The Duke MBA - Weekend Executive Student Blog

Oh, the Places You’ll Go (with your textbooks)

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Meghann Wing

When Term 1 started a year ago, I had a plan — a study plan. It was complete with a fancy calendar, freshly purchased from Staples. This “plan” outlined which days I would study, when I would work late and when I would have time for friends and family. Much like a New Year’s resolution, the “plan” didn’t really last all that long. Life got in the way, and all of a sudden I was studying during work time, working during study time, and making the most of any free time I could find. From talking to my classmates over the last year, it seems like we all started with a system to try to organize this very busy time in our lives. Each of us has come to learn that study time just has to be squeezed into our busy schedules, in very small blocks of time. For me, this has meant that my books have come with me on all sorts of fun adventures, so that I’d be prepared whenever 30 minutes of “free” time became available to study.

As it’s now Memorial Day Weekend, almost exactly a year after I began this program, I thought I would take a look back at all the fun places that my textbooks have accompanied me:

July 2012 – Virginia Beach, VA: I was accompanied by a stack of articles for Global Markets and Institutions class … these may or may not have come into contact with alcoholic beverages on the beach. Still readable though!
September 2012 – Wrightsville Beach, NC: With my financial accounting textbook. I was on team calls about work-in-process inventory accounting in between family outings at the beach.
November 2012 — Leesburg, VA: I was with my statistics course pack, studying in the kitchen while my mom made Thanksgiving dinner. I’m a great helper. I’m sure she really appreciated me just sitting there.
January 2013 – Road trip to Toronto, Ontario: My backseat was full of Term 3 textbooks. My best friend decided to have her first child during the coldest month in Canada. So up I went to visit during a major snowstorm. I managed to read managerial accounting and marketing cases while holding her son Hudson, so she could nap. I’m still waiting on my friend-of-the-year award.
February 2013 – Wintergreen, VA: The Term 3 marketing case came snowboarding with my boyfriend and me. It also came with us to the doctor the next day as we got an X-ray of Jon’s broken arm.
May 2013 – Toronto, Ontario (take 2): Various electronic course articles on my iPad flew up with me for Memorial Day weekend. I’m spending another couple of days with my best friend and her son Hudson. Actually, I think I’ll inquire about my friend-of-the-year award while I’m up here …

And finally … a trip where my textbooks got left at home:

March 2013 – San Juan, Puerto Rico: After I managed to take all of the Term 3 finals in the first four days of the exam block, I got a textbook free vacation … until I arrived home to find a box of Term 4 readings and books waiting for me on my porch.

So the plan is that there is no plan. You’ll have to take it one day at a time and make sure you reserve space in your carry on for your books!

Distinguished Speakers Provide Food for Thought

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Anir Bhattacharyya

I generally share my weekday morning train rides to New York City with my fellow neighbors, and a few co-workers. We have our daily discussions and our early morning sleepy and disoriented brains try to solve all the world’s problems. During one of these mornings, we were discussing environmental issues. I was looking outside the window with my ears actively registering the conversation. I responded to my co-rider’s views regarding our government not being committed enough in pushing for reforms for a better environment to live in. I said, “Let us embrace a greener environment in our own individual houses, and our neighborhood, and I can guarantee that we will have a better town to live in.” I had remembered the speech from business executive John Allison, who shared his views of creating a better world to live in. At Fuqua, he spoke about how one should be responsible for creating a clean surrounding by simply throwing a soda can into a recycle bin rather than trash bin. I heard his speech, and I consciously try to apply the lessons into my daily activity.

Fuqua’s ability to attract guest speakers like John Allison, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BB&T, is a wonderful way to introduce new career choices, and at the same time, give us the opportunity to reflect on what we can become in the long run. Fuqua’s curriculum alignment between courses like Leadership, Ethics and Organizations and speakers like Mr. Allison, provide us with a chance to hear and experience more real-world success stories and see beyond perceived external limits. Seeing the direct connection between academia and successful practitioners provides motivation for students, and greatly enhances our learning.

I believe the guest speakers motivate students in the right direction by validating our thoughts, and fostering high but realistic expectations. Motivation theory defines 3 indices: choice, effort and persistence. Students choose opportunities; put an effort on activities based on what they value and work towards being successful, by being persistent. Developing and improving on analytical thinking is critical for successful leaders. Listening to these guest lecturers can help us as students to focus more on actionable learning rather than pure book based knowledge. Knowledge without action does not help in achieving one’s dreams.

Bringing in high-caliber guest speakers requires immense preparation on the part of our program administrators. As students, we must also be prepared to ask smart questions. I think there’s a correlation between administrative preparedness, students’ readiness and guest speakers’ sharing their experience, that enriches the program, and creates a path for the next generation of successful leaders.

I see a difference in me. I dream of emulating great leaders like Scott Brown, the Global VP of Distribution for Cisco. He’s also a Fuqua adjunct professor for our marketing concentration, and he spoke in our marketing class about supply chain and distribution channels and how critical it is to tie suppliers, organizations and their customers in one thread and cadence. I take this learning every day to my work and my personal life by thinking, analyzing, and making better decisions for future growth.

My Residency Initiation

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Meghann Wing

As I drove down I-85, on the first of many trips (I have now logged 6,000+ miles), I didn’t quite know what to expect of my first Weekend Executive residency. I had so many questions floating through my mind: what could I expect from my first residency? what would the class sessions be like? how would I ever learn all the names of my cohort? what would they have planned other than classes? As I pulled into Durham for the first time, I was a bit nervous of what was to come. But there I was — starting my first residency.

Shortly after my arrival in Durham, I stumbled upon what was to become a Thursday night tradition with Max (a fellow classmate) — running into each other at Chipotle, each of us grabbing dinner to take with us back to the R. David Thomas Center (RDTC), which is where we live and study for the residencies. Then came the obstacle course of carrying my bookbag, suitcase, school laptop bag, work laptop bag and my treasured Chipotle from my car all the way through the lobby to my room. You might be wondering why I’m bringing this up … just wait until you have to do it for the first time. It’s a hike!

The night before the first class session (the first few days of the first residency were team building and introductions), I caught up on some work emails and got ready for my first official day of the program. The next day, the alarm went off at 6 am. The breakfast at the RDTC was a great start to the day (fresh fruit, bacon and eggs!), and then I was off to class. Class started promptly at 8 am, and I was excited to see what the day had in store for us. Some of you reading this blog may have sat in on a partial class during an open house visit, so you know that the day is full of discussions and interaction with the professor and other students. There are also lots of breaks between classes, with trips up to the snack room. It was a great way to try to learn more about each of the 80+ people I had just met.

Classes adjourned at 5 pm, and we then switched to the auditorium for the first of several guest speakers. I always appreciate the time that the guest speakers devote to coming to speak to us, and even though it’s at the end of a long day of classes, I get a second burst of energy and really enjoy their conversations with us. Then once the guest speaker presentation was over, it was back to the RDTC for dinner and more socializing with my classmates. For the first residency, the night went on quite a while with everyone hanging out on the patio and enjoying a beer or glass of wine. Some people stayed out late, others were more sensible knowing that we had to repeat this all again the next day.

Later the next afternoon, I reversed the hike from my room to my car, and started on my trip back to Richmond, Virginia. I no longer felt apprehensive of what was to come. I had survived my first residency. And I just needed to find a Starbuck’s for the ride home.

A Day in My Life

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Haley Gray

For those of you who are considering the Weekend Executive MBA program, one of your biggest concerns is probably about how the program will fit into the rest of your life. You probably wonder if you can manage everything. I think you can! Since classes are on the weekend (with just a couple exceptions — Orientation and Super Term), you still have full control of your schedule on weekdays. Here’s just one example of a typical weekday for me as a Weekend Executive MBA student:

6:30 AM — My alarm goes off. I’m tempted to hit snooze, but know that I can’t because I have a personal trainer coming. Get out of bed and get dressed.

7:00 AM — The doorbell rings. It’s my personal trainer. We work out for 45 minutes. I’m sweating, and a mess.

7:45 AM — Hit the shower and get ready for work.

8:30 AM — Read email.

9:00 AM — Out the door and to the office for a day of meetings, etc.

5:45 PM — Leave work and head to Chick-Fil-A to meet my family for dinner.

6:30 PM — Plan next week’s Girl Scout meeting.

7:15 PM — Run an errand for the kids.

8:00 PM — Head home and start studying and doing class assignments.

11:30 PM — Head to bed, falling asleep instantly.

My Journey to Fuqua

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Anir Bhattacharyya

A Day in Fall 2011:

While working on a project at a large distributor’s Global Headquarters in fall 2011, a Vice President of Logistics and Supply Chain approached my desk to discuss an upcoming presentation themed “Business Gets Social.” He asked me to help develop strategic recommendations on how digital media impacts supply chain management. I was not surprised that the VP approached me to assist with the presentation. Yet, I was surprised at how much I learned from helping to create this presentation. The project showed me that I have a passion for searching for solutions to a wide variety of business problems. Yet, it also became clear that I needed to strengthen my finance, marketing, and accounting skills to continue my career progression. While I added value to the project based on my supply chain background, I could not create a strong impact with strategic recommendations for other areas of business.

This experience led to some serious introspection, and I concluded that entering an MBA program was the solution. I started a journey to search for a program that would suit me best and at the same time, allow me to reach out to the world to create an impact.

MBA is the Solution: Winter 2011-2012

My work at this distribution company made me realize that I wanted to transition out of supply chain management and take a more global strategic management role. I aligned my short and long term goals. To achieve these goals, I started learning about Duke’s MBA program. I attended 3 open houses at 3 top tier MBA schools and one of them was Duke. Initially, it was hard for me to justify the commute between New York City and Fuqua since there are competitive choices in the city. But Sr. Associate Dean and Professor Jennifer Francis’ talk on macro-economics and globalization during Fuqua’s open house made me realize that my goals exactly align with the offerings from Fuqua.

Why Fuqua: Spring 2012

Becoming a student in Duke’s MBA program was critical to obtaining my professional aspirations. Duke’s unique opportunities to learn about global markets, and its optional strategy and marketing concentrations would allow for my continued professional development. To achieve my future career goals, I need to effectively understand and analyze globalization challenges in supply chain management. More companies are taking an international approach to find the best vendors for their supply chain and also targeting new customers in different markets like Russia, China, India and Brazil. Fuqua’s global reach and diverse alumni can directly help me build a strong network in the supply chain strategy eco system, and in turn allow me to create an impact in countries with developing economies.

Now at Fuqua: Spring 2013

While growing professionally, Fuqua is also helping me in my personal development. I am excited to share my journey with a diverse group of experienced students that I am getting to know both inside and outside of the classroom. Meeting new people has always been the foundation of my personal growth. For example, I look forward to Duke’s Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE) which will allow me to work with team leaders in China. This trip will examine how local life is affected by global economic growth.

At Fuqua, I’m also learning more about how I may help my native country. In India, I personally experienced the opportunities and challenges of living in a developing country while rapid economic development occurred. Though India is one of the BRICS nations, with a fast GDP growth rate, there is a large percentage of the population who still do not have access to basic services due to lack of proper infrastructure and corruption. I want to continue with my social work at Apne-Aap (self-help), a grassroots organization in India working to end sex trafficking by increasing choices for at-risk girls and women. Fuqua’s ability to attract speakers to talk on social entrepreneurship and experienced career coaches are providing me with the exposure I need to create a robust monitoring and evaluation system for organizations like Apne-Aap. This is indeed an invaluable experience. So far, Fuqua is supporting my dream to add value to this world and make it a better place to live.

Doing Something that Changes Everything

Posted on March 6, 2013 by Nancy Zimmerman

There’s nothing like writing your first blog post from the side of the highway, while waiting for a tow truck! Going back to school teaches you to make the most of any opportunity. It’s amazing the work you can squeeze into the found quiet moments of the day — at the breakfast table at 6 am, over lunch, on the elliptical at the gym. I’ve become a master of creative studying. To some, having your car lose power while driving on I-85 would be a nightmare. Lucky for me, I always have my class work with me. It was a forced study hall!

It’s crazy to think that at this time last year, I was preparing to take the GMAT again. Yes, it took me twice to get my scores where I wanted them to be. I was an art history major in college, more concerned with the musings of Willem De Kooning than calculus or economics. Over the years, I pieced together a rudimentary understanding of business and cultivated a wide portfolio of skills. But something was missing. I needed school-taught quantitative skills, a new lexicon and a bigger compass with which to navigate the paths of my future. Duke was the answer for me. I knew that if I was going to spend the time and money to go back to school, I wanted the best North Carolina had to offer: the best faculty, the best curriculum, the best cohort. One of the most important things for me was that fact that the Weekend Executive program is only 1.5 years.

To be honest, it was easy to choose Duke. They worked with me. I loved that I could reach out to an individual, the most incredible admissions counselor — Andy Medlin. None of the other programs I considered had an Andy. He guided me through the process, was available when I needed him, put me in contact with alumni and professors, etc.

One of my favorite college professors once said, “Do something that changes everything.” For me, Duke is just that. It’s forced me to push myself beyond my comfort zone, encouraged me to think differently, and exposed me to ideas and concepts I’d not considered before. Crazy as it may sound, as I stand here, almost halfway through the program, I can’t wait for the next terms. New challenges and opportunities await.

Dealing with Whatever Life Throws at You

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Haley Gray

One of the recurring themes in these blog posts is time management, and another is that life goes on while you’re in school. A very large number of my classmates have experienced at least one significant life event while in school, and yet, they still kept going. They dealt with the stress, both good and bad, and kept going. We’ve had babies born. Children adopted. Several people got married. A number of us lost parents and other family members. There were lots of job changes. As for me, I was diagnosed with stage 1 melanoma, or skin cancer.

The melanoma started as a mole on my neck that looked different from the other freckles, and a biopsy showed it to be cancerous. A simple surgery was all that was needed to take care of it. As I faced treatment, someone asked me if surgery would somehow delay my graduation. I looked at them a bit funny. We were very near the end of the sixth term, otherwise known as Super Term. I only had a few more assignments to do to conquer the Duke MBA. I could count the number of assignments on one hand. Honestly, it is the confidence that I’ve gained while in the program that helped me face this tough situation. I caught it super early, and I know that if I can deal with 4 kids, a full-time job, an aging father, two Girl Scout troops, and an MBA program, I can also handle one more thing. What are a few doctors’ appointments, in the grand scheme of things?

I’ve learned a lot about juggling, dealing with stress — tremendous stress — and getting on with life. The Weekend Executive program has strengthened my resolve in facing tough situations — and for that I’m grateful.

Oh, and one more thing, a public service announcement — wear sunscreen. Become a successful Fuqua scholar, but please don’t follow me down this particular path, okay?

Tailgating with the Dean

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Jay Patel

The event was full since it included students from other Fuqua programs.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an event called “Tailgating with the Dean.” My experience was quite different from what most would consider tailgating — hanging out with friends huddled around a keg, the smell of barbeque while you grill, and the excitement that builds up to game time. I ended up tailgating with Fuqua Dean Bill Boulding! Not too many can say that when they talk about academic experiences! The experience was additionally enriched since my spouse was there by my side.

Dean Bill Boulding with several Daytime MBA students.

Typically, the tailgates I have been to are outside right before a home game and everyone’s anticipation builds along with the excitement. This was an indoor tailgate that I have to say, I don’t mind at all; especially, on a cold winter day as the temperature hovered around 40 degrees with a wind chill factor that felt like 10 degrees. I grew up in the North during my younger days, but I have adjusted quite nicely to the milder winters here in the South. =)

Cheerleaders warming up for the game.

As my wife and I entered the room, we could not avoid taking a pause and noticing the excitement within the room. Students, families, and friends huddled around tables buzzing, laughing, and chatting as if they all knew each other for quite some time. The room was surrounded by plaques of basketball teams — current and past — that captured the emphasis they put on team work, accomplishment, and dedication. And I don’t want to forget the most important element of tailgating — food and drinks! This event was catered with delicious barbecue and a full keg, which I definitely helped to empty!

As we sat down at a random table, we introduced ourselves and began to get to know those that we never met before. To my surprise, we naturally got to know those around us as there was also a mix of students from the Daytime and MMS programs. There were many interesting experiences and stories we got to share! Overall, the tailgate was a fun experience from socializing with other students, devouring the catered barbeque, and enjoying the drinks. But the thing I did not expect was meeting Dean Boulding and his wife. They made the effort to meet and greet each and every one of us as they walked from table to table. Not only that, but I actually was able to share some ideas with him regarding the Weekend Executive program. He not only listened, but offered great suggestions to implement. We did not share any drinks, but I sure did appreciate the unexpected opportunity to share some ideas! Overall, this was not your typical tailgate experience, but it had all the elements to make it an enjoyable experience.

Almost forgot … what is a tailgate without the game! We attended the Duke women’s basketball game, and I’m happy to report that Duke convincingly beat Miami, 82 – 43!

The men get their rematch against Miami on March 2, and I will be there! Go Duke!

The Right Time for an MBA

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Meghann Wing

Like most who are seriously thinking about pursuing an MBA, the three biggest questions I asked myself as I researched MBA programs were:

What value will an MBA provide?
Which program is right for me?
Why is now the right time?

Value of an MBA

I received undergraduate degrees in economics and finance, so the choice to pursue my MBA was a bit different than most prospective students, who are focusing on becoming more familiar with the analytical skills and theoretical concepts leveraged across the business world. As I have some familiarity in the foundational business courses from my undergraduate program, for me the value that an MBA offered was about taking time out of my day-to-day tasks to focus on refining and improving my leadership skills and big picture thinking. I would be remiss to not include the value that comes from broadening my professional and personal network. The backgrounds and experiences of those in my cohort provide a wealth of perspective and real world application of business problems. For those like me, who have been at the same company for their entire working life, this diversity of experience and thought process has been instrumental in improving my big picture thinking of how to handle business problems.

Why Fuqua?

Fuqua was a great fit for me for a couple reasons. First and foremost, they are known for their focus on global leadership, which aligned perfectly with my goals for professional growth. In addition, Duke’s brand is well respected and Fuqua is consistently ranked among the top programs in the country. In addition, and more from a personal perspective, Duke’s proximity to Richmond enables me to drive back and forth to the program for each residency, which provides me with added flexibility around my hectic work schedule.

And Why Now?

I asked myself “Doesn’t the stress of working full time and taking a full course load sound like a better thing to do next year?” For me, the answer to why now was a mix of convenience and the ability to jump back into the classroom without much disruption to my life. I am unmarried and do not yet have a family of my own, which provides me with quite a bit more free time than others in the program who are juggling demands from work, school and family. Being early in my career, I can put the skills and practice of what I have learned to good use for years to come. There’s always a reason to push this important decision out. For those who are making the “next year” excuse — you are missing out on a great experience that has already had a profound impact on me in the short time I have been in the program.

Looking Back, After a Long Haul

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Arturo Fagundo

I turned in my last paper on December 16, and I officially graduate on May 11 of this year. I now occupy the time between official completion and the time when I celebrate the work I did over the last year and half. It is a Saturday in January and I am at home, with no lectures to attend and no class assignments to worry about. It is hard to believe how much has happened since I received the first packet of pre-reading material in April 2011.

The first weeks of pre-reading were riddled with anxiety about my ability to complete the work required for the program. The first residency was filled with excitement about the people I would meet and what we would learn together. The sessions between residencies were filled with sleepless nights trying to keep up with work, family, and school. There was so much going on — what will I miss the most?

Final Moments

The last day of our elective term came on Friday, October 5, 2012. My last class ended late in the afternoon that day. Down the hall in the Fox Center, my last Fuqua Friday was kicking off and students were starting their weekend with some beers and pleasant conversation. In that class, on that day, the students willed the clock to move a little more quickly. At the end of the lecture we shook hands with the professor, Rob Hallford and filed out into the halls of Fuqua.

The next morning I wandered over to Breeden Hall to clear out my locker. On the way I walked into Dansby, one of the two lecture halls we used throughout the program. I sat in the third row, two seats from the end, and soaked in the environment. I had attended what will likely be the last real class of the last degree I will ever receive. For a moment I did not want to let it go.

There are many things I will miss from my time at Fuqua, but what I will miss most are the people: students and professors alike. We were able to come together for a brief period in our lives to help each other learn and become better, whatever our occupation. Right now I take comfort in knowing that those relationships will not end, and I am looking forward to seeing my friends from the program again in a few short months.

Congratulations to everyone in the Weekend Executive MBA Class of 2012! I sincerely hope to see you all again soon.

Weekend MBA Student Blog

Oh, the Places You’ll Go (with your textbooks)

More posts from Meghann Wing

Distinguished Speakers Provide Food for Thought

More posts from Anir Bhattacharyya

My Residency Initiation

More posts from Meghann Wing

A Day in My Life

More posts from Haley Gray

My Journey to Fuqua

A Day in Fall 2011:

MBA is the Solution: Winter 2011-2012

Why Fuqua: Spring 2012

Now at Fuqua: Spring 2013

More posts from Anir Bhattacharyya

Doing Something that Changes Everything

More posts from Nancy Zimmerman

Dealing with Whatever Life Throws at You

More posts from Haley Gray

Tailgating with the Dean

More posts from Jay Patel

The Right Time for an MBA

Value of an MBA

Why Fuqua?

And Why Now?

More posts from Meghann Wing

Looking Back, After a Long Haul

Final Moments

More posts from Arturo Fagundo

Follow Fuqua

Share This Page

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Class of 2012

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A Day in Fall 2011:

MBA is the Solution: Winter 2011-2012

Why Fuqua: Spring 2012

Now at Fuqua: Spring 2013

More posts from Anir Bhattacharyya

More posts from Nancy Zimmerman

More posts from Haley Gray

More posts from Jay Patel

Value of an MBA

Why Fuqua?

And Why Now?

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Final Moments

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