Lucy King, UVA Darden MBA Class of 2023
Age: 28
Hometown: Carlisle, MA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: College of William & Mary, Marketing, Concentration in Organizational Management & Leadership
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years, B2B Marketing – most recently for a software company serving the commercial maritime shipping industry.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
While I loved my career in marketing, I was ready to explore new ways to expand my impact. I know that long-term, I want to be an executive or senior leader at a purpose-driven company; to do that effectively, I need to expand my horizons beyond the marketing function. Combined, those factors pointed towards the pursuit of a top MBA.
Why did you choose UVA Darden? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I feel like Darden has a unique blend of academic rigor, mission-driven students, and an incredibly supportive community. I am a big proponent of learning by doing and was therefore drawn to Darden’s case method approach. I was also excited by Darden’s commitment to developing purpose-driven leaders who can bridge the gap between business and society. Most importantly, I was looking for a program that prioritized community over competition. The care and responsiveness of Darden students, faculty, and staff throughout my application process was the deciding factor for my choice of school.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I am passionate about making a lasting, positive impact on society. The world is facing significant challenges – in matters of equity and inclusion, sustainability, public health, and more – and I think one of the fastest and most effective ways we can address these challenges is through business-powered actions. I am driven by the goal of making an impact within every community I am a part of – both at Darden and in my future career.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I love ice cream and have a personal “quest” to visit the highest-rated/recommended ice cream shop in each new city I visit. I document the results on my Instagram!
Post-MBA career interests:
Post-MBA, I hope to pivot into management consulting. Long term, I aspire to be a CxO or senior partner in an organization that prioritizes positive social impact.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I think it is critical to spend time on self-reflection before diving into any formal writing process. Take your time to develop a solid “why,” and goals for getting an MBA. This will help you craft an authentic and differentiated application and will help you maintain perspective throughout the application process.
Also, ask your recommenders for recommendation letters as early as possible, and give them firm deadlines!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have tried to visit the schools I applied to, if only to get a sense of place beyond program. I am thrilled with everything Charlottesville has to offer, but since I was limited in my ability to visit due to COVID, it took me longer to get my bearings once I arrived. (And I might have chosen an apartment that didn’t require me to walk up a big hill every day on my way to class!).
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think the GMAT was the most painful part of the application process. I got through by developing a sustainable study strategy and reminding myself of the end goal – attending a top MBA program!
What is your initial impression of the UVA Darden students/culture/community?
One quarter in, I am so impressed by the Darden students, community and culture. I sit in class next to some of the smartest people I have ever met, and get to spend each day learning from them – it is an unparalleled experience. The Darden professors are also incredibly accessible, and eager to engage with the student body to answer questions about coursework, help discuss career moves, or just get to know you better as a person.
What is one thing you have learned about UVA Darden that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised by the routine ways in which Darden prioritizes and facilitates community-building. Every day, we are presented with opportunities to connect with fellow students via First and Second Coffee (breaks in between morning classes – the free coffee and weekly croissants were another pleasant surprise!). Darden’s clubs also host weekly “Cold Call” happy hours where students, partners, and faculty interact over drinks and food on the Darden lawn. Community is baked into daily life, and this drives a real sense of connection.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
While the pandemic did not play a huge role in my application or admissions process, the limitations on travel did encourage me to engage in more virtual events and 1-1 phone calls with school representatives than I may have pursued in a “normal” world. This placed more significance on the structure of each program and the culture of each school, rather than the physical spaces of the schools themselves. I am glad for this forced shift in approach, as I think it helped me select the program that is truly the best fit for my personality and MBA goals.
