Brilanda Volaj

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

I first came across the Global Commerce program while finishing my undergraduate degree, and it immediately stood out to me. In my previous role at an international financial firm, I had the chance to work with expats, global companies, and colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds. I loved learning from people who brought different perspectives, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for how culture shapes the way we approach work, solve problems and connect in daily life. That experience sparked my desire to keep building a career with a global scope.

My time in finance gave me a strong analytical foundation, but it also showed me what I wanted next: to move beyond operations and into strategy. I wanted to be the person helping solve broader challenges, guiding decisions, and shaping the direction of organizations. I knew that to make that shift into consulting, I needed a graduate program that not only sharpened my skills but also gave me international exposure and access to a strong professional network. The Global Commerce program felt like the perfect program for me.

Looking ahead, my immediate goal after the program is to pivot into management consulting, where I can apply my skills to deliver impact directly at the client level. Longer term, I hope to grow into a consultant who leads global projects, helps shape international strategy, and contributes to work that creates meaningful, lasting value for society.

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

One course I’m especially looking forward to is Global Challenges: Commerce in Context. This course will discuss today’s most pressing issues in the business world, such as climate change, AI, growing wealth inequality, and the shifting geopolitical landscape. How will global commerce evolve in response to these challenges? Are there ways in which the system can change to make way for a more sustainable and equitable future? All courses are discussion-based, so I’m excited to engage with others in my cohort to exchange perspectives and deepen my understanding of these issues.

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

I was immediately drawn to this program for its emphasis on business for the common good, its global immersion experience, and the Social Impact Project. The SIP allows students to act as a management consultants to an international organization, NGO, or nonprofit, with the goal of solving a real-world challenge that creates a positive social impact. The opportunity to study in Charlottesville and Berlin, while working on the Social Impact Project, offers a kind of international exposure that I believe will prepare me to operate effectively across cultures. Equally valuable is the program offers the opportunity to grow my network through meaningful connections with UVA and ESMT students, faculty, and alumni.

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

I’m most looking forward to the connections I will build, both with professors and classmates at UVA and at ESMT in Berlin. I know those relationships will be one of the most valuable aspects of the program, both personally and professionally. I’m also excited to immerse myself in Berlin, a city known for its dynamic history, diverse culture, great food scene, and reputation as being a major global business and startup hub. Coming from another large city, I’m excited to see what Berlin has to offer and to step into a fast-paced and energetic environment again. Finally, I’m eager to begin the Social Impact Project, which will give me the chance to implement what I learn in the classroom to enact impactful change at a nonprofit organization.

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

I plan to join the Salsa Club with fellow students in the cohort, and I look forward to using the facilities at Aquatic & Fitness Center to get back into a strength training routine. I also applied to be a language consultant with VISAS, volunteering to helping participants gain confidence in their conversational English and in building cross-cultural relationships.

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

Honestly, I’m most excited to explore UVA Grounds and Charlottesville itself. Growing up and going to school in New York City, I’ve never experienced a campus of this size. When I first drove into Charlottesville, I was struck by the large sports fields and the sense of being in a true college town, it felt very “American” in a way that’s completely new to me. I’m looking forward to attending a football game and discovering more of the charm and community that makes Charlottesville unique.