Crystal Mendez, Darden’s MBA Class of 2022
Age: 29
Hometown: New York, NY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Cornell University, Operations Research
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 7 years; Data Analytics (Airline; HR/Tech startup)
Why business school? Why now?
I enjoy work and it felt bittersweet to leave, but ever since undergrad, I committed to investing more in my education with graduate school. I wouldn’t delay any longer — the timing was right. Unsure whether to dive deeper into technicals with a Master of Science, or put my own leadership capabilities under the microscope, I wrestled with this choice months more. Ultimately, business school coursework in strategy, finance, and operations is closest to the material I can envision myself teaching or facilitating research in someday.
Why UVA Darden? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Easy. Darden’s stellar faculty. All MBA programs offer you the opportunity to develop a strong class network you can call upon in 5-10 years. Knowing this, and when deciding to get my MBA in the first place, I resolved to invest in experiences that would transform me over two years. As early as the fall Diversity Conference, I engaged with faculty who take pride in the student case-learning experience, invite me to connect as a peer, and look to foster long-term relationships. The proof, however, was in seeing how quickly I transformed in these early connections: I celebrated my past experience, articulated my needs, and courageously shared when I felt most vulnerable. Their response at heart: This is why I’m a committed professional at Darden — I’m excited to be a part of your journey ahead!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
What is one thing you have in common with every Fortune 500 CEO or millionaire? Twenty-four hours in the day. What you make of them, and how you value your time, directly shape what’s next in your journey. This is palpable for me. I keep my classmates grounded, focused on the present, and committed to making their future selves proud.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m enjoying learning how to video edit! My YouTube recommendations are full of how-to videos. Everything from cinematic b-roll, audio overlays, to amplifying your story with the right color effect, distract me from prepping tomorrow’s cases.
Post-MBA career interests?
General Management/ Entrepreneurship
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Journal your pre-MBA experience. Even if informal notes on your phone, jotting down your thought process and emotions, when visiting schools or participating in multi-school events, will help ensure your voice is heard alongside the many who’ll later give advice when deciding between offers. I cannot underscore enough, the lens through which you experience and enjoy school will last long after the short-term influence of others. Your friends and coworkers want what’s best for you.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Connecting with other prospective students sooner. My go-to question when visiting a preview day: “if not here, where?” Working to get beyond optics to learn about someone else’s decision-making process and key values helped do two important things. 1) It jumpstarted my network, encouraging deeper connectivity at the outset. 2) It shifted the focus away from myself — yes, introspection is an important part of your pre-MBA journey, but turning the mirror away can keep you energized through an arduous application process.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for and taking the GRE. Being several years out from undergrad and settled into a work-life routine, I now had to carve out hours of my week I would normally give to others. I decided that missing a friend’s birthday or giving up my volunteer time wasn’t an option. I would plan around it and carry forward. Scheduling early morning prep helped me to progress on schedule while leaving my evenings free to the people that matter most to me.
What is your initial impression of UVA Darden’s students/culture/community?
All alumni say the same thing: “I miss being in Charlottesville. I cannot wait to visit again.” I’m starting to see why, but it’s a feeling that’s hard to describe. I already think I’ll miss Cville. Ask me again in two years.
One thing you have learned about UVA Darden that has surprised you?
UVA’s Honor Code pleasantly surprised me. Learn more about it for yourself. Even as integrity holds the top spot in my list of core values, it was only when starting first quarter exams I better grasped its ethos in practice. Given a defined exam period and shared guardrails, students are entrusted to chart their own plans for when/where to complete finals. Scheduling downtime and exercise around exams taken in the comfort of my home, helped me to focus on the material, rather than be distracted by others.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Getting enough sleep. You need more rest when you’re learning and crushing Darden’s core curriculum. Any day is a great day when I get 7-8 hours of snooze time.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Quality time with second-year students! Support from the tight-knit Consortium community has been especially unwavering. They encourage me to make Charlottesville home and welcomed me to la Familia with open arms. I’m excited to pay this forward next year, but not yet ready for them to graduate — good thing we still have plenty of time together.
