Fourth-year Comm student Pranet Pinnamaneni shows how family legacy, personal passion, and an insatiable curiosity offer a convincing prescription for success at the University. Those elements are propelling the Northern Virginia native from Loudoun County into various leadership roles and enriching experiences that have seen him excel at McIntire as he prepares for a successful future.
Before he ever began the college decision-making process, he already had ties to Grounds. “My sister graduated from UVA in 2017, and my dad completed an executive leadership program at Darden. From middle school onwards, I visited UVA frequently and felt a strong connection,” he says.
Drawn to the University, his choice to focus on Commerce was shaped early on as well. “Growing up, I always had an interest in business because it gave me a platform to express myself and interact with people, which I enjoy,” Pinnamaneni explains. His inclination was fostered through high school extracurriculars, particularly his involvement in Model UN. “It helped me practice public speaking, develop my interpersonal skills, and interact with other unique perspectives.”
Pinnamaneni’s resolve to join the business world was further cemented by joining Enactus, a UVA student consulting club that made a huge impression on him. Working with a local Black-owned skincare company in Charlottesville provided him with a profound sense of satisfaction. “The tangible impact of our work on a real business and knowing that we contributed to their growth were immensely rewarding,” he recalls. The experience confirmed his intent to pursue a career in business, with a newfound attraction to consulting where he could continue to make a difference.
As a member of student org Net Impact, a club focused on sustainability, he served as the Vice President of Mentorship. “My role was to connect first-year and second-year students with mentors who could guide them in their academic and professional journeys,” he says. Doing his part to keep that virtuous cycle moving forward by fostering a supportive community, Pinnamaneni stepped back to allow younger students to take leadership roles.
Since he enrolled at McIntire, he’s upped his game and further built upon those skills, having made an outsized positive impression on his peers and faculty alike.
Recognized as a Joseph Miniotas Communication Scholar, Pinnamaneni chalks up the honor to his “active participation and willingness to learn and share in class.”
“I used to be shy, but I realized the importance of contributing my thoughts, which might help others learn,” he notes.
He feels that Professor Marcia Pentz’s Communication course played a crucial role in shaping his presentation skills. Pinnamaneni credits her for helping him and his classmates become confident, spontaneous speakers. “She didn’t follow a strict plan; instead, she encouraged us to lead discussions and think on our feet. This approach, especially during impromptu presentations, pushed us out of our comfort zones and built our confidence,” he says, pointing out that her approach prepared him for real-world business scenarios, where adaptability and on-the-fly thinking are often key.
Pinnamaneni’s dedication to both his own personal growth and the development of his peers is further exemplified by his role as a Peer Academic Coach for Intermediate Accounting. He’s also undertaking a position assisting with research for Professor Abby Oliver.
Last summer, Pinnamaneni completed an internship at Curtis & Co., a boutique consulting firm in Richmond, VA. “Curtis & Co. only recruits from top Virginia universities, which makes the environment very competitive and enriching,” he notes. “It’s fascinating to observe and interact with customers and clients directly, gather their insights, and present actionable recommendations.”
Looking ahead, Pinnamaneni is still exploring his career options, considering both consulting and finance. Although he prefers to work in Washington, DC, to stay close to his family, he remains open to opportunities in various locations across the country. While he won’t count out working in other locations, completely, he is admittedly drawn to the idea of remaining close to home and having the ability to take care of his parents.
Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Pinnamaneni, an avid sports fan who wholeheartedly cheers on the ‘Hoos across Grounds, enjoys playing basketball with his friends. In his final year at McIntire and the University, he’ll rely on his passion and his growing skill set to take him across the Lawn in May—and to wherever his career leads him next.
