Jill Howland

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

“Assiduous, disciplined, empathetic and inclusive.”

Hometown: Buffalo, New York

Fun fact about yourself: I am a certified yoga instructor!

Undergraduate School and Degree: [Undergraduate] University of Pittsburgh, Bachelor of Arts in English, Bachelor of Arts in Communications; [Graduate] Johns Hopkins University, Master of Science in Education, Minor in Special Education

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Baltimore City Public Schools, classroom teacher and teacher development coach

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Bain & Company, Seattle; Management Consulting

Where will you be working after graduation? Bain & Company, Seattle; Management Consulting

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• [Current] Darden Student Association Executive Vice President
• [FY leadership position] Darden Cup Representative
• John R Lewis Racial Justice Case Competition 3rd-place team and award recipient
• Forte Fellow
• Consortium in Graduate Study of Management Fellow

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? The academic achievement I am most proud of is my participation in the Prison Reentry Education Program (PREP) during my second year at Darden. This program has allowed me to apply my business knowledge in a meaningful way by teaching foundational business skills to inmates at local facilities. It is a unique academic experience that’s challenged me to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way while reinforcing my belief in using education to create positive change. The opportunity to empower others and contribute to their successful reentry into society has made this experience incredibly rewarding.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The professional achievement I am most proud of is bringing the Girls on the Run program to my school in Baltimore City. Recognizing the lack of leadership development and healthy habit-building opportunities for students, particularly young women, I collaborated with our community coordinator, administration, families, and fellow teachers to introduce this national program. As a coach, I led 20 students through bi-weekly practices, helping them build confidence, set goals, and develop teamwork skills in preparation for a city-wide 5K event. I loved being part of a program that encouraged grow, confidence, and building a passion for exercise!

Why did you choose this business school? I chose Darden because of its strong culture and community, which were essential factors in my decision. I wanted to be part of a program where classmates challenge and support each other, faculty are deeply engaged in concept development, and meaningful relationships extend beyond the classroom. At Darden, I found a community that fosters collaboration, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth — an environment that would push me to become a better leader while building lifelong connections.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Steve Soltis because of his authentic and engaging teaching style. Drawing from his years of experience at Coca-Cola, he brings real-world insights into the classroom, making content both practical and relatable. His direct, in-the-moment feedback challenges students to think critically and refine their communication skills, ensuring we are well-prepared for workplace expectations. Beyond his expertise, he cares about each student’s success and well-being, creating an environment where we feel supported and inspired to grow.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA tradition at Darden is Darden Cup, a year-long tournament where sections compete in events ranging from pickleball to trivia to a talent show. What makes the competition special is how it brings out talents that are not always visible in the classroom. Beyond the competition, students take the time to teach and support one another, creating a culture where everyone has something to offer. Darden Cup reflects the community’s eagerness to learn from each other and the collective commitment to lifting others up for the greater good.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, one thing I would do differently during my MBA is leverage small moments to connect with others. During my summer internship, a mentor shared the advice to “never lunch alone,” emphasizing that even with a busy schedule, meals can be an easy way to maintain and strengthen relationships. Since then, I’ve made a conscious effort to use lunch as a chance to reconnect with classmates, professors, and colleagues in a relaxed setting. Moving forward, I plan to carry this mindset with me, finding more opportunities to both build and maintain meaningful connections in everyday moments.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about Darden is that the case method is overwhelmingly intense. It’s true that Darden’s case method is academically demanding, requiring careful preparation and strong analytical skills. However, what often gets overlooked is the highly collaborative nature of the classroom. Students don’t navigate cases alone—they bring diverse perspectives, whether as subject matter experts or by asking insightful questions, all with the shared goal of deepening understanding. The case method encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving while preparing students for authentic workplace settings.

What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? Succession best reflects the realities of business, showcasing the intricate dynamics of power, strategy, and corporate competition. The show emphasizes the importance of understanding the industry you’re in and being aware of the personal costs that come with pursuing success in that environment. It highlights the complexities of leadership and decision-making, illustrating how personal ambition and relationships can greatly impact business outcomes.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI is increasingly integrated into the classrooms at Darden, with professors using it as a tool to enhance learning, such as building in-class presentations, preparing debate responses, and researching content. Darden is in the process of launching the LaCross AI Institute, to provide students with additional tools and strategies to be effective, informed leaders. Personally, I have learned to carefully craft questions to yield quality results. The quality of AI-generated responses depends heavily on the specificity of the prompts—that is, now more than ever, an essential skill of a business leader is to ask precise questions to get meaningful responses.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? A classmate I admire is Nini Ratto Schol, whose leadership and work ethic stand out. In the classroom, Nini is a strong communicator, sharing her thoughts with clarity and brevity, always adding value to the discussion. As a fellow DSA board member, she consistently assumes the best intent of others, creating an environment of trust and collaboration. Nini is incredibly hardworking, yet still takes the time to help her peers without hesitation. Beyond her academic strengths, her energy is magnetic: she genuinely cares for others and is a joy to be around in social settings. I deeply admire her dedication and the positive impact she has on those around her.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My top professional goals are the following:

1. Transition back into the education field, but in a leadership role rather than as a classroom teacher. I want to apply the skills I developed as a teacher while gaining a broader range of experiences in the corporate world so I can return to education with a more well-rounded perspective, enabling me to take on leadership responsibilities and make a greater impact beyond the classroom.

2. Serve on a corporate board long-term. I’m motivated by the opportunity to seek mentorship and participate in critical decision-making alongside a team of peers. I aim to bring a holistic perspective to the table, ensuring that decisions serve both the company and its stakeholders effectively.

What made Jill such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“As a member of the Class of 2025, Jill Howland has stood out for her commitment to building community at Darden over her two years at the school. In a place where connection is central to who we are, Jill stood out in her willingness to step forward as a student leader both years and help find ways to bring her fellow students together. Whether fostering a positive competitive spirit through the annual section competition of Darden Cup, or providing leadership to the First Year Section Representatives as EVP of the Darden Student Association, Jill stood out for her thoughtful and cheerful way of bringing people together. Throughout her first year, she was a key leader in bringing her classmates together to build community, connect with each other, and support each other. In her second year, Jill not only co-led the Darden Student Association as EVP, she provided mentorship and guidance to the leaders following her in the Class of 2026. The Darden community thrives in no small part thanks to the investment of our student leaders in bringing people together, and Jill approached all of her leadership roles with that mindset. Through her work creating spaces for the new students to learn from her classmates, connect with each other, and her own ongoing encouragement and counsel, Jill invested in developing other student leaders through her work at the school.”

Marc Johnson
Senior Associate Dean
Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer

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