Meet the MBA Class of 2026: Zaira Khan, University of Virginia (Darden) by: Jeff Schmitt on May 09, 2025 | 74 Views May 9, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Zaira Khan University of Virginia, Darden School of Business “An innovative thinker, passionate about creating art and cultivating community.” Hometown: Clifton, Virginia Fun Fact About Yourself: When I’m not prepping for cases, I like to collect magnets from every country I visit! So far, the coolest one I have is a Kangaroo from Australia! Undergraduate School and Major: University of Virginia, B.A. in Politics with a concentration in American Government Most Recent Employer and Job Title: M&T Bank, Business Communications Analyst What makes the case method so attractive as a means to learn and become a better manager? As a perfectionist, I often shy away from raising my hand unless I’m 100% confident that my answer is correct. The case method allows me to actively participate in a safe environment. That way, when I’m in a business meeting one day, I’ll be able to hone in on the decision-making skills I’ve learned from the case method. Additionally, the case method introduces multiple viewpoints and makes you appreciate the multifaceted way to approach problems. 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? Darden’s ‘Darden Before Darden’ (DBD) program led me to choose Darden. The opportunity to participate in DBD, which offers a preview of the case method and allows students to experience Darden’s collaborative learning environment before classes begin, was invaluable. I wanted a program that would give me the ability to access support resources prior to classes beginning due to my non-traditional background. I was able to experience a preview of Darden, which helped tremendously when the first quarter began. What stood out to me during DBD was the immediate and generous support I received from my learning team, faculty members, and peers. They not only assisted me during class, but also went above-and-beyond in our study sessions to ensure I conceptually understood our cases. The professors encouraged me to actively participate and ask questions, which helped build my confidence in class. This experience showcased the supportive and inclusive nature of the Darden community. What course, club, or activity excites you the most at Virginia Darden)? I’m excited to serve as a Social Representative for Section E (Go Eels!). One of the primary reasons why I chose Darden was its strong emphasis on fostering a tight-knit community. As a Social Representative, I hope to deepen connections with my classmates and continue to build a strong, supportive environment. It’s important to me to be able to create spaces where my classmates can get to know one another on a more personal level beyond the classroom. This role aligns with my desire to be actively involved in enhancing our class cohesion and ensuring everyone feels valued. Being a part of Section E’s board has allowed me to contribute to creating an environment that fosters relationships. Looking at your recruitment, what was the moment when you realized Darden was the right program for you? Why? My decision to apply to Darden as a Future Year Scholar (our deferred admissions program) was influenced by a series of enlightening experiences during my recruitment process. During my fourth year of undergrad, I reached out to Darden students and alumni to gain insight into their experiences at Darden. What struck me immediately was the warmth and enthusiasm they had for Darden. I could relate to their excitement of Darden, as I too had fallen in love with UVA while I was an undergraduate student. Every conversation, whether through Zoom calls with alumni or phone calls with current students, was filled with passion for Darden. Their genuine excitement and fondness for their time at Darden was contagious, and I knew I wanted to feel that way about my future MBA program as well. It became evident that Darden wasn’t just a top business school but a community where people genuinely support and inspire one another. I wanted to join this environment and create my own meaningful experiences with my future classmates. Hearing the stories of alumni and students was what solidified my decision to pursue my MBA at Darden. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my most significant career accomplishments has been launching my own small business during the pandemic. Within my first year, I achieved over 500 sales, which exceeded my expectations. My entrepreneurial venture provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, from managing social media content to tracking revenues! As a 19-year-old, this experience was transformative. It not only honed my organizational skills and sense of responsibility, but also offered insights that no classroom or traditional job could provide. Navigating the complexities of running a business during such unprecedented times taught me how to adapt and remain resilient, which has become a cornerstone of my professional development. What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? Why? My enthusiasm for learning and collaboration will enable me to make a significant contribution to our class by fostering a vibrant and engaging classroom environment. For instance, in my previous role as a Project Manager, my passion for our team goals energized my colleagues and drove us to exceed expectations! It’s important to me that I show up with a proactive and optimistic attitude and keep everyone motivated through stressful times. At Darden, I bring the same level of enthusiasm to class discussions, my learning team, and extracurricular activities. By participating energetically, I hope to inspire my peers to engage more deeply and collaborate in a manner that enhances the learning experience for everyone! It’s important to me to build a supportive class culture. What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Virginia Darden’s MBA program? It’s important to be authentically you! Darden values individuality over perfect GPAs or GMAT scores. The admissions committee is eager to understand you beyond the numbers, so let your unique perspectives and personal experiences shine through in your application. Immerse yourself in Darden’s culture by learning about its traditions and values, such as the Darden Cup, First Coffee, and Thursday Cold Calls. Reflect on how your experiences align with Darden’s collaborative and team-oriented environment. Use your essays to demonstrate why Darden is the ideal fit for your goals and how you plan on contributing to the community. Engage with the Darden community by attending webinars, participating in admissions events, and consider coming to grounds to sit in on a class. Connecting with current students helped me better understand the Darden experience and showed me first-hand how I’d fit in and enrich the community. Finally, I encourage you to remember that you are more than your academic and professional accomplishments. DON’T MISS: MEET VIRGINIA DARDEN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026