Matthew Pettus, UVA Darden MBA Class of 2028
Age: 28
Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Yale University, BS in Neuroscience
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Healthcare Consulting and Startups
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As I spent more time working with different stakeholders across the healthcare industry, I became increasingly interested in the business decisions shaping the industry and realized I wanted to play a larger role in them. I reached a point where I felt I needed a stronger foundation in business to complement my healthcare experience and take on broader strategic and leadership responsibilities, making an MBA the natural next step.
Why did you choose UVA Darden? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Darden’s reputation, strong career placement, and emphasis on learning business through the case method were all major factors in my decision. Business school is a huge investment, so scholarship was also an important consideration. And after moving around quite a bit for the past decade, being a little closer to home in Virginia certainly didn’t hurt.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2028?
I think my unique background and global perspective will be my biggest contributions to the Class of 2028. I’ve taken a somewhat unconventional path from studying neuroscience to working in life sciences consulting and eventually moving to Berlin to work at healthcare startups. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to work with people from a wide range of countries and cultures, and living abroad and learning languages have given me an even deeper appreciation for different perspectives and ways of thinking. I’m excited to bring those experiences into the classroom and learn from my classmates as well.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My a cappella group in college sang the national anthem at two NBA games.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
If possible, I would try to visit the schools you’re considering. A school really comes alive when you see it in person and get a feel for the community. But if visiting isn’t possible, I’d recommend talking to as many current students as you can before and during the application process. Those conversations helped me distinguish the schools in my mind and get a much better sense of what each community was actually like.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start the application process earlier than you think and try not to stress so much about the interviews. There is a lot of uncertainty throughout the process, and I think I could have saved myself some unnecessary stress by just trusting the work I had already put in.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Taking standardized tests in a non-air-conditioned building during a heat wave was definitely something I could have done without!
What is your initial impression of the Darden students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that Darden students are incredibly tight-knit, ambitious, curious, and globally minded. People are clearly very driven, but there’s also a strong sense that everyone genuinely wants to get to know each other and help one another succeed.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m looking forward to getting involved with the Healthcare Club and Consulting Club, given my background and post-MBA interests. I’m also excited to be part of the Black Business Students Association and Consortium Club. And maybe I’ll even get to revive some of my old high school tennis skills through the Racquet Club!
What is one thing you have learned about Darden that has surprised you?
I knew Charlottesville was a small, college town before coming to Darden, but I don’t think I realized how much that would be part of the experience. You see classmates everywhere, whether you’re on Grounds, at your apartment complex, or out around town. After spending several years in cities, I’m really enjoying the change of pace.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about a few things: forming deeper bonds with my classmates, getting to know the broader Darden and UVA community, and learning from Darden alumni. And of course, looking forward to Section B winning the Darden Cup! Go Birds!
