Caitlyn Unsworth is originally from Suffolk, VA, and she recently spent her summer working for the Boston Consullting Group in its Washington, D.C. office. She also serves as Vice President for the Darden Student Association (DSA), and we recently caught up with Caitlyn to talk about what led her Darden, what she has enjoyed about her business school experience so far and her advice for prospective students. Check out Caitlyn’s answers below!
How/why did you choose Darden?
My brother is a UVA graduate, and he convinced me to consider the school when I started applying to business schools. However, I ultimately chose Darden for the sense of community – which was apparent from my very first time on grounds. After sitting in on a class and engaging with a few students, I was hooked. Oh, and my admissions interview with Cheryl Jones was one of the most engaging, fun interviews I’ve ever had – I could’ve spent two hours chatting with her! Her kindness and genuine nature spoke volumes about the environment I could expect at Darden.
What’s been your favorite thing about your experience so far?
Learning from and getting to know so many gifted, talented and thoughtful classmates. I came to Darden with the sole purpose of switching careers, and I will be leaving in May with a remarkable group of friends. This was not an outcome I expected when I began my business school journey, but it has made my experience so much richer.
Honestly, as an introvert, I didn’t know how things would shape up for me here. Early on, I worried a lot about how I’d be able to get involved. But the Darden community is inclusive, and my classmates and faculty didn’t let me fade into the background. They pursued me and made me feel part of the family.
What’s been the most surprising thing about your experience so far?
How open the professors have been. They say they have an open-door policy and that they want you to get to know them, but wow! I’ve been amazed by the incredible conversations they’ve been willing to have with me – personal, academic, professional, you name it. I have a few faculty members who are constant sources of advice and guidance. I’m so thankful for the professors I’ve had here.
What’s one thing you wish you would have known when you were a prospective student?
How special the community is and how unique the student-run aspects of the school really are. As part of the Darden Student Association this year, I’ve really enjoyed learning a bit more about “how the sausage is made” and being able to contribute practically to various academic, social, career, admissions and advancement efforts. Darden really puts students first and gives us so much autonomy in mapping out our own adventure here.
Any advice for prospective students considering Darden?
Visit! That’s what sold me, and while you can read about the school and even talk to students on the phone, via email, etc., there is nothing quite like walking into PepsiCo for First Coffee and chatting with a few students between classes or sitting in on a case method discussion.
