
Michelle Xiao
- Hometown: Oakton, VA
- Concentration: Finance and Management
- Track: Global Commerce
McIntire’s innovative specialized business graduate degrees and its hallmark undergraduate program are designed to create a wealth of opportunities for students. Immersive, hands-on courses offer transformative educational experiences that provide immediate value. Our faculty-led programs provide key business skills and fluency in many business areas.
McIntire faculty inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose when confronting today’s grand challenges in business. Our bold and brilliant professors are also committed scholars who conduct cutting-edge research through seven active centers that serve as the School's nexus of collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration.
In addition to the lifelong benefits that come from an innovative McIntire business education, Commerce School students enjoy an enhanced UVA experience on Grounds and around the globe. From insightful student services that help connect you with your passion to specialized career support that provides real-world employment opportunities, there are countless ways to make the most of your present while investing in your future.
McIntire’s innovative specialized business graduate degrees and its hallmark undergraduate program are designed to create a wealth of opportunities for students. Immersive, hands-on courses offer transformative educational experiences that provide immediate value. Our faculty-led programs provide key business skills and fluency in many business areas.
McIntire faculty inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose when confronting today’s grand challenges in business. Our bold and brilliant professors are also committed scholars who conduct cutting-edge research through seven active centers that serve as the School's nexus of collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration.
In addition to the lifelong benefits that come from an innovative McIntire business education, Commerce School students enjoy an enhanced UVA experience on Grounds and around the globe. From insightful student services that help connect you with your passion to specialized career support that provides real-world employment opportunities, there are countless ways to make the most of your present while investing in your future.

Hi everyone! My name is Michelle Xiao, and I am a fourth-year concentrating in Finance and Management, with a track in Global Commerce. I am from Oakton, VA, and so attending UVA has always been a dream of mine. I was specifically interested in McIntire because of its unique classroom setup, with corporate sponsors and an immersive, collaboration-focused course load. I stay active on Grounds through a variety of activities, especially within McIntire student organizations. In addition to being a student ambassador, I also serve as Chair of Student Events and as a board member of the Student Engagement and Community Committee.
So far, my McIntire experience has been incredible. I’ve loved connecting with peers and learning from the diverse perspectives shared in class. The coursework has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’ve especially enjoyed the thoughtful, seminar-style discussions. What truly makes McIntire stand out, though, is the strong sense of community. Everyone is super welcoming and eager to support one another. I’ve benefited greatly from valuable advice on coursework and careers from both peers and older friends. This culture of helpfulness is something I deeply appreciate, and it’s a big part of what makes McIntire so special.
I recently returned from a semester abroad in Barcelona, Spain, where I took various Marketing and Management classes at ESADE. Most of my classes were with exchange students from all over the world, and I loved being able to hear their unique perspectives and insights. Overall, I’ve cherished my time at McIntire and abroad, and I’m excited to see what my final year has in store.
Outside of McIntire, I love to explore Charlottesville by trying out all of the delicious restaurants nearby! In my free time, I enjoy reading, going to the gym, watching sitcoms, and trying out new dishes. I am more than happy to share more about my experience.
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
Fun fact: I have over 4K wins on WordHunt!