How Matias Manriquez (’26) Helped a Small Company Dream Bigger: Batten Venture Internship Program
In this second feature of our three-part profile series, we highlight the transformative experiences of Class of 2026 Darden students who participated in the Batten Venture Internship Program (BVIP) over the summer. BVIP offers students the opportunity to pursue internships with venture capital firms, startups or closely held enterprises. Entrepreneurial students gain valuable formal experience through BVIP, which offers a matching salary stipend to encourage this one-of-a-kind internship exploration. Learn more about Darden’s Batten Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Meet Second Year Matias Manriquez (Class of 2026), whose Batten Venture Internship Program experience at Pratt Homes allowed him the opportunity to translate his corporate real estate experience into hands-on entrepreneurial growth.
SHAPING AN ENTREPENEUR
For Matias, the idea of pursuing entrepreneurship at Darden had been taking shape for years prior to his BVIP experience. It took hold after seeing his older brother attend Darden and admire the School’s community and culture.
Following five years in the corporate world of commercial real estate and asset management, Matias was ready to try something new and gain experience in a smaller firm that offered growing opportunities and a better balance for his growing family. So, Matias came to Darden with the goal of pairing his real estate background with a more entrepreneurial path, opening the door to a BVIP internship.
“I believe starting a career in entrepreneurship can be intimidating, and this program supports you in taking those initial steps. BVIP allowed me to work at a smaller company without accepting a lower salary than a corporate firm.”
Matias spent his summer working with Pratt Homes, an ETA company in Tyler, Texas acquired by Darden grad Reg Jones (MBA ‘11) that specializes in selling Modular and Manufactured homes. Matias was immediately drawn to the collaborative culture of the small business team of 30 employees and the opportunity to meet the company’s shifting needs.
BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR EXPANSION
A BVIP internship often provides the student with an identified research project paired with the student’s autonomy to determine the best solution. Matias shared how rewarding it was to both work on opening a new office for Pratt Homes and to see his project carried out in real-time.
“My main responsibility was to open a second sales office, which involved conducting market research, preparing the business case, and scouting for the ideal location. I ultimately selected a plot of land, negotiated with the realtor, and prepared the business case and investment documents to secure a bank loan. All due diligence steps were completed and ready for implementation. We just signed the LOI and got the loan approved this week, so all my work is paying off.”
Darden is a great opportunity to learn about functions you’ve never worked on, and a summer internship in a small business is the perfect chance to work across multiple functions at once.
LEVERAGING DARDEN LESSONS
Matias’s summer experience at Pratt Homes also gave new meaning to the lessons he’d learned in the classroom, specifically regarding a strong financial foundation.
“In the final quarter of my first year at Darden, I took the Valuations elective. Without a financial background, it was difficult. I remember finishing the class and thinking I would never work on another business case with discounted cash flow. However, during my internship, it was the first thing I did. I even used the templates we practiced in class to prepare the business case. I realized that working in a small business requires understanding its financial aspects, even if you don’t work in finance.”
One of the hallmarks of working in a small business that Matias encourages other students to pursue is how an employee must be flexible and skilled to step into shifting roles. This offers up a challenging yet perfect opportunity for minds such as Matias’ to flex a variety of skills and passion for innovation.
“Be open to multiple functions within that company. You’re not going to work in silos like in a large corporation. In a small business, you’ll handle a little bit of everything, which is fun but challenging at the same time, so be ready for anything.
“Darden is a great opportunity to learn about functions you’ve never worked on, and a summer internship in a small business is the perfect chance to work across multiple functions at once. My summer internship was general management, data analytics, strategy… and even sales at some points.”
DEFINING THE PATH AHEAD
After wrapping up his summer internship, Matias shared how his connections with other employees lay at the crux of his experience with Pratt Homes, and he was grateful to receive a return offer from them.
“The thing with small businesses is that when they give you a return offer, it’s uncertain where the company is going to be in 12 months, but they know they want you. Their needs are moving around, but you just must match them.”
“I’ve always been employed at corporate firms and thought my career would remain in such companies. Before attending Darden, I never seriously thought about entrepreneurship or owning my own business. Thanks to my participation in the BVIP program, I discovered how rewarding and fun working in a small business can be. After completing my MBA, I plan to continue working at Pratt Homes to develop my management skills, with the goal of owning my own small business in the future.”
A Note from the Darden Career Center
Through the Batten Venture Internship Program (BVIP), Darden students bring entrepreneurial thinking and strategic insight to startups, venture firms and growing enterprises. If your early-stage venture, ETA firm or venture capital team is interested in hiring a Darden intern, learn more about the Batten Venture Internship Program or email Michele Rankin, Managing Director, Darden Career Center at RankinM@darden.virginia.edu.
