Kabir Chatrath

Contact Kabir

What inspired you to pursue graduate study in commerce, and what are your goals for the program?

What inspired me to pursue graduate study was the opportunity to deepen my business acumen while surrounding myself with ambitious, like-minded individuals. I see graduate school not just as an academic pursuit, but as a platform that, if leveraged effectively, can open doors to new opportunities and perspectives. McIntire, in particular, stood out for its reputation for developing well-rounded, polished business people. My goals for the program are to strengthen my technical and strategic understanding of business, expand my professional network, and graduate with a sharper, more holistic perspective on commerce. Ultimately, I hope to leave the program not only with enhanced knowledge but also with the confidence and insight to navigate complex business challenges.

What courses or topics in commerce are you most excited to explore during the program?

I am especially excited for the M&A, Private Equity, and Restructuring course, as it directly aligns with my long-term career goals and will allow me to build the technical and strategic skills needed to thrive in the investment space. I am also looking forward to the Real Estate Investments and Analysis and Asset Management courses, since they will give me the opportunity to deepen my financial knowledge in areas I am particularly passionate about. Together, these courses will provide a strong foundation in both corporate finance and investment strategy, while giving me the flexibility to explore different sectors of the industry.

What drew you to the M.S. in Commerce Program at UVA McIntire?

When choosing a graduate program, I wanted a school that not only fit my goals and values, but also offered a degree with meaningful, long-term value. The M.S. in Commerce at McIntire stood out immediately because of its strong national reputation and intensive, well-structured curriculum. Beyond academics, I was drawn to McIntire’s collaborative culture and its expansive alumni network across diverse industries, graduates who are both accomplished and willing to connect. The sense of community is truly unmatched, and I knew this program would provide both the skills and the opportunities to open the right doors for my career.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin the M.S. in Commerce Program?

I am most looking forward to meeting my classmates and learning alongside a group of ambitious, like-minded professionals. One of the biggest strengths of McIntire is the caliber of students it attracts, and I’m excited to grow from those peer-to-peer interactions just as much as from the coursework itself. I’m also eager to take full advantage of the resources McIntire provides, whether that’s the alumni network, the trading room simulator, the computer labs, or the top-tier career services. I see these as invaluable tools that will help me make the most of the program and prepare me for the next step in my career.

What extracurriculars, clubs, or activities are you hoping to get involved with during your time here?

Serving as a Student Ambassador will provide me with a valuable opportunity to connect with others, represent the program, and gain a deeper understanding of the McIntire community. Beyond that, I’d love to get involved in some of the many clubs that complement my interests and passions. I’m also excited to branch out and try something new, such as joining the wrestling club and taking a few beginner-level classes, as a way to step outside my comfort zone and develop a new hobby.

What’s one place in Charlottesville (or on Grounds) you’re most excited to visit or explore?

I’m new to Charlottesville and still getting to know the area, but I’ve heard amazing things about the local hiking trails and nature spots, so I’m really excited to explore those. At the same time, the Grounds themselves are incredibly scenic. The historic architecture and atmosphere make it a place I’m looking forward to walking through and fully experiencing.