDS students since both cohorts share a class in the fall. It’s a great chance for the second years to offer mentorship to the incoming class.
How are you managing the workload? Do you feel that you are missing out on experiences from either of the program?
Regardless of whether you’re a dual degree student or just a Darden student, Darden is a choice-rich environment where you will not be able to do everything you would like to. It’s so important to prioritize and be efficient with your time, especially in the fall.
If you could go back to the start of your program, what would you do differently to get the most out of your experience?
I would reflect very carefully on what kind of career path I want to take, as attending company briefings, having coffee chats, and doing company research take up a lot of valuable time. Having purpose and intention in your career search is incredibly important. On the data science side, brush up on probabilities, statistics, and linear algebra. For Darden, be willing to expand your horizons and try new and different things (when time allows!).
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