Ambassador Q&A: David Brooks ’24

David Brooks
Undergraduate: B.A. English, Dartmouth College
Location: Virginia
Contact: pwz4sk@virginia.edu

What is your professional/academic background?

I am currently the Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of Information and Technology at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Previously, I’ve been a writer and editor inside and outside of government and was a Marine Corps Intelligence Specialist before attending Dartmouth College on the GI Bill.

Why did you decide to pursue an MSBA?

I discovered a love for statistics in an undergraduate class on the subject. I’ve continued to be fascinated by analytics and the exponential growth in the field over the last decade. Analytics enhances my storytelling skills and allows me to connect with the technical folks in my field.

What led you to UVA’s MSBA Program?

Marcy in the admissions office cold emailed me and encouraged me to apply. She was encouraging and quick to answer my questions. It didn’t take long for me to realize this was the program I was looking for. The reputation of McIntire and Darden was an added plus, and the quality of the professors has been more than impressive thus far.

What have you enjoyed most and/or what are you looking forward to in the program?

I’ve most enjoyed the Charlottesville residency. Charlottesville offers the chance to truly come together and bond as a class. It transported me back to my college days in a way that was a tad surreal. Four days of non-stop classes are challenging, and the sense of accomplishment and shared experience with your peers is unmatched.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I love to travel and have been fortunate to live in both Japan and France. I also enjoy reading and the occasional video game. I enjoy weightlifting and taking nature walks with my wife to stay fit. Oh! And I love cooking. I make a mean carne asada and refried beans as a homage to the small border city I grew up in.

What is your favorite place you have traveled to?

Toulouse, France, is by far my favorite place on Earth. Paris may be the most beautiful. But I was fortunate to spend three months in Toulouse during my undergraduate degree, and I quickly fell in love with the city, architecture, sites, cuisine, and people. I reminisce about studying at a café facing the Place du Capitole and immediately feel blessed to have had such an amazing experience.

What is your favorite aspect(s) of residencies?

Easily the time to come together as a class. I remember seeing the previous classes and wondering if our class would develop the same camaraderie I noticed in the alum classes. This happens during the residencies. It’s a time when students can challenge each other and grow. It also allows key interactions with UVA and the professors. It’s what elevates it above similar distances programs.

What is your best piece of advice for prospective students?

Utilize the tools UVA provides after you are admitted. Take the MBA math course on statistics, and do it a few times until the concepts are drilled in your head. This will save you valuable time, especially in Mod 1. I’d also recommend having dual monitors for your online classes. It really helps following along during demonstrations.