Ian Berry

University of Virginia, Darden School of Business

“A proud New Yorker but say ‘y’all.’ I pursue life vigorously and push others to do the same.”

Hometown: Islip, New York

Undergraduate School and Major: United States Military Academy at West Point. I majored in French and Spanish

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: I served as an Army Logistics Officer for the past 8 year, most recently with 7th Special Forces group and the 75th Ranger Regiment.

What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? The case method acts as a form of natural accountability. As students, we learn from one another through conversation and feedback from each case. If I fail to bring my A game to class, not only do I feel it, but my peers do as well.

Aside from cases and classmates, what was the key part of Virginia Darden’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? As a husband and father, Darden’s unique family environment and robust veteran community immediately made my family and I feel welcomed. This was huge as we wanted to attend business school where we could truly be part of a community, together.

What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Virginia Darden?  Darden’s Community Consulting Club is an incredible chance to apply our lessons in the classroom to help local businesses in the area. It’s a chance to make both ourselves and the community better at the same time.

Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Darden was the right program for you? Why? Coming from the military, I was concerned about my level of business knowledge. I believed that coming to Darden was more than joining an incredible brand. It was a chance to truly learn through the case method, and our employment rates reflect this aspect. It made the decision easy.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Toward the tail end of my time in the Army, I began a nonprofit in Richmond Virginia: Monumental Honor, Inc. Since our inception in late 2022, we’ve grown it into an organization that sponsors scholarships, a walkathon and stem internships throughout the area. Getting to build a vision into a full organization has been challenging and incredibly rewarding.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why?  I am a bridge builder. I work tirelessly to connect varying people groups and communities, and I hope to foster friendships amongst people that wouldn’t likely engage with one another normally.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Virginia Darden’s MBA program? Know yourself and be able to articulate your story. Understanding what you are bringing to the table and how you can contribute to this community is essential. It is an incredible warm yet challenging place, and having the confidence to know you belong is crucial.

DON’T MISS: MEET VIRGINIA DARDEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026