Do you have any questions for me?

"You mentioned that you participated in the global residency program. I read several articles about the program on the admissions blog and I am very impressed with it. I travel frequently for work now, but I have not yet had the opportunity to visit some of the countries on the list this year. Can you tell me where you went and what the experience was like for you?"

Most UVA Darden MBA program interviewees report that a portion of their interview was spent asking questions of their own. Some interviews are conducted by second-year students and alumni. Many of them enjoy discussing the program. They genuinely want to help you envision what your UVA Darden experience will look like.This question is asked to ensure you get the valuable information you need to decide whether or not the MBA program at the University of Virginia is your best option. Additionally, interviewers use this question to identify candidates willing to take full advantage of the opportunity to learn directly from program insiders.

When working with my clients, I make sure they know it is important to prepare a list of detailed and thoughtful follow-up questions before their interview. Interviewers value those who use this opportunity to learn more about the culture of a program, the biggest challenges faced, performance expectations, etcetera.Also, I counsel my clients to keep a pen and paper handy to jot down details that come up during their interviews. Asking questions specific to your interview demonstrates your ability to apply what you've learned throughout the discussion with your interviewer.

At UVA Darden, we value our relationships and partnerships with top companies and the government. How will you contribute to our continued success in this area?

"It is my understanding that students have the opportunity to participate in projects and network directly with your partners. That is an exciting aspect of the program for me. I recognize that I would not only be representing myself in those interactions but would also represent UVA Darden. I would approach these interactions with the highest level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to success.Additionally, my expertise in XYZ skill set will be a valuable asset to any related projects I have the opportunity to work on. I look forward to participating and developing valuable relationships that have the potential to continue to serve me after graduation."

The students, faculty, and alumni at UVA Darden work hard to establish valuable relationships with key companies. The campus is located in a prime location where big business and government meet. It is important for UVA Darden MBA students to value and foster these important relationships on behalf of themselves and UVA. Admissions committee interviewers ask this question to ensure the candidates they select will be able to maintain UVA's reputation as a respectable and valued partner.

Convince your interviewer that you fully understand the importance of approaching interactions with their partners with care and professionalism. Let them know you are excited about the opportunity to expand your professional network through partner opportunities and that you are prepared to give your best to any projects or related partner assignments.

What core values serve you the most professionally?

"I think my ethics, agility, and open-mindedness serve me the most professionally. I have worked in finance for over a decade and there have been times when I have been pressured to go down a path that felt wrong. My ethical approach to financial analysis, planning, and reporting has served to keep me on a valuable and positive path. Things in business change frequently and my ability to respond and adapt quickly serves me daily. Finally, I genuinely appreciate the diverse and unique contributions of others. My ability to keep an open mind has helped me to find success in partnership with others in a global setting."

UVA Darden MBA program interviewees frequently report discussion of their values in one form or another. Some report discussion of their personal values, and others report professional value-based questions. Regardless, you can expect to cover this topic in one form or another during your interview. I personally appreciate UVA Darden's attention to detail in this area. They work hard to create a unique culture and find candidates who will thrive within it.

Take the time to think about what you value both professionally and personally before your admissions interview. The time you spend reflecting on this area is likely to pay off during your responses to more than one question. Limit your response to no more than three key values and describe how your values align with what you know about the MBA program at UVA if time permits.

Describe an undergraduate experience that helped shape you.

"I was an officer in a professional development group specific to my major during my junior and senior years. We invited alumni and representatives from large enterprises to speak to our group and help prepare us for our next steps. Working with these individuals helped me gain insight into my various career path options and what it would be like to be a part of the culture of the companies I was interested in. I was struggling to decide if I wanted o become a consultant or if I wanted to work to support the operations of a specific company. Each of the paths has pros and cons and it was difficult to gain the insight I needed. Several alumni and company representatives offered their time and advice on the subject. They helped me to become more clear about what I wanted professionally and what types of working environment would best support my working style. Their advice helped steer me to the right path for me and I will always be grateful to them for their service. As a result, I have taken opportunities to pay it forward. I regularly mentor undergrad students through my company's internship program and I am excited to have similar opportunities to work with the talented individuals here at UVA Darden to help shape my next path forward."

There is one thing you can count on during a UVA Darden MBA program interview. They want to know your story. Candidates report being asked about their childhood, undergrad programs, and professional background. The admissions committee wants to get to know you by learning about your journey. They want to know why you made the decisions you made and how the path you took shaped you. Specifically, this question helps your interviewer learn more about you and your behavior as it pertains to an educational setting.

Your answer to this question can go in a number of acceptable directions. The goal is simply to share a story that demonstrates your ability to grow. Your ability to change and adapt in an educational setting speaks directly to your ability to thrive at UVA Darden. Consider discussing any of the following:- A challenge you overcame - Cultural growth - A powerful experience with a faculty member - A class you loved - Learning to stay balanced in a stressful setting

Walk me through a time when you delivered difficult feedback. What was your approach, and how did the person(s) involved respond?

"I facilitate various strategic planning and reflection meetings for our organization. I recently facilitated a session with a group of teams that collaborated on a series of complex projects. There was a lot of conflict within the overall group and some of the feedback raised during the session was negative.I felt like the session went well overall. It seemed like the participants were open and honest and genuinely wanted to improve before their next round of projects began. However, the program manager of their group came to me after the meeting and asked me to adjust several points that were raised before the notes were shared. She knew that her senior management would see the negative feedback and she was afraid it would reflect poorly on her specifically. Her request made me uncomfortable, but I let her know that it would be unethical for me to alter the feedback from the meeting. The participants put their trust in me to offer a neutral perspective and to accurately capture their thoughts. I reminded her that some of the feedback centered around being afraid to be honest with senior management and her proposed action would serve to exacerbate that issue. I was empathetic to her fears and let her know I understood why she was asking. I then asked if she would be open to an alternative. I offered to schedule a meeting to share the feedback with the senior management group. That way, I could provide context and gain buy-in on the action plan the teams devised to improve their processes. She hesitated at first but thanked me for suggesting an ethical path that also honored her needs. The meeting with the senior managers went well and they offered their support for several of the improvement opportunities. I am grateful the program manager was willing to try something new and that the needs of the overall group were addressed authentically."

I prepare my career coaching clients to expect to discuss negative feedback in one form or another during an interview. It is a common subject of discussion in job and graduate school interviews. I believe it is a popular choice because it can quickly uncover a candidate's core values and behavioral patterns. The admissions committee at UVA Darden understands this and asks to learn more about how you handle yourself when offering feedback that is potentially difficult to deliver

Describe a time when you has to share feedback with someone that you felt they might not want to hear. The more difficult the situation, the better. For example, perhaps you had to discuss an employee's lack of performance, or maybe you were asked by your manager to do something unethical. Be sure to demonstrate your emotional intelligence through the actions you took. Convince your interviewer that you have the empathy necessary to understand how others feel and that you approach these situations with the care they deserve. Also, feedback scenarios in which you offered to assist the person through a difficult time are likely to be even more powerful than those in which you deliver the feedback and move on.

Do you see yourself continuing in your current industry after you graduate with your MBA? Why or why not?

"I see myself continuing within the financial sector, but I am open to opportunities outside of banking. For example, I am very interested in the data protection aspect of financial transactions. I would love to explore roles that would allow me to leverage my investment banking expertise while working in an area that has growth potential and leverages cutting-edge technology."

Many UVA Darden MBA interviewees report feeling like the interviewer was genuinely interested to get to know them during their interview. Questions like these are aimed at understanding where a candidate wants to go professionally, but they also serve to help identify the right MBA curriculum path at Darden.

Let your interviewer know where you would like to go next after obtaining your MBA. There is no right or wrong path as long as your answer is genuine. Some MBA students pursue an advanced degree to assist them with obtaining the education necessary for a shift in their career path. Others pursue their MBA to help them grow and become a candidate for more senior or executive-level positions within their current industry. Describe your goals and what you see next for yourself.

Walk me through your long-term professional goals.

"I am not exactly sure where I would like to see my career go long-term. I am interested in two separate career paths at this point. If I stay on the path I am on, I would move into program management, manage a delivery team, and ultimately move into senior management. However, there is also a viable option for me to move into consulting and eventually become a partner at a firm. I can see myself thriving in both environments and want to explore each option. I am hopeful that the MBA program here at UVA will help me gain insight into which path is the best fit for me."

The UVA Darden MBA program interviewers are interested in getting to know the candidates they interview. Asking questions like these helps them learn more about you, your ambitions, and how you plan to use your education to benefit you in the future. If spots are limited, this question helps them identify candidates who are likely to make the most of the opportunity to join the next Darden MBA class at the University of Virginia.

I use questions like these in an interview to test a candidate's ability to answer authentically. Interviewees tend to respond the way they think I want them to answer rather than staying true to themselves. While that isn't a dealbreaker, it will cause me to ask additional questions aimed at their ability to answer questions authentically under pressure.That said, answer this question truthfully and with confidence. If you expect to make it to CTO, let your interviewer know that is your end game. If you plan to start your own business, mention that. If you aren't sure, discuss a few options you are interested in. The goal is to build rapport with your interviewer by providing a believable response that lets them know you plan to put what you learn at Darden to good use.

What are some companies you would like to target in your post-graduation job search?

"I have worked in the hospitality industry for over a decade. Most of my roles have been with smaller companies and I would like the opportunity to apply what I have learned in an enterprise setting. I noticed in my research that several executives from companies such as Marriott and Hilton participated in UVA Darden's leadership speaker series. I was pleased to learn UVA already has a strong relationship with several of the companies I would like to explore working for after graduating with my MBA."

Your UVA Darden admissions committee interviewer wants to learn more about the companies you would be excited to work for in the future. The committee contains staff, alumni, and current students with experience networking with some of the most reputable names in business today. They also have strong relationships with several departments within the government. This question is an opportunity to express your vision for your future and convince your interviewer you will utilize the valuable network UVA Darden has worked hard to establish and maintain.

Provide your interviewer with a few examples of companies you would be interested to work for in the future. Explain why these specific companies have piqued your interest, or how they align with your goals professionally. Take the time to research the 'partner with Darden' section of their website and mention their participation in the program if a company you are interested in is a current or past partner of UVA Darden.In my opinion, the only poor way to answer questions like these is to stop at 'I don't know'. Candidates who fail to elaborate miss an opportunity to help their interviewer get to know them better. Your interviewer may also feel you are lacking vision. If you are unsure where you would like to go next, give your interviewer a sense of the attributes and values you are looking for in a future opportunity.

Describe a time when you experienced conflict with a client. What steps did you take to resolve the situation?

"A project manager within my group came to me recently to discuss a client that consistently failed to provide the necessary information and documentation our team needed to develop the products we were under contract to create. As a result, the associated projects were not meeting the KPIs as originally defined. I agreed to facilitate a meeting with the client, the project manager, and my group's lead engineer. At first, the client was defensive and provided a series of excuses to justify his failure to execute his assigned tasks. I demonstrated empathy for his situation, but let him know the repercussions of continuing on the same path. It was the first time he had ever served in a client role to drive product direction and I could tell he needed coaching on how to properly execute the role. I offered to set up a series of biweekly meetings to discuss progress and the next steps. I helped him think through his area of responsibility from a more holistic and strategic perspective until he was clear on how to best partner with our product development team. We ultimately got each of the projects back on track and the stress on my team to perform without the information they needed was greatly reduced. Our client was grateful and thanked me for putting in the extra time and effort to mentor him through a difficult time."

Conflict can arise in several ways in a professional setting. Conflicts with clients can be especially tricky to navigate, given the frequent use of the 'the customer is always right' mentality. Your interviewer wants to know how you resolve conflict while maintaining important client relationships.

When prepping a client for an interview, I remind them that answering questions like these have several hurdles to navigate. First, your time is limited in an interview. Candidates feel compelled to provide ample background to justify the action they took to handle the associated conflict. The goal is to keep it short and provide just enough detail to offer the context necessary to demonstrate your skills effectively. Second, conflict questions tend to make candidates uncomfortable. In my experience, answers go wrong when the language used feels defensive or used as a justification for the actions taken. It is best to prepare a few conflict-related scenarios ahead of your interview and practice phrasing that demonstrates a healthy blend of empathy and confidence. Finally, I have interviewed candidates who provide answers that demonstrate their negative judgment of others involved in the situation. Conflict behavioral questions are an opportunity to 'keep it classy'. Avoid language that focuses on your frustration with another person or your negative feelings about the role they played. We all experience growth opportunities at work, and focusing your answer on the steps you took that led to a positive outcome will help you to avoid this trap.

Describe a time when you experienced a conflict in a team setting.

"I lead a steering committee that reviews and approves the technology budgets for several large departments each year. Each group feels their own needs are more important than the others and there has been tension and conflict in the past. I represent the technology teams that will be working to fulfill the needs of the various departments, and it is my job to bring a holistic perspective to the group. Last year I took over the group and offered a new approach to facilitating our meetings. First, I developed a set of ground rules to help keep everyone on track and reduce negativity. Next, I implemented a presentation process for each group that allowed them to share their needs in a fair way that would help everyone move to a more holistic perspective. Finally, I developed a scorecard to help us review the potential risks and value of each proposed project. The group did an amazing job shifting from fighting for their funding to truly considering what was best for the company overall when deciding how to allocate the budget. The process helped us make data-driven and well-informed decisions with minimal political banter. We are planning to use a similar process to develop next year's budget."

UVA Darden MBA interviews typically contain at least one conflict-related question. This question serves to help your interviewer learn more about how you have approached conflict in a team setting. You will be working in teams regularly at UVA Darden and your interviewer wants to know if you have what it takes to diffuse conflict and reach your goals in an appropriate way.

Describe a time when you took an active role in facilitating a solution to a team conflict. This question presents an opportunity to highlight your leadership or analytical skills in addition to your ability to handle the stress of team conflict. The STAR (situation, task, action, result) method works well for questions like these. Briefly walk your interviewer through the background, describe what needed to be done, describe the specific actions you took, and end with a summary of the results of your actions.

How do you handle conflict with your management?

"I have always approached conflict with my management respectfully and authentically. I am open about my thoughts and feelings on the situation, but I also recognize my role. I understand that there are situations that are out of my control and that my management may have information I am not privy to. For example, I work frequently on government contracts and my manager has a higher level of security clearance. There are times when she cannot explain a decision fully and I know it is my role to follow her guidance given that I do not have all of the details."

The admissions committee at UVA Darden wants to know how you handle conflict and it is important to have a solid answer ready for questions like these. In this instance, your interviewer wants to know how you handle conflict with authority in a professional setting.

Convince your interviewer that you have the confidence and experience necessary to skillfully and respectfully navigate conflict scenarios with your management. It may be helpful to provide a brief example, but keep it brief because most UVA Darden MBA interviews are only 30-45 minutes.

What question do you wish I would have asked in this interview?

Thank you for asking. I wish you would have asked me about my favorite aspect of being a director at XYZ company. I really enjoy working to help develop leaders. I believe that anyone can lead at any time, and I work with all of the members of my team on developing their leadership skills during our one-on-one and goal-setting sessions. The path to excellence in leadership is different for everyone I work with and I love partnering with them to maximize their strengths and identify their most valuable growth opportunities.

As a career coach, I have rarely had clients who report this question being asked in an interview. However, MBA candidates at UVA Darden report it frequently. There are several reasons why this question may be included in your interview. First, your interviewer may want to gather feedback to help improve the interview process. Questions frequently mentioned may indicate opportunities to develop a more engaging and valuable interview process for future candidates. Second, this question serves as an opportunity for candidates to highlight their most notable strengths or profound experiences that were not otherwise discussed during the interview. Your UVA Darden interviewer was not provided with your resume prior to your interview. They may use a question like this to ensure you have the opportunity to include important details that were not explored fully. Finally, interviewers use questions like these to identify candidates that can think quickly on their feet. This question presents an opportunity to offer a strategic and charming response that will help the admissions committee identify the most memorable and qualified candidates.

Prepare a list of your most impactful professional stories prior to your interview. Scan your list when this question is asked to see if there were any topics that were not covered in your discussion with your assigned admissions committee member. Then, craft a question that would give you an opportunity to tell the related story and share it with your interviewer. Do not waste this opportunity by stating that you are unable to think of a question. It may be helpful to research common interview questions ahead of time and have a list ready to go. Also, consider a question that highlights a personal formative experience from your past, or your volunteer work. Well-rounded candidates have a higher chance of being accepted.

May I see your passport, or another form of internationally accepted identification?

It is a part of the process at UVA to validate the identity of each candidate who interviews. Many UVA Darden MBA interviewees state that this is the first question they are asked in their interview.

Provide an affirmative response and present your identification. Candidates from previous years have reported being thrown off by this question and had to address this item in a follow-up. While UVA Darden does not eliminate candidates who are unprepared for this question, it is best to have everything you may need with you at the time of your interview.

Walk me through your background and how the steps you took led you to apply here at Darden. Please include formative experiences from your childhood.

"School was always important in my home. Both of my parents were the first in their families to go to college, and they taught my siblings and me how to apply ourselves to be successful. I knew I wanted to go to college at UVA from a young age. My dad is a UVA alumnus and I wanted to carry on that legacy. However, the world had other plans. I ended up pursuing my undergraduate degree in Finance at the University of South Carolina. Money was tight and I received a full scholarship there. The Darla Moore School of Business professors taught me a lot, and I built a strong network there. I studied hard and was offered a corporate finance internship at Milliken and Company. I never say myself working in manufacturing, but I did my research and they were an impressive company. I was ultimately offered a full-time role there and I now lead a team of financial analysts who support operations and technology initiatives. Working at Milliken has been a wonderful experience. I have partnered with several departments to support them through financial analysis and strategic planning. I have also had the opportunity to lead others and work with amazing mentors. While I am happy with my role, I feel confident it is time for me to grow professionally. I have always planned to acquire my MBA and I am fortunate to be in a life situation that will allow me to take the time away from work to pursue it full-time. I researched several programs, but I feel strongly that UVA Darden is the home for me. Your program is in direct alignment with my values and you have partnerships with some of the most impressive companies in business today. You understand that values create value and that is the kind of program I want to call home for the next two years."

UVA Darden MBA interviews are currently conducted using a blind format, meaning that your interviewer has not reviewed your resume prior to your interview. Interviews at Darden typically begin with this question and lean on the information you provide to shape their remaining questions.

Most candidates report an interview that lasts anywhere from thirty to sixty minutes. It may be a struggle, but you will need to tell a compelling story while only hitting the highlights. Keep in mind your interviewer has not seen your resume, so it will be important to cover the following:Background: - Childhood educational experience - Why you selected your undergraduate school and program - Major companies you have worked for/roles worked in (group similar roles together if you have an extensive list in categories like 'early career', or 'my time at XYZ company') - Why you are pursuing an MBA - Why you chose UVA DardenThemes to include: - Commitment to your studies - Solid work ethic - Professional growth - Well-defined value system - Global travel or projects

Why do you feel the XYZ program here at UVA Darden is the best fit for you?

"The part-time MBA program is the best fit for me for three main reasons. First, I love my current role and I want to continue working while I work toward my MBA. Second, the part-time program offers a hybrid approach that will help me to maximize my time. Finally, the program would allow me to be at home on the weekends. My family and I are involved in several programs within my community and the part-time model will allow me to continue those efforts. The core values of UVA Darden are impressive and I feel I will be supported here in a way that will allow me to maintain balance professionally, educationally, and personally."

The faculty at UVA Darden has worked hard to offer three attractive paths to success within their MBA program (full-time, part-time, and executive). The admissions committee wants to know which path you want to take and why you feel it is the best choice for you.

Convince your interviewer that you selected the particular path you are interested in for a reason. Describe how the path aligns with your goals, your lifestyle, and your values.

Is there anything else you would like me to share with the admissions committee?

"Thank you for asking. I enjoyed our discussion of my background and I appreciate the time you took to answer my questions.I wanted to note that I was impressed with UVA Darden's commitment to its values. Everyone here is genuine, authentic, and willing to share any information they feel will help candidates decide whether or not the program is the best fit for them. Given your proximity to DC, I am impressed at how UVA Darden can maintain such a warm and welcoming feel. I would like for you to pass along my gratitude for all of the time and effort you, the members of the admissions committee, current students, faculty, and alumni have offered to assist me on my journey to find the right MBA program."

The interviewers of the UVA Darden MBA admissions committee know that their time with you is short and they interview you without having reviewed your resume. It is possible that you may not have covered a subject that you feel provides important details they should consider before making their decision. This question is asked to offer you an opportunity to raise any important topics that were missed, or elaborate on any areas in which you feel you have not provided enough detail.

If your interview failed to cover an important skill set or area of experience, raise it now. The admissions committee needs to have a clear picture of you as a candidate, so take the opportunity to add anything you feel would help them to accept you into the program. If your interview covered everything you feel is important, take the time to thank your interviewer. Ask them to pass along your excitement about the possibility of being accepted or your gratitude for the time they invested in the selection process.

What are your top criteria for selecting an MBA program?

"I have three top criteria for selecting an MBA program. First, the program must have a reputation for best-in-class faculty and curriculum. Second, the program should be known for its partnerships with top companies within my industry. Finally, the culture of the program needs to be in alignment with my personal and professional values. UVA Darden is my top choice because it exceeds my expectations in all three areas."

The MBA program admissions committee at UVA Darden wants to know what your requirements for an optimal MBA experience are. Your answer will help them determine if you are a best fit for what their program has to offer.

Describe the criteria that are most important for you to experience in an MBA program. Keep your list brief, and be sure to include criteria that UVA Darden excels in. Also, it is important to demonstrate holistic consideration in your response. For example, interviewers at UVA are likely to resonate with candidates who consider the values of an MBA program in addition to attributes like their faculty or reputation.

What value do you expect to gain from a UVA Darden MBA degree?

"UVA Darden has a stellar reputation. I feel any company I might want to work for would know that I was properly educated and I am likely to have a strong work ethic and the experience necessary for success. Additionally, UVA Darden has an impressive lineup of global educational and outreach programs. I want to grow my knowledge of other cultures and international business practices and UVA Darden provides an immersive experience in that area. Finally, I can tell from my time speaking with the students, alumni, and faculty here that I would become a part of a valuable network here at UVA Darden. The culture of a program is very important to me and your institution has the type of value structure I want to be a part of."

I always include a question like this when interviewing a candidate for a new opportunity. It has always been important to identify candidates who will get more out of a role than a paycheck. While your goal in obtaining a spot at UVA Darden is to ultimately receive a degree, the admissions committee interviewers likely ask this question for similar reasons. They want to select candidates who will get the most out of the experience UVA Darden has to offer.

Go beyond the basics with your response to this question and mention something specific that the UVA Darden MBA program offers that will add value to your journey. Take the time to review the articles from their admissions blog, or study the themes of the research projects their faculty are currently working on. The goal is to convince your interviewer that you will make the most of your opportunity at UVA Darden if accepted and that their program is the right fit for you.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

"I enjoy gardening. I started by growing various things in planters and then moved into working with raised beds. I have a mix of annuals, perennials, fruits, and veggies in my garden currently. I have learned a ton and appreciate experiencing the lifecycles of each plant in a tangible way.I also coach a little league basketball team. I value working with others to help them identify and grow their talents. Coaching offers me an opportunity to grow my leadership skills in new and interesting ways. Our program has a strong commitment to character development, "

It is abundantly clear that the UVA Darden MBA admissions committee wants to know what you value and why you value it. Learning about your interests outside of a professional setting helps them to understand your value system in a more holistic way.

This question is a good opportunity to make an impression on your interviewer and separate yourself from the other candidates in a unique way. Describe a hobby or activity you enjoy or have enjoyed in the past. Be sure to let your interviewer know why you are interested in the topic you discuss.

Is UVA Darden your top choice for an MBA program? Why or why not?

"This program is absolutely my first choice. UVA Darden is known for developing talent within the industry I am interested in. I lead teams who execute complex government aerospace and defense projects. Your program is well known for its strategic partnerships with technology companies that drive innovation in this area. UVA offers opportunities I cannot get elsewhere. Additionally, the culture of UVA Darden is aligned with my personal and professional values. I have taken several tours and spoken with current students and alumni. Your program exceeds my selection expectations and would be honored to be a part of such a prestigious program."

Your interviewer wants to know how likely you are to attend UVA Darden if they accept you into the program. As an MBA program candidate, you can expect this question or a similar question in at least one of your interviews. It is imperative to prepare a thoughtful and authentic response.

My advice may divert from that of other career coaches on this question, but I always encourage my clients to answer 100% authentically when answering questions like these. If UVA Darden is your first choice this is an easy question. Let your interviewer know they rank #1 on your list and provide a few details as to why they are in the top spot. Try to relate your response to a specific professional opportunity or aligned values. If Darden is not your top choice, be sure to compliment the program in some way after you explain why another program may be a better fit for you. The admissions committee understands that UVA Darden is not a perfect fit for everyone. However, it is best to answer in a positive way that boosts your chances of acceptance.

What types of community improvement projects or programs have you participated in?

"I volunteer regularly at our local food bank. I feel strongly that helping others meet their basic needs assists them in improving their lifestyle in the future. I have taken on several roles over the years including food sorting and packaging, distribution, and gardening. The work I do there is humbling and rewarding. Helping others worry a little less about where their next meal will come from is a powerful experience. I hope to become a business leader in the future with the resources necessary to have an even greater impact on the communities that need assistance."

The students, faculty, and staff of UVA Darden believe strongly in a shared set of values. For example, you can find the tagline 'Values create Value' prominently displayed on their website. The website also speaks about 'personal purpose in motion'. Your participation in community improvement projects speaks to your passion for creating value both professionally and within the communities you regularly interact with.

Describe a volunteer activity you participate in regularly within your community. Provide a summary of the program, the groups it aims to serve, and how your contribution has served you personally or professionally.

What DEI programs have you participated in and how do you view them?

"I work for a large real estate investment firm and have always enjoyed participating in various business resource groups. For example, I serve as a mentor for a group that focuses on mentoring women to help them develop as leaders and identify career growth opportunities. I also served on a committee last year that reviewed our company's pay equity analysis results and provided a recommendation on necessary adjustments and procedures to address pay inequity and avoid it in the future. I appreciated the opportunity to uncover bias and actually do something about it. I view DEI initiatives as an important stepping stone. I would like to believe that we can one day operate in a professional setting where we all receive equal support and access to opportunity. I would like to believe that we rise to a place where we have addressed diversity issues to a point where our main focus is allowing for greater diversity of thought and experience. But we are not there. I am grateful that some companies are taking healthy steps in the right direction. I would like to see that continue, and it is clear UVA Darden is on the same page."

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are currently popular interview topics. According to my research, MBA program interviews at UVA Darden are no different. Interviewees report questions on this topic in a range of formats, but they all seem to center around views on the topic, actions taken to support it, and the values that drive a candidate to participate in related DEI programs. It is clear that the admissions committee wants to know how you fit into their goal of improving DEI at UVA Darden as well as developing the leaders of the future that will continue to move these programs in the right direction.

There are a number of acceptable paths you can take when answering this question. Not all DEI experiences are positive, and not all programs are fruitful. Provide an authentic answer and discuss your experience. However, be sure to end on a positive note in the event you include your negative experiences within your response.The main goal is to convince your interviewer that you understand the importance of DEI programs and you would be willing to participate and support them at UVA Darden if accepted into the MBA program.

Why did you choose XYZ for your undergraduate program?

"I chose to pursue a degree in management information systems because I was genuinely interested in technology and business. I felt certain that a background in technology would be a valuable way to prepare for any future path I might take and the business curriculum would offer a well-rounded foundation for success. The blend of business and technology also offered me a way to leverage my strengths in critical thinking, analytics, and creative problem-solving."

UVA Darden admissions committee members have a solid track record of digging into your past to learn more about your values and how you approach important life decisions. This question helps them understand more about your journey into higher education and why you chose your specific area(s) of study.

Walk your interviewer through your decision process. Describe how the program you selected aligned with your interests, talents, or goals. Some candidates will have a current position that is not directly aligned with their area of undergraduate study. If that is the case for you, describe why the path you selected made sense at the time and how your learning experience helped shape you into the well-rounded professional you are today.

How would you describe your learning style?

"My learning style is a mix of all of the types depending on the nature of the material I am learning. I enjoy learning through visual aids such as infographics or videos. I enjoy listening to lectures and audiobooks. I also learn a lot by physically performing an activity. I also enjoy time spent learning in a group setting. The discussion of concepts with others helps me apply the material at a deeper level than when I work alone. I look forward to learning in a variety of ways if accepted into the program here at UVA Darden."

The motivation for this question is simple. The MBA programs at UVA Darden offer a variety of approaches to learning, and they want to know how you learn best.

Any learning style you describe is likely a fit at Darden unless you are unwilling to work in groups or attend required lectures and functions. Describe your style and be sure to include secondary preferences if applicable. Candidates who can learn successfully in a variety of formats are more likely to enjoy their learning experience at UVA Darden to the fullest.

Describe your experience working on international or global initiatives.

"As a principal consultant, I have over 15 years of experience working on projects in a global setting. I have traveled to over twenty countries across six continents. I thoroughly enjoy learning about the professional customs of the clients I have the opportunity to work with. Additionally, my travel has required me to learn the regulations and laws of the countries I have visited.I appreciate UVA's ongoing commitment to improving diversity and sharing quality ideas with the world at large. I feel that my experience in this area will be a valuable asset to the teams I will be working with here at Darden if selected for the program."

The UVA Darden Graduate School of Business is committed to offering a diverse environment that is aligned with the global business landscape of today's world. This question is asked to identify candidates who have the experience and soft skills necessary for success within their selected MBA path as well as their future.

Provide a brief explanation of the type of work you do globally as well as the length of time your experience spans. Be sure to mention any international travel opportunities you have had as well as any important lessons you have learned in a global setting. Also, some MBA candidates at Darden join the program a few years after graduation from college. If this is the case for you, it is acceptable to speak about your experience working in diverse groups or teams during college.

What is your leadership style?

"I would describe my leadership style as a hybrid of several traditional styles. I work with client groups, product development teams, vendors, and senior stakeholder groups. Each requires a custom approach based on the players and the situation involved. For example, I am mostly a servant and motivational leader when working with my product development team. I often use a delegative approach when working with vendors, and I tend to act as a participant and facilitator when working with executive groups."

The development of leadership skills should be one of the main reasons you are interested in participating in the MBA program at UVA Darden. There are several paths you can take within the program, but leadership is a focus of all of them. Your interviewer asks this question to learn more about what type of leader you are currently.

It is best to answer this question using standard leadership style vocabulary. You are working to impress your interviewer, and slang or figurative language may not go over well. A simple Internet search will walk you through various styles, such as transformational, motivational, authoritative, transactional, etcetera.Also, I resonate the most with interviewees that discuss their ability to use more than one leadership style. I value candidates who understand the importance of matching their approach to the situation and individuals involved. Interviewers at UVA Darden are likely to feel similarly.

Describe the types of projects and or teams you lead. Where are they located and what types of roles are included?

"I am responsible for three product development teams as a senior program manager. Each of the teams has five to eight people at any given time. They are cross-functional and include roles such as analysts, engineers, quality assurance, and product owners. The teams I work with develop custom healthcare technology solutions and we typically have anywhere between four to ten projects in flight collectively. We all work remotely and I help to ensure that we all stay in alignment with our goals and meet the KPIs accordingly. I also work directly with our senior clients to develop strategic plans and ensure their needs are met from a customer service perspective."

Some of the MBA program candidates at UVA Darden work in formal leadership roles. Your interviewer may ask this question if you mentioned your leadership responsibilities when walking your interviewer through your background. The goal is to gain more information on the scale of your responsibilities and experience in this area.

Give your interviewer a sense of what your area of responsibility is like from a leadership perspective. Describe the types of projects you manage, if applicable, and walk them through the structure of the teams you lead. Be sure to mention whether your teams work together in the same physical location, are remote, or use a hybrid model.

Describe a time when you led a group but were not explicitly assigned as the leader.

"As a principal consultant, I am typically not the leader of the teams I work with. My role is to provide the guidance and expertise to establish the vision, and strategy for a large-scale series of projects. I often find myself serving as a bridge to connect opposing groups together and share ideas effectively. I am currently working on a network security project for a large enterprise. Their engineering team is very talented, but there are some gaps in their knowledge. As a result, I was able to identify a substantial series of opportunities to fortify their network. I have worked hard to establish trust, and that can be difficult to do with a group that expects attacks and addresses them when they occur. They now view me as a subject matter expert and we are working together to prioritize the available opportunities. I prefer to lean on data and experience to establish confidence, and then I lead by example."

You are likely to be asked at least one leadership-focused question during your MBA interview at UVA Darden. It is likely that you will work in a variety of team settings at Darden and you will be expected to utilize leadership and facilitation skills without an explicit leadership designation. Your interviewer wants to know how you approach this type of scenario.

Now is the time to show your interviewer how varied and seasoned your leadership skills are. Consider describing a time when you acted as a coach, mentor, cheerleader, or developed a strategic path forward. You can even describe a time when your commitment to excellence inspired your teammates to raise the bar. Whatever you decide, provide a brief background, explain the steps you took in a leadership capacity, and then discuss the effect your approach had on the team you worked with.

What strategies will you use to handle the potential stress of working full-time while working toward your MBA here at UVA Darden?

"I understand that managing my career while working toward my MBA has the potential to be stressful at times. I have given this topic a lot of thought and have had several discussions with my wife and my management at work to support me during this exciting time. On a personal level, I know I will need to scale back some of my volunteer efforts and I will need to dedicate study and project time each week to ensure I can meet the demands of the program. My wife has a flexible work schedule and she will be able to help support my schoolwork requirements accordingly. Likewise, my managers at work are willing to accommodate my schedule. They know there will be certain days each week that I will need to work a flexible schedule and that I may need time off here and there to focus on large projects. They know that this program represents an important next step in my career and they have been very supportive of me during the application and interview process.Finally, I know that I will need to lean heavily on my time management skills during this time. I have a background in project management and I am skilled at finding creative ways to get the most out of each day. I plan to put those skills to use to help me stay on-task and balanced while working toward my MBA here at UVA Darden. I have taken the opportunity to tour the school and meet with alumni. They get it and they have all shared creative ideas on how to make it all work that I will be incorporating into my plan."

Some of the paths to an MBA at UVA Darden allow participants to continue working full-time while furthering their education. This is an important program criterion for many applicants. As a result, many MBA students juggle a demanding job, their education, and the demands of their personal life. This is no small task and the UVA Darden admissions committee wants to know how you plan to balance all of your commitments.

Begin your answer with validation of the question through reflective listening. This will help your interviewer see that you understand gaining your MBA while working will be challenging and stressful. Next, convince your interviewer that you have given the topic ample thought and devised a strategy that will help you successfully navigate the demands of the program. Present your plan with confidence and describe a custom approach that takes the unique aspects of your life into account.

What kind of teammate are you?

"My contribution to each team I work in varies depending on my role. However, I approach all team interactions with the same core values. I make clear commitments and I am accountable for my work. I value diversity of background and thought. I keep a humble and open mind and look for opportunities to learn from my teammates. Finally, I demonstrate leadership skills even if I am not the explicit leader of the group. I believe everyone can be a leader at any time and I take care to lead by example, to serve others, and help establish healthy team dynamics within all of my teams."

Questions like these are used to understand more about your approach to working with others. The MBA program at UVA Darden is diverse and you will have the opportunity to work in teams that represent a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds. Your interviewer wants to make sure your values and approach to working in teams are a proper fit for the culture of UVA Darden.

Describe your approach to working in teams. Your interview time is limited, so you won't have time to break down all of the details of how your style changes for each team you have worked with. Keep your answer focused on your core values in this area and align your response with something you have identified as a theme in your research on the program.

University of Virginia Darden MBA Interview Questions

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1. Do you have any questions for me?
2. At UVA Darden, we value our relationships and partnerships with top companies and the government. How will you contribute to our continued success in this area?
3. What core values serve you the most professionally?
4. Describe an undergraduate experience that helped shape you.
5. Walk me through a time when you delivered difficult feedback. What was your approach, and how did the person(s) involved respond?
6. Do you see yourself continuing in your current industry after you graduate with your MBA? Why or why not?
7. Walk me through your long-term professional goals.
8. What are some companies you would like to target in your post-graduation job search?
9. Describe a time when you experienced conflict with a client. What steps did you take to resolve the situation?
10. Describe a time when you experienced a conflict in a team setting.
11. How do you handle conflict with your management?
12. What question do you wish I would have asked in this interview?
13. May I see your passport, or another form of internationally accepted identification?
14. Walk me through your background and how the steps you took led you to apply here at Darden. Please include formative experiences from your childhood.
15. Why do you feel the XYZ program here at UVA Darden is the best fit for you?
16. Is there anything else you would like me to share with the admissions committee?
17. What are your top criteria for selecting an MBA program?
18. What value do you expect to gain from a UVA Darden MBA degree?
19. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
20. Is UVA Darden your top choice for an MBA program? Why or why not?
21. What types of community improvement projects or programs have you participated in?
22. What DEI programs have you participated in and how do you view them?
23. Why did you choose XYZ for your undergraduate program?
24. How would you describe your learning style?
25. Describe your experience working on international or global initiatives.
26. What is your leadership style?
27. Describe the types of projects and or teams you lead. Where are they located and what types of roles are included?
28. Describe a time when you led a group but were not explicitly assigned as the leader.
29. What strategies will you use to handle the potential stress of working full-time while working toward your MBA here at UVA Darden?
30. What kind of teammate are you?

University of Virginia Darden MBA Interview Questions

1. Do you have any questions for me?

2. At UVA Darden, we value our relationships and partnerships with top companies and the government. How will you contribute to our continued success in this area?

3. What core values serve you the most professionally?

4. Describe an undergraduate experience that helped shape you.

5. Walk me through a time when you delivered difficult feedback. What was your approach, and how did the person(s) involved respond?

6. Do you see yourself continuing in your current industry after you graduate with your MBA? Why or why not?

7. Walk me through your long-term professional goals.

8. What are some companies you would like to target in your post-graduation job search?

9. Describe a time when you experienced conflict with a client. What steps did you take to resolve the situation?

10. Describe a time when you experienced a conflict in a team setting.

11. How do you handle conflict with your management?

12. What question do you wish I would have asked in this interview?

13. May I see your passport, or another form of internationally accepted identification?

14. Walk me through your background and how the steps you took led you to apply here at Darden. Please include formative experiences from your childhood.

15. Why do you feel the XYZ program here at UVA Darden is the best fit for you?

16. Is there anything else you would like me to share with the admissions committee?

17. What are your top criteria for selecting an MBA program?

18. What value do you expect to gain from a UVA Darden MBA degree?

19. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

20. Is UVA Darden your top choice for an MBA program? Why or why not?

21. What types of community improvement projects or programs have you participated in?

22. What DEI programs have you participated in and how do you view them?

23. Why did you choose XYZ for your undergraduate program?

24. How would you describe your learning style?

25. Describe your experience working on international or global initiatives.

26. What is your leadership style?

27. Describe the types of projects and or teams you lead. Where are they located and what types of roles are included?

28. Describe a time when you led a group but were not explicitly assigned as the leader.

29. What strategies will you use to handle the potential stress of working full-time while working toward your MBA here at UVA Darden?

30. What kind of teammate are you?