Coming from the Public Sector Darden Couldn't be a Better Fit

Experience during the program

I am a veteran and former federal employee looking to transition to a role in finance. In my MBA search, I sought a school that really focused on teaching and a great core curriculum that would enable me to smoothly transition to the private sector. Darden has exceeded all my expectations.

Like HBS, Darden is 100% case method. Whether it's accounting, marketing, or valuation each class is a case and is taught entirely discussion-based. The case method is not for everyone, but if you learn by discussion there is not a better learning environment than Darden's classrooms. I have learned an incredible amount from my classmates and I am always on my toes in anticipation of the infamous cold call.

Darden is a great school if you want to go into consulting, banking, or general management. MBB, all the top tech firms, and the top Bulge Bracket and Boutique banks all recruit at Darden. I can't speak for consulting or general management but the banking recruitment process at Darden is better than most other schools because the recruiting is done almost entirely in Charlottesville. Many other top MBA schools' students have to travel at least monthly (if not weekly) to New York to attend banking recruiting events. At Darden, the banks visit the school and much of the networking is via phone. This is incredibly convenient when you are trying to balance the recruiting process with classwork.

To some, Charlottesville is in the middle of nowhere. However, I have found it to be a great town in the Shenandoah (2 hours from DC) with tons of breweries, vineyards, and restaurants. The campus is a UNESCO world heritage site and you'd be hard pressed to find a school with a prettier campus. Nearly all the Darden students live next to one another and within walking distance to the school. This tight-knit environment is one reason why the Darden alumni network is among the strongest of any top MBA program.

Regardless of if you are new to business or are a former consultant/banker, Darden is a phenomenal place to spend two years for your MBA.

Overall BSchool experience (5.0)
Schools contribution (5.0)
Classmates rating (5.0)

Strengths of the program:

Curriculum, Classes, Professors
Student body, diversity
Culture & Student Support

Best fit at this program:

Consulting
Finance
Marketing
Investment Banking
Tech
Entrepreneurship
Management

Can be improved:

Specialization in a particular area (e.g. Finance, Consulting, Healthcare, etc)