How a Family Restaurant Sparked Vincent Truong’s Career Transformation at UVA Darden

Vincent Truong (Class of 2025) didn’t have to look far for inspiration when deciding his career path. Growing up in Orange County, California, his family owned a Vietnamese restaurant, and even though it has since shuttered, it sparked something lasting in him.

“I saw firsthand how financial management — or the lack of it — can determine a business’s fate,” said Truong. “It drove me to study accounting and finance, but over time, I realized my passion wasn’t just about numbers.”

Charting a Path to Darden

Truong’s professional journey began traditionally enough. After earning his degree in accounting, he joined Grant Thornton LLP, followed by years at Pacific Life, where he moved from auditing to financial planning. But something was missing.

“I enjoyed the work but wanted more fulfillment and alignment with my interests,” he said. “Switching into new industries without prior experience, like food and beverage, isn’t easy. I knew I needed an MBA to make that pivot.”

At the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, Truong has found the opportunity to explore industries that align with his personal interests and professional expertise. He’s learning how sectors like food and beverage intersect with finance, consumer behavior, brand management and consulting — and how to position himself for meaningful impact.

The Transformative Power of a Scholarship

A turning point in Truong’s journey came when he received a Darden School Foundation scholarship, covering his tuition for both years of the Full-Time MBA. It was more than financial relief — it reshaped his outlook and unlocked possibilities.

“Without the scholarship, I’d have taken the traditional route, like investment banking, to pay off debt. But now, I’m free to pursue what excites me,” he says. “I’m exploring roles in consumer retail, consulting or even entrepreneurship.”

The scholarship’s support, funded by alumni gifts to the Darden Annual Fund, reminds him of the Darden community’s commitment to enabling diverse talent and helping students shape their future.

Making Connections

One of Truong’s deep interests is the food industry, a passion rooted in his family’s restaurant experience and his mother’s work in catering. Truong often lends a hand to support his mother and stays engaged in the field. In his spare time, he’s immersed himself in the industry, from researching food trends to writing a case study on Polyface Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, known for its innovative sustainable farming methods, with Professor Chris Parker.

“It’s about finding a way to merge what I love with my professional skills,” says Truong. “I want to work with companies or ventures that make a genuine impact.”

Dedication to Community and Leadership

Truong isn’t content to focus solely on personal ambitions; he’s also driven to lead and support others. As head of the Darden Student Association (DSA), he is committed to ensuring every student’s voice is heard and creating a welcoming, supportive environment for all. He draws inspiration from past DSA leaders, particularly members of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, and recognizes the power of representation in leadership.

The Consortium is a national nonprofit network focused on enhancing diversity and inclusion in global business education and leadership. It aims to reduce the significant underrepresentation of African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans in both member schools and the ranks of global management. Consortium members at Darden are active leaders, engaging in clubs, organizing events and contributing to both the Darden and broader community.

Although he didn’t initially apply through the program, Darden recognized his potential and invited him to join.

“Being in this role is about more than event planning or administration. It’s about building community and creating a place where everyone feels they belong,” Truong emphasized.

Looking Ahead: Merging Passion and Profession

As he continues to explore career opportunities, Truong remains focused on merging his skills in finance and business strategy with industries and roles that offer the chance to make a meaningful difference. He envisions himself thriving in positions that shape industries like food and beverage or others where his skills can have a lasting impact. And he’s not afraid to take risks.

“Darden gave me a chance to dream bigger, and the support I’ve received makes me feel like I’m building something meaningful,” he said.

For now, Truong is making the most of his MBA experience by seeking ways to connect, lead and affect the food and beverage industry and the broader Darden community. It’s a journey defined by passion, resilience and gratitude — one that’s just getting started.

Vincent Truong (Class of 2025) poses with section mates Joyce Agbozo and Rohan Kapoor at the Lawn Games Darden Cup event. (Contributed photo)

Support Scholarships for All

Every gift to the Darden Annual Fund, no matter the size, directly supports scholarships that empower students from all walks of life, including Consortium members. Your contribution helps fund opportunities for future leaders to thrive at Darden. To make a difference today, make a gift.

Create a Lasting Legacy

Establishing an endowed scholarship ensures perpetual support for students. To learn more about how you can endow a scholarship, please contact Samantha Hartog, senior associate vice president of advancement, at +1-434-981-4025 or HartogS@darden.virginia.edu.