Meet Virginia Darden’s MBA Class Of 2021

Rachel Barnes

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

“Your kindergarten best friend and a Jeopardy contestant combined.”

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

Fun Fact About Yourself: I am an ordained minister.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Georgia, Economics (Spanish minor)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Global Mobility Paralegal, Greenberg Traurig LLP

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Being elected as Vice Chair of the National Black Law Students Association

What quality best describes the MBA classmates you’ve met so far and why? Energetic: everyone seems so excited about engaging in and out of the classroom. It’s contagious.

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method allows people to think through real-world problems through discussion and analysis. This engagement is what keeps people interested in class and avoids the one-sidedness of lecture. Further, good communication is a key skill for any good manager. As such, the discussion created by the case method helps people practice effective communications strategies.

Aside from your classmates and cases, what was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? The location. Charlottesville has so much to offer especially if you are someone who loves wine or the outdoors! As a dual degree student, I gladly chose to add on another year in Charlottesville.

What club or activity are you looking most forward to in business school?  Follies. As a former drama nerd, I can’t wait to get involved with a show.

What was the most challenging question you were asked during the admissions process?  N/A

What led you to pursue an MBA at this point in your career? Opportunity and intellectual curiosity.

Where do you see yourself in ten years? In ten years, I see myself working as a lawyer helping entrepreneurs and venture capitalists grow their portfolios.

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