Justice Dixon
Hometown: Tampa, FL
B.S. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering 2020, Princeton University
M.S. in Commerce, Marketing & Management Track 2021, University of Virginia
What clubs and organizations were you involved with in college?
Varsity Track & Field, Sprinter; Cyclab Bicycle Shop, Co-Manager
What appealed to you about UVA’s M.S. in Commerce Program?
The M.S. in Commerce Program is the best option for STEM undergraduates who wish to combine their technical background with marketable business insight. Before applying, I learned that many engineers like myself were able to leverage the skills they learned at McIntire towards more rewarding careers in the tech world.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
I am eager to learn the skills necessary for me to one day excel as a business leader. I also have thoroughly enjoyed meeting my classmates, and I look forward to getting to know more of them as the year progresses.
What are your hobbies?
I work on personal engineering projects, try new baking recipes, and practice Spanish.
Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.
Giza, Egypt, to see the pyramids; Reykjavik, Iceland, to see the Northern Lights; and Japan, to see Mount Fuji and Tokyo
Dylan Justice
Hometown: Reston, VA
B.A. in Economics 2020, University of Virginia
M.S. in Commerce, Marketing & Management Track 2021, University of Virginia
What clubs and organizations were you involved with in college?
Virginia Alpine Ski & Snowboard team, University Records (Music Club)
What appealed to you about UVA’s M.S. in Commerce Program?
I saw an opportunity to transition my career with such a prestigious program. Immediately after graduating, I knew that I wanted to alter my path. I was so worried that I was stuck in this career I didn’t want until I found the M.S. in Commerce Program.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
I’m looking forward to gaining a combination of hard and soft skills that will raise my confidence and ready me for my career going forward. When I graduated from undergrad, I felt nearly as lost as when I started college. I have a much better idea now of where I want to be, and I think McIntire is the perfect step for helping me get there.
If you could go on a cross-country road trip with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Mac Miller. Mac’s death destroyed me. In my closest group of childhood friends, he is our favorite artist. One of those friends, our first time bonding, had a sleepover the night Mac dropped his “Best Day Ever” mixtape. Mac’s music is intensely personal. Being only three years apart in age from Mac, I feel like I’ve grown up with him.
Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.
Tokyo because I find Japanese art and fashion fascinating. Machu Picchu because the pictures of Machu Picchu blow my mind. I’m really into ancient civilizations, so anything in that realm gets me really excited. I went to Pompeii two years ago, that was such a cool experience seeing it in person after seeing pictures for so many years. Finally, Bali, because my cousin spent three months teaching yoga there, and I’m still super jealous of her experience.
Linh Nguyen
Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam
B.A. in Economics 2020, Randolph College
M.S. in Commerce, Business Analytics Track 2021, University of Virginia
What clubs and organizations were you involved with in college?
Step-Up to Physical Science and Engineering (SUPER), Student Government, Omicron Delta Epsilon, and Phi Beta Kappa
What appealed to you about UVA’s M.S. in Commerce Program?
The M.S. in Commerce is a STEM-designated one-year program, and for an international student like me, the STEM program was very attractive because it allows me to stay in the U.S. for up to 36 months after graduation. I also liked the accelerated format, knowing I would be joining the workforce after just one year. McIntire, and specifically UVA, has an extensive global alumni network, which is very beneficial for the job search. They also have the right resources and tools to help international students navigate their career search.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
I am looking forward to working and collaborating with people with the same interests, engaging in a deep and comprehensive conversation about business world, and honing my technical skills.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring and why?
The first thing I’d bring is a matchbox because I was born and raised in a city, so I don’t know how to make fire from natural resources. Fire is important to cook food and warm myself. The second thing is a Britta because I need filtered water; the third thing is a Swiss Army Knife just because of how useful it is.
What are you currently reading?
I’m not reading anything right now but doing projects on machine learning.
What are your hobbies?
Cooking, weightlifting, hiking, and coding
If you could go on a cross-country road trip with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Miley Cyrus. She seems to be a fun person to hang out with. If I ever went on a cross-country road trip, it would have to be a relaxing, no-brainer one.
What’s your “walk-up” or hype song?
“Believer” by Imagine Dragons
Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.
Japan for food and culture; Greece for food, culture, and the ocean; Norway for the Northern Lights
Mary Ottley
Hometown: Richmond, VA
B.A. in Youth and Social Innovation 2020, University of Virginia
M.S. in Commerce, Marketing & Management Track 2021, University of Virginia
What clubs and organizations were you involved with in college?
UVA Ducks Unlimited, Founder and Co-President; Delta Delta Delta Sorority; InterVarsity Christian Fellowship
What appealed to you about UVA’s M.S. in Commerce Program?
In my future career, I want to work to address conservation and social challenges with innovative economic strategies. I believe my undergraduate background was extensive in creating and implementing social innovations but lacked the essential perspective commerce has to offer. I am excited to participate in M.S. in Commerce Program because expanding my understanding of business strategy will broaden and complement my undergraduate studies, existing strengths, and problem-solving skills to address challenges facing our planet. I believe that understanding marketing systems and management strategies will allow me to inspire ways we can use business to drive social change.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
I have already had a taste of the incredible resources McIntire’s MSC Program offers. From the personalized career support to the tight-knit nature of the class, I am grateful for the strong relationships that I have formed and are yet to form with my fellow classmates, professors, and other members of the McIntire community.
What are you currently reading?
Chasing Vines by Beth Moore
What are your hobbies?
Surfing, pure barre, and live music
If you could go on a cross-country road trip with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Jesus, because so many of life’s questions to be answered!
Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.
Indonesia, New Zealand, and Peru, because all have amazing waves for surfing!
Patrick Phibbs
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
B.S. in Geology 2020, Clemson University
M.S. in Commerce, Business Analytics Track 2021, University of Virginia
What clubs and organizations were you involved with in college?
Varsity Football and Geology Club
What appealed to you about UVA’s M.S. in Commerce Program?
The family-like atmosphere is what originally drew me to McIntire. Every person I came in contact with during the admissions process—whether it was a current student, a faculty member, or an alumnus—treated me like a fellow Wahoo. I had my doubts about transitioning from a rival ACC school, but every time I come to Grounds feels like home. McIntire’s sense of community is truly something special.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
One thing I’ve learned over the past few weeks is that networking opportunities at McIntire are easily accessible. I can’t wait to deepen my already existing business world connections along with creating new ones. This year will provide me with the relationships I need to become successful.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring and why?
I would probably bring a pot, a knife, and mosquito net. I’m a huge fan of “Naked and Afraid” on the Discovery Channel, and these are the three most common items people bring!
What are you currently reading?
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. It’s a fantastic book and an average movie!
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy golfing, fishing, and going to breweries.
If you could go on a cross-country road trip with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Neil deGrasse Tyson, not even a second thought! I would love to have a conversation about his thought process and how I can improve my ability to use science to help make decisions in my life.
What’s your “walk-up” or hype song?
“Careless Whisper” by George Michael. Don’t laugh…
Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.
Iceland because I heard it’s absolutely beautiful and affordable; Greenland for its formations that date back 4.1 billion years and are available to hold in your hand (imagine holding something that old—might be the geology nerd in me, but that would be awesome!); and Japan for great food.
Lacey Turner
Hometown: Norwood, NC
B.A. in Management and Society 2020, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
M.S. in Commerce, Marketing & Management Track 2021, University of Virginia
What clubs and organizations were you involved with in college?
Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, UNC Panhellenic Judicial Board
What appealed to you about UVA’s M.S. in Commerce Program?
I chose the M.S. in Commerce Program because I didn’t have to choose between getting a top-ranked business education and pursuing my interest in marketing. At McIntire, I get to combine the business education with a specialty marketing track that advances my career goals in a unique way.
What are you looking forward to the most this year?
I am excited for the brand analysis project because we get to apply what we have learned in class to real scenarios, by working directly with a company on developing strategy recommendations for their business.
If you could go on a cross-country road trip with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would definitely choose Guy Fieri as my cross-country road trip partner because he knows all the best “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” places to stop at along the way. Let’s be honest—nothing makes a road trip better than great food!
Name three places on your bucket list to travel to and why.
The top three places to travel on my bucket list are South Africa, New Zealand, and Singapore. Though I enjoyed traveling around the European Union during my study abroad in Scotland, I’d like to explore beyond Europe and take photos in these beautiful countries!
