In an earlier post, I mentioned that one of my goals is to get to know my Fuqua classmates better, and I thought this would be a great opportunity for readers to get to know them as well. One reader requested I start with the random initials “JB,” to randomly identify a classmate that I should meet, so I went to the Fuqua directory and found Julia Bethune, a first-year student. I was able to steal 30 minutes of her time, and I’m happy to share with you some interesting facts about my classmate, Julia!

Hometown: Washington, DC

Undergraduate Degree: History Major at Vanderbilt University

Career before Fuqua: Julia worked in China for three years helping U.S. and European companies enter the Chinese business landscape. For example, some of you may be familiar with Carrie Bradshaw’s famous wedding dress. Julia helped bring the dressmaker, Vivienne Westwood, to China!

Why she chose Fuqua: Julia was drawn to the fact that Fuqua really is a transformational experience rather than a transactional one. She wanted more than just the business classes.

Perk of Fuqua that she didn’t expect: The first-year team experience and training she receives at Fuqua has been great for her marriage and friendships! She’s used the collaboration and discussion techniques she’s learning with her first-year teams in her everyday life.

Favorite Fuqua activity thus far: Julia hosted a group of Fuqua students for a part of the Around the World dinner series. She made beef brisket, roasted butternut squash and potatoes, and both apple and chocolate chess pie.

Desired career after Fuqua: Eventually, Julia wants to translate her experience in China to help American and Chinese companies work together in the U.S.

Random connections: During our chat, we discovered that Julia’s husband and my husband lived on the same hall during their first year of undergrad at the University of Virginia!