Victoria (Vicki) Pung, UVA Darden MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27
Hometown: Rockville, MD
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Maryland College Park, B.S. in general biology, minor in human development
Pre-MBA Work Experience: 5 years in healthcare, education, and government
Why business school? Why now? I always knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but I wasn’t sure for what exactly. I looked into a lot of advanced degrees that seemed relevant to my B.S. in biology, but none of them was compelling to me. It honestly was not until my younger brother switched his college major to business that I started becoming more aware of the business realm.
I began to do more research and attended a variety of school events. I felt the infectious nature of MBA graduates, saw the significance of the problem-solving skills they gained, and wanted the personal growth and awareness they spoke of.
Business school appealed to my desire for exploration, before I even realized how important that was to me. It not only kept a few doors open but also opened doors I did not even know existed.
By the time I knew business school was the path I wanted to take, I also had enough professional experience to know I was ready to accelerate my career at a speed that only business school could provide.
Why Darden? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? As someone who strongly values community, it was important that the school I attended emphasized a fiercely collaborative and diverse culture. This usually meant smaller sectioned classes, a non-grade disclosure policy, and being a Consortium member school.
I was also compelled by the case study method and Darden’s mission to adhere to a rigorous program. Coupled with quality professors, it provided unique, challenging, and more realistic methods of approaching real-world problems—which I found especially valuable as a non-traditional applicant trying to simultaneously pivot and accelerate my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020? I am currently involved with the Curry School of Education as an MBA/MEd dual degree student specializing in diversity. I also work with the greater Charlottesville community as a Darden community consultant and with my Darden class as an active member in seven different affinity clubs. This, in conjunction with my experience in healthcare and the public sector, allows me to bring a unique perspective, an open mind, and a curious ear.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? Our first day of school at Darden was also my 10-year anniversary with my high school sweetheart!
Post-MBA career interests? I am interested in mixing a quantitative strategic skill set with a qualitative empathetic ability to solve people-focused problems. In terms of industry and function, I am considering areas in consulting, human capital, education, strategy, and management.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? Go to the multi-school and school-specific events. It was a very significant and enjoyable way to really understand what an MBA could do for my career—as well as what kind of environment I wanted to study in. I was also able to build connections with current students, admissions, and other prospective students, all of whom helped me better understand and tackle the application process.
–One thing you would change or do differently? Start writing my essays earlier. I would probably find another prospective student who would be willing to create a timeline and mutual agreement to keep each other accountable.
–Part you would have skipped if you could? My essays. Writing has never been a strength of mine. I end up putting a lot of pressure on myself and write with a perfectionist attitude. However, I do think the process of writing those essays helped mentally prepare me for business school with a strong sense of intention that I did not have in college.
–And what helped you get through it? Going to prospective student events always re-energized me. Having a strong support network helped maintain my stamina.
What is your initial impression of Darden’s students/culture/community? As a prospective student, my impression of Darden was that the students are a very diverse and multi-talented group of people who are fiercely supportive of each other. The rigorous case method program and the emphasis on bonding with your classmates through TNDC, the Darden Cup, and various impressively active clubs all speak to the “work hard, play hard” culture.
One thing you have learned about Darden that has surprised you? The rigorous Darden program is designed to overwhelm the students and make us expand our potential. It forces us to learn time management, to work efficiently, and to face the reality that we will not always be able to do everything we want the way we want. It is an amazingly stressful process that I feel blessed, among other emotions, to be going through.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? Not being able to accomplish everything I want to accomplish. (I am still in the denial and prioritization phase of the Darden learning experience.)
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? I am excited to get to the end and be able to reflect on how much this year has affected me.
