No matter who you are or where you come from, joining the MMS program is an adjustment. For some, it’s an adjustment that requires moving to a new city, state, or country. It’s a new academic environment and a change in routine. Because MMS is incredibly diverse, the onboarding process is unique and challenging — something I experienced firsthand. Despite the challenges, it’s been an incredible journey!

Let me start from the beginning (I love keeping things chronological!). Coming from Moscow, Russia, my first challenge was adapting to a completely different environment. Durham felt like a village compared to home — with its scattered grocery stores, low-rise buildings, car-dependent culture, limited food options, and of course, the language difference. While this cultural shift was mind-bending, I discovered that stepping out of my comfort zone made me more adaptable — and I loved it!

Adjusting Academically

The real challenges began in July when I truly understood the commitment earning a master’s degree at Fuqua required. The pace is incredibly fast — terms are just six weeks long, followed by exams. Coming from a math and information technology (IT) background, the transition to business education was dramatic. Instead of quietly solving equations and coding algorithms alone, I had to learn to collaborate with teammates from vastly different backgrounds.

The adjustment was really difficult at first (but now I can laugh about it!). Being naturally honest, I have to say: when you’re used to being surrounded by math enthusiasts, it’s quite an adjustment working with people from diverse backgrounds. You’re constantly adapting to new people and classes — all while attending numerous events.

Liliia Botueva appears in a photo on presentation screen as a classmate stands at the podium of a classroom at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business

Life at Fuqua

Speaking of events — here’s the fun part! There are countless opportunities to meet people, develop skills, learn new things, and simply enjoy yourself. As of writing this blog, I can’t say I’m fully adjusted (still adapting!), but here’s what’s changed:

Expanding My Horizons

I’ve grown to love my team and the Fuqua community. There’s a real spirit here, and people are genuinely wonderful! I enjoy getting to catch up with friends at Fuqua Friday and have grown to appreciate the food, thanks to Fuqua Friday’s weekly rotating themes cuisines.

Liliia Botueva and a friend, both wearing basketball net hats, attending a Duke men's basketball game or event at Cameron Indoor Stadium

I attend practically every event, including sports activities! They’ve even inspired me to take up running — now I can run for an hour straight. Speaking of running, I’m perpetually running late, so this new hobby is helping me get fit and get to class on time. Thankfully, I live near campus! When I’m on time, I use buses and night vans to get around and explore new areas.

Expanding My Network

It’s surprisingly easy to make connections at Fuqua, and I spend most of my time on campus studying and socializing. I am also a member of the MMS Tech Club, a group my cohort formed to explore the tech industry. We even attended a site visit to Cisco in the Fall.

Liliia Botueva and her classmates in the MMS program at The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University attending a Cisco site-visit as part of a club activity

I’m very grateful to have an opportunity to work with an MBA mentor, who is helping me prepare for product management roles after I graduate from the MMS program. I’ve become much more confident in my skills, especially in giving presentations.

While I may not ace every exam, I know I’m making strong progress at Fuqua. We often don’t realize how challenges make us stronger and more adaptable in the face of future obstacles, and I’ve loved this journey.