Participating in the Fuqua on Board program has been one of the most enriching experiences during my time at Fuqua. The program, which pairs MBA students with local nonprofits to serve as board members, provided me with an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in nonprofit governance while contributing to the local community. My placement with the Duke University Federal Credit Union (DUFCU) was particularly impactful, offering deep insights into both the financial services sector and nonprofit board operations.

The Journey

My involvement with Fuqua on Board started with an application process in late September of my first year at Fuqua. The process was competitive, requiring detailed information about my background, interests, and the types of organizations I wanted to work with. After being selected, I was matched with DUFCU by the end of October. This match was a perfect fit given my background in finance and interest in learning more about community development.

DUFCU is a member-owned financial cooperative that has been serving the Duke community since 1968. It aims to provide high-quality financial services with a focus on member satisfaction and financial education. As part of the Fuqua on Board program, I was excited to bring a fresh perspective and business acumen to support their mission.

Diving Into Board Responsibilities

Once matched, I attended several preparatory events, including an orientation and a boot camp on board governance. These sessions were crucial in getting me up to speed on the expectations and responsibilities of serving on a nonprofit board. Throughout the year, I attended DUFCU’s board meetings and committee sessions, engaging actively with board members and the executive team.

One of the most significant aspects of my role was working on a strategic project aimed at enhancing DUFCU’s new member acquisition. This project involved conducting extensive stakeholder surveys, analyzing feedback, and developing recommendations to improve product offerings, service delivery and member satisfaction. The project not only allowed me to apply my classroom knowledge to real-world challenges but also contributed to DUFCU’s long-term strategy.

Learning and Impact

The experience at DUFCU was both educational and rewarding. I learned about the intricacies of nonprofit board governance, including legal and ethical considerations, financial oversight, and strategic planning. Working closely with board members who were seasoned professionals in their respective domains and executive teams who had rich experience in the financial services domain provided invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities.

Moreover, the Fuqua on Board program facilitated several workshops and events that further enriched my learning. Sessions on nonprofit financials, fundraising strategies, and organizational performance evaluation helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of nonprofit management.

Reflecting on my experience, one of the highlights was presenting our project findings to the board. The positive reception and the subsequent implementation of some of our recommendations were incredibly fulfilling. It was a testament to the impact that Fuqua on Board participants can have on their partner organizations.

Participating in the Fuqua on Board program and working with the Duke University Federal Credit Union has been a cornerstone of my MBA journey. It provided a practical, hands-on learning experience that complemented my academic studies and allowed me to give back to the community. For any prospective students considering Fuqua on Board, I highly recommend it. It’s an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain nonprofit governance experience, and make a meaningful impact on the community.