Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog

In the spirit of the iconic essay and our unique ‘things’, we’re each sharing five random things about our first year, from the surprises to lessons that stuck.

From twists in my career journey to unexpected moments of growth in Durham and beyond, my first year was filled with powerful lessons.

Things that used to feel natural suddenly become unfamiliar and uncomfortable. This was all to be expected, but when I arrived in Durham, I faced a challenge I never could’ve anticipated.

Our financial aid office works hard to ensure that resources are transparent, personalized, and inclusive of all students, regardless of their background or citizenship.

I believe that the American Dream, though bruised and debated, still exists, and I am living proof of that.

The BCC program is designed to help international students build confidence in communication, understand the dynamics of U.S. classrooms, and feel more comfortable in professional and social settings.

We experienced unforgettable moments, from meeting business leaders at the forefront of climate innovation to standing inside a power plant that runs on imported trash and wandering through Arctic towns without a sunset.

In designing the 2025-2026 Daytime MBA application, the primary focus was refining the admissions process in a way that helps us get to know applicants more authentically and holistically.

When I left the U.S. Navy after five years as a nuclear submarine officer, I wasn’t entirely sure what the next chapter would look like.

We covered everything from responsible tech to the global talent race and how MBA students like me should be thinking about career strategy in an AI-powered world.