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James MegivernJames Megivern

Daytime MBA | Class of 2015

 

I hail from the great state of Iowa where I attended Iowa State University and studied finance. Upon graduation, I joined Deere & Company and by an apparent accident, management let me trade millions of dollars of foreign currency every day. After two wonderful years, I transitioned to corporate finance at UnitedHealth in Minneapolis. I was soon overcome by an overwhelming desire to put my business skills to more meaningful use, and I joined the Peace Corps as a business development advisor in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Living without electricity and running water was much easier than I imagined, and I loved my job. I worked with inspiring entrepreneurs and helped launch several new businesses.

I choose Fuqua because of its reputation in social impact and its down-to-earth and incredibly smart students. Over the summer I was in Chicago with Kraft Foods as a finance intern. My goal after graduation is to work in the consumer packaged goods industry–especially food–in finance or brand management.

Fuqua Activities: I’m an active member of the Net Impact and tennis clubs. My favorite first year experiences were FCCP South Africa and a trip to Indonesia with classmates. I enjoy playing tennis, running, and spending spare time (what spare time?) with friends at Fullsteam Brewery in Durham.

Interesting Facts: My wife is also a second-year student at Fuqua (yes, most of our conversations involve school!). I once permed my hair. I’m a travel enthusiast. I may be a nerd, because I have an unhealthy obsession with Settlers of Catan. I’m an amateur competitive eater!

 

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