A Lesson in (Time) Management April 18, 2014 - - “I am definitely going to take a course on time management … just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” – Louis E. Boone This quote very well captures the...
Are you a Fuqua Fit? March 12, 2014 - - The final application deadline for Fuqua’s MMS: FOB program, April 1, 2014, is only a couple of weeks away. If you’re still wondering if you fit the bill of the ideal MMS candidate,...
What I Found Along the Road February 21, 2014 - - In 2013, I set some big goals for myself. Two of those goals ended up becoming my biggest achievements for the year: I was accepted into the MMS: Foundations of Business program and...
From the Court to the Classroom: The “Fist” Team Analogy February 14, 2014 - - If you ask me, North Carolina is home to the best college basketball in the world. I grew up on the folklore of Tobacco Road, and for those unfamiliar with North Carolina, Tobacco...
To Apply or Not? That’s the Question & Here’s My Answer: January 27, 2014 - - It’s seventh grade, and I’m listening to my teacher, Mrs. Stoltz, speak about our assignments for the day. The flow chart on the wall delineates our projects for the duration of class. As...
Business Case Competition Provides Consulting Experience January 16, 2014 - - Now that most of the MMS: FOB class has gone through the first rush of recruiting season, it seems that one of the popular routes is consulting. I had only vaguely heard of...
25 Random Things: Are You the Next Piece of the Puzzle? January 9, 2014 - - In my last post, I talked about Team Fuqua. Team Fuqua is what it is because of its people. Each person admitted into one of the MMS programs is an irreplaceable piece of...
Networking is like a Game of Ping Pong, Literally December 26, 2013 - - When you’re a graduate student at The Fuqua School of Business, even the fortune cookie that you get with your Chinese takeout food gives you the same advice — “attend receptions, send emails...
Fuqua’s Got Talent: A Different Side of Business School December 16, 2013 - - When one thinks of business school, suits, recruiting, and stressful late-night study sessions frequently come to mind. It is a place where accomplished individuals from all over the world gather to learn, grow,...
The Brand Challenge Mission December 6, 2013 - - Recently, my fellow MMSers and I were given the opportunity to participate in the MBA Marketing Club’s Brand Challenge. The annual event is a fun and collaborative competition where teams of students develop...
An American Roadtrip December 2, 2013 - - Coming to America, I knew that Thanksgiving was a festive tradition that brought families together to show appreciation for the freedom and liberties they enjoyed. Many international MMS students were invited to celebrate...
An Absence Makes the Bonds Stronger November 26, 2013 - - I have to say, business school is hard. After 3 months of intense learning and work, everyone was desperately looking for a break. So the moment we finished exams for Fall Term 1,...
My 25 Random Things November 25, 2013 - - Recently, Fuqua’s Admissions team instituted a question in the application that asks for 25 random things about applicants. From quirks and passions to hopes and fears, be yourself and let your personality shine...
Discovering Fuqua’s Diversity through International Events November 22, 2013 - - After two really short but busy terms in the MMS: FOB program at Fuqua, we got a much-needed fall break. After the surge of on-campus recruiting, the mad frenzy of classes, company information...
There’s a First Time for Everything at Duke November 19, 2013 - - If you’re a “How I Met Your Mother” enthusiast like me, you’ll remember one of the golden rules — “new is always better.” As someone who lived in the same city for all...
My First American Halloween November 15, 2013 - - It all started long before October 31. Already in the middle of September, when it was still hot as though summer wasn’t going to leave at all, I went for groceries and saw...
Settling in Durham as an International Student: Part 1 November 8, 2013 - - Finding Housing, Transportation, and Furniture Coming from central London, where I studied my undergraduate degree, I knew from the start that my transition to Durham would be tough. I had never lived in...
Two MMS Programs Offer Opportunities to Stretch & Grow November 7, 2013 - - “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” Nearly everyone laughs when I share this quip by the American humorist Will Rogers. It isn’t particularly American, of...
My Favorite Part of Fuqua: A Feeling of Belonging October 18, 2013 - - You step inside the doorway, and your heart tingles with excitement. The first thing you see is the hallway with the row of flags from every country represented at Fuqua. You spot the...
Why Duke? Why Fuqua? October 15, 2013 - - Duke. Fuqua. These two words are game changers. Being accepted into a program that is a part of both? That is life changing. Ok, well maybe being accepted into the MMS: Foundations of...
The MMS Experience: Learn to Love Networking! October 11, 2013 - - The Fox Center is in full action, and Fuqua is getting busier as the days go by. It seems like the school year just started, except that we are already almost done with...
Preparing for Career Success with MMS October 4, 2013 - - My favorite part of the MMS: Foundations of Business program is the focus on self-assessment and development. So far, we’ve focused on this in our Business Communications class, as well as workshops on...
Opening My Next Chapter with MMS October 2, 2013 - - Why Duke? Why Fuqua? Why MMS? From the admissions process to conversations with employers, family, or friends, be sure to truly take the time to reflect on these questions. They are asked time...
Finding the Perfect Path September 24, 2013 - - I graduated from Meredith College, a women’s college in Raleigh, NC, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and two minors in history and Italian. So how did a person like me end up...
What is Team Fuqua? September 23, 2013 - - From day one of the MMS: Foundations of Business program, I was sold on Team Fuqua. You can feel it the moment you step on campus. Every student is here for the same...
My Number One Lesson From MMS September 17, 2013 - - Networking. It’s a term that you’ll probably get sick of at Fuqua. But what does it even mean? According to Merriam-Webster, net·work·ing is “the exchange of information or services among individuals; specifically: the...
Lessons Learned from MMS and the Job Search September 13, 2013 - - The past 6 months were the longest half-year I’ve ever had. It was filled with hopes and let-downs and hopes again. It seemed as if I had entered an endless cycle, starting with...
The Best Cafes & Sweet Shops in Durham August 2, 2013 - - During my time at Fuqua, I noticed that two key items became exceedingly popular to students — coffee and sweets. Durham offers a lot of unique dining and drinking options that you won’t...
MMS: The 10-Month Balancing Act July 19, 2013 - - You’ve got 10 months to explore a new city, maybe even a new country, a new school, meet 100s of new people, and learn everything you can in 15 different classes. Ready. Set....
Top 5 Lessons from Business School July 17, 2013 - - 1. Don’t Just Accept Everything, Question it First Coming from China, I didn’t see myself as a person with “superb critical thinking” written on my personal brand, and I believed this could become...
Three Tips for New MMS Students July 1, 2013 - - Looking back at my MMS experience, I cannot believe how fast the program went by. In the beginning of the summer session, everyone will tell you how quick the program goes by, but...
Blowing Off Some Steam June 12, 2013 - - An important part of being in the MMS program is knowing how to unwind. The program is so fast paced that it’s easy to get swept away by assignments, finals, and the job...
Surviving the Last Days of Class June 7, 2013 - - What is business school like? It is definitely a bitter-sweet experience. Example? Well, at the end of the program, we juggled a hard-core final project with other exams and lots of end-of-the-year activities....
Happy, Sad, and Everything In Between: The End of MMS May 30, 2013 - - When I finished my last official class as part of the MMS program, I was so happy. I found myself in a favorable position — gainfully employed, graduating with a master’s degree, and...
My Favorite Fuqua Professor — Michael Roach May 23, 2013 - - If I asked you what separates a good professor from a great professor, what would you say? Would they make you call them “Oh captain, my captain?” or would it be requisite that...
Where to Live in Durham May 20, 2013 - - So you’ve decided that the MMS program is perfect for you and now you’re trying to decide where to live. Well, you’ve come to just the right place! I’ll be giving you the...
OPT = Optional Practical Training for International Students April 29, 2013 - - As graduation gets closer, many international students have already filed their Optional Practical Training (OPT) status with Duke Visa Services. Here is what I have found out about OPT and what it can...
MMS is Good Fit for Student-Athletes April 23, 2013 - - Duke University is a part of the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) with 26 different sports representing the university. This year, we were proud to have 8 varsity athletes in the MMS program: Dan...
MMS Interns Provide Valuable Support April 19, 2013 - - Almost a year ago, I graduated from the MMS program, eager to apply the skills that I had learned to build a successful career. If someone had told me though, that I would...
Frankie’s Fun Park Lives Up to its Name April 18, 2013 - - Work hard, play hard. It’s a mantra you’ll hear over and over at Fuqua. Luckily for us, it’s not just a mantra, but a true philosophy by which Fuqua students live. So it’s...
MBA Games Coming Soon! April 10, 2013 - - The time has come (the walrus said) for the MMS team to tie up any loose fundraising ends and gear up for the MBA Games Weekend, which starts this Friday. (See my previous...
A True Cultural & Educational Exchange April 1, 2013 - - It’s hard to believe that just 9 months ago I hadn’t even met any of my classmates, yet now they’re some of my closest friends. But what’s most interesting to me is how...
For the Kids March 20, 2013 - - One day while messing around on Facebook during lunch, I noticed that my friend, Kourtney Kellin, had added an acronym to her name on her profile. It read “FTK” in bold letters. Scrunching...
MMS Throws Hat into MBA Games Ring March 19, 2013 - - Every year MBA students organize fundraising events for the Duke MBA Games, a charity benefiting the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Students are registered via an online platform, teams are assembled, and fundraisers...
Overcoming Stage Fright March 15, 2013 - - When I was little, I had severe stage fright. We’re talking SEVERE. For example, when I was just 3 years old, I marched up to my dance instructor, an intimidating former Rockette, and...
It’s Flunch Time March 8, 2013 - - Every term we have lunches called “flunches,” which are lunches with faculty members, sponsored by the MMSA (the MMS Association). These lunches serve as a unique opportunity to get to know our new...
MMS = Master of Many Sports? March 7, 2013 - - Duke University is world renowned for two things — its bright, young scholars and the highly successful basketball program. You might imagine that the two worlds of educational pursuits and athletic endeavors operate...
Taking the Slopes by Storm (Literally!) March 6, 2013 - - The MMS Outdoor Adventure Club put together the most fantastic ski trip recently. That’s right … ski trip! My ears perked up, too when I heard about the excursion. My mind immediately went...
Entrepreneurship – From Theory to Practice March 4, 2013 - - Durham is arguably at the center of the growing Research Triangle Park area that fosters a massive amount of technology startups. Incubators and programs for entrepreneurs to meet, converse, and solve problems are...
OUR HOUSE! The DUKE vs. UNC Campout Payoff February 25, 2013 - - For those of you unfamiliar with the weird ways of the Duke sports scene, there is a time called Campout, which is a giant contest created to test the will and stamina of...
BBQ and Basketball February 13, 2013 - - Fuqua has fun events all the time — sometimes it’s difficult to choose which events to attend because there are so many options! For example, the other week there was a tailgating party...
My First Super Bowl February 7, 2013 - - My classmate Zach gave me a high-five when I walked into the Satisfaction restaurant, saying “I am proud of you!” He was actually referring to the fact that I’d be watching the Super...
Friendly, Knowledgeable Career Advice January 29, 2013 - - At Fuqua, there is a wonderful program called Volunteer Alumni Career Fellows (VACF). The VACFs are Fuqua MBA alumni who volunteer to be paired with an MMS student by the Career Management Center...
Beneficial Career Prep Courses January 14, 2013 - - The MMS program is known for its distinguished group of professors, but one of the many things that are less noticed are the pre-professional programs offered. Two events in particular are Training the...
Thinking about Applying to MMS? January 9, 2013 - - Application season for next year’s MMS class is in full swing! The next application deadline is January 24, and as an Admissions Ambassador, I’m very excited to start answering questions about the program....
Fuqua Network Still Strong After Graduation January 7, 2013 - - I truly loved being a part of Fuqua during my year in the MMS program. Aside from the academic and career-oriented aspects of it, you really feel like you’re in a close-knit family....
Language Resources for International Students January 2, 2013 - - Six months ago I came to the United States for the first time. Clutching a long to-do list, I was thrilled and nervous. But soon I realized how much help was available. For...
Alumni Benefits – Events for Entrepreneurs December 6, 2012 - - Entrepreneurship has always been something that I’ve had a strong interest in, and I like to think of myself as an “entrepreneur in training.” While I was a student at Fuqua, I found...
My First Duke Basketball Experience November 29, 2012 - - When people think of Duke, usually the first thing that comes to mind is basketball. How exciting would it be to play with former Duke basketball players? I found out on Team Changeover...
The Business of Sports November 28, 2012 - - Are you a sports enthusiast? If so, you would have LOVED the recent panel on The Business of Sports. Fuqua worked side-by-side with Wasserman Media Group (an international sports marketing company) to put on...
MMS is Not Like a Fifth Year of College November 20, 2012 - - Coming right from undergraduate studies, most MMSers (including me) have little to no full-time work experience. It is easy to get into the mindset that MMS is a fifth year of undergrad. But...
Top 3 Reasons to Join MMS November 15, 2012 - - For the next 8 months, I’ll be living in a town that I knew nothing about until earlier this year: Durham, North Carolina. For 18 years, I lived in the same state, in...
Halloween, MMS Style November 9, 2012 - - For Halloween, the MMS Connoisseurs Club organized an eventful party at the Lofts. There was food (cake, cookies, cider, candy and ribs) and a lot of great costumes including two classmates dressed as...
MBA Alumni Provide Career Coaching November 9, 2012 - - Fuqua’s Career Management Center (CMC) deserves HUGE props for setting up numerous activities to prepare us for the professional world. The CMC set up mock interview sessions, resume writing workshops, and even interactive...
I Heart New York November 6, 2012 - - By the end of our hectic second semester we were all desperately in need of a vacation, and we couldn’t have been more grateful for fall break! Classmates planned trips to New York,...
Rekindling My Political Interest November 2, 2012 - - Everyone around me seemed to be breathless and frazzled. It was the end of the first fall term, and with our first real break and Halloween coming up, perhaps it was appropriate that...
The MMS Marketing Club at Your Service October 31, 2012 - - Being a vice president of the MMS Marketing Club has been exciting and challenging for me. I am responsible for communications, i.e. releasing a weekly newsletter, maintaining the club’s blog and Facebook group,...
Coming to a Crossroads & Choosing MMS October 23, 2012 - - Anyone who has experienced a senior year, whether during high school or college, can relate to the emotional twinge in response to the question: “So, what’s next?” It’s a question that can initially...
The “Typical” B-School Student? October 18, 2012 - - When you think of graduate students at business school, I’m sure you think of people with backgrounds related to finance, economics, and maybe even engineering. Right? Wrong. As the business world is growing...
Seeing MMS From The Other Side October 16, 2012 - - Participating in Case Competition Brings Back Memories I recently had the opportunity to return to Fuqua for the first time since I graduated in May. It was great to be back in Durham...
Tips on Moving to Durham October 12, 2012 - - Everyone knows that moving to a new city is nothing less than stressful, but the only word I can think of to describe moving to another continent is “overwhelming.” There were so many...
Language Institute Teaches More than English October 4, 2012 - - For the first time this summer, MMS students attended the Fuqua Language Institute with MBA students. All participants were incoming international students who had not spent significant time in the United States. The...
Why I Chose MMS September 28, 2012 - - There are a couple questions that everyone asks: Why did you choose Fuqua? Why MMS? And by everyone, I mean Fuqua’s Admissions Office, fellow MMSers, job recruiters, random MBAs I meet at Fuqua,...
Breaking into Consulting September 21, 2012 - - Case Competition Provides Valuable Learning Experience Placing second out of 22 teams at my first consulting competition … “happy” doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings! My fellow MMSers and I were lucky...
Math Camp Zombies September 17, 2012 - - “Math camp? You’re doing math camp next week?” — my friend asked in disbelief after hearing that I was about to begin a week-long math review. While choking on my answer, I realized...
Wanted: Consulting Job August 27, 2012 - - MMS Grad Offers Tips on Recruitment Process My classmate and recent grad Alex Swan (MMS ’12) is now a Global Business Services Consultant at IBM in San Francisco. Recruiting for consulting positions begins earlier...
Job Search Tips for International Students August 10, 2012 - - Searching for a job as an international student is completely different from searching as an American citizen or a legal resident. Following are some tips and things I wish I had known early...
Everyone at Fuqua is a Resource August 1, 2012 - - Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities If you haven’t heard already, one of the most amazing things about being at Fuqua is the unlimited access to the “Fuqua network.” It goes without saying that...
Dining in Durham July 27, 2012 - - One of my favorite things about Durham was all the great food, especially Southern food. During my year in Durham, I became a big fan of many restaurants — places I miss a...
Do This in Durham: July 20, 2012 - - Looking back, there are some things that I should have taken more advantage of during my stay in Durham. Don’t let these things pass YOU by: The Duke Gardens: I went there once...
Where to Live in Durham? July 12, 2012 - - A big question on my mind as I prepared to move to Durham was where I was going to live. Of primary concern to me was safety, but price and proximity to school...
Class of 2013: Prepare for your MMS Journey July 10, 2012 - - Hello MMS Class of 2013! As you prepare to move to Durham and get started at Fuqua, I thought I’d share a few tips to make your transition into academic life a bit...
First Month At My Dream Job July 5, 2012 - - I mentioned in previous posts that I’d be working for Wells Fargo in Charlotte. While I was greatly looking forward to that position, my circumstances changed, and it was in my best interest...
I Wish I’d Known: June 18, 2012 - - Before starting the MMS program, there are a few things that I wish I would have known: This is going to be hard for everyone – everyone will struggle. Don’t feel alone! The...
Putting the MMS Degree to Good Use June 11, 2012 - - Chronicling my MMS journey has been an amazing experience, and now as an alumna I hope to give you some perspective on how I’m putting my degree to use. I’ve had a long...
Durham’s Hidden Gem: Meelo’s Restaurant June 6, 2012 - - Several of my classmates who attended Duke for undergrad constantly raved about the restaurant scene in Durham … Cosmic Cantina, Satisfaction, Café Parizade, Vin Rouge, Alivia’s: these were some of the places that...
Meet MMS Professor Sharon Belenzon June 4, 2012 - - I had the pleasure of sitting down with Fuqua Professor Sharon Belenzon who teaches a strategy class in the MMS program. It was a privilege to learn more about his research and interests:...
Here are my Votes: May 30, 2012 - - Favorite MMS Moment: Triangle Training Favorite Professor: Scott Dyreng Favorite Off-Campus Hangout: American Tobacco District Best MMS Social Event: Winter Formal Best BBQ: Q-Shack Favorite Late-Night Eatery: Thai Cafe Best Local Deals/Happy Hour:...
Adding My Two Cents … May 29, 2012 - - Favorite MMS Moment: There’s too much to choose from, so I’ll just say what my favorite class moment was — it was when we discussed the Bayer case in Business Communications class. Favorite...
My Duke & Durham Superlatives May 28, 2012 - - Favorite MMS Moment: Every moment! Hahaha. No, I’m serious. I loved being here. Favorite Professor: Bob Nau. He taught Spreadsheet Modeling, and he’s my favorite! He’s amazing – he included screenshots with every...
A Few Recommendations: May 25, 2012 - - Favorite MMS Moment: Getting tickets to the Duke-UNC game at Cameron! Favorite Professor: Aaron Kay Favorite Off-Campus Hangout Spot: Shooters II Best MMS Social Event: Formal Favorite Late-Night Eatery: Cookout Best Local Deals/Happy...
My Favorite Things … May 24, 2012 - - Favorite MMS Moment: Triangle Training Favorite Professor: Sharon Belenzon Favorite Off-Campus Hangout: Guglhupf or the Washington Duke patio Best MMS Social Event: Winter Formal Best BBQ: Blue Note Grille and Q-Shack Favorite Late-Night...
A Gift to Fuqua May 24, 2012 - - It feels great to have made it through the MMS program, and finally join another wonderful alumni network. Watching everyone file past in their robes during graduation made me extremely proud of my...
Celebrations & Reflections May 14, 2012 - - Fuqua sponsored our end-of-the-year banquet just over a week ago at one of Durham’s best Italian restaurants, Piazza Italia. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate each other and our accomplishments. It was...
Meet Emma Hamm: Student & Lacrosse Athlete May 11, 2012 - - MMS student Emma Hamm had a packed schedule outside of school. She’s played on the Duke Women’s Lacrosse team and was a first team All-American last season, as well as a finalist for...
Some Final Fuqua Events May 10, 2012 - - During the last few weeks of the MMS program, there were many events to celebrate and embrace how far we’ve come, as well as give back to the community. One of our final...
The Initial MMS Admissions Process May 10, 2012 - - Take it One Step at a Time I remember when I first found out about the MMS program – I was Googling master’s programs in the States when I learned that Duke had...
Looking Back, While Looking Forward May 8, 2012 - - As I Walk Away from MMS, I See That I’ve Gained A Lot How quickly things change! Just a few weeks ago I was anxiously shooting my resume out to companies, hoping to...
10-Month Marathon May 2, 2012 - - I started the MMS program in July of last year, and now, graduation is around the corner. In the 10-month program, I’ve covered quantitative analysis, accounting, business communication, marketing, strategy, finance, decision analysis...
Research Assistant Work Provides Valuable Experience April 30, 2012 - - Since February, a classmate, Crystal Luo, and I have worked as assistants to Fuqua Executive in Residence Bill Sax. Professor Sax has run a small business consulting course for more than 25 years....
Exams! April 30, 2012 - - This week we are taking our last MMS exams! And I’ve found that they are no different than those I took during undergrad in that they’re no fun and require a lot of...
Spring Social April 28, 2012 - - Earlier this year, the MMS Black Student Association had the opportunity to host a mixer with our MBA counterparts, The Black & Latino MBA Organization (BLMBAO). The event was a great opportunity to...
Career Coaching April 27, 2012 - - One of my favorite aspects of the MMS program has been the career coaching, which every student has access to. My coach is Helen, and she’s the best! At the beginning of the...
Charity Tournament April 26, 2012 - - The MMS Non-Profit Club will host its final event for the 2011-2012 academic year this Saturday, April 28. The club will host a singles charity tennis tournament to raise money for the charities...
Principles of Paying for MMS April 26, 2012 - - If you’ve chosen to join the MMS Class of 2013, congratulations and welcome to Team Fuqua! An important aspect of your education is figuring out how you’re going to finance it. My posting...
Get Your Foot in the Stock Market April 25, 2012 - - If you’re anything like me, you’ve never really delved into the tangled mess that is the stock market – and you might consider yourself lucky. If you find yourself curious though, like I...
International Festivities April 24, 2012 - - Duke recently held its annual Springternational Festival (click for some photos from the event). As the name suggests, this event is held every spring to celebrate the diverse cultures which exist at Duke...
Gaining Quantitative Skills April 19, 2012 - - I come from a very non-quantitative background. I did international studies for my undergrad major, so there were no classes that required quantitative skills. One of the reasons I wanted to come to...
Top 5 Reasons to Join MMS April 11, 2012 - - Attending the MMS program is one of the best (if not the best) decision I have made. I had no clue about the MMS program until after I scored well on the GMAT...
Graduation On My Mind April 10, 2012 - - It’s hard to believe, but in about 30 days I’ll be a graduate of The Fuqua School of Business! The last 10 months have gone by quickly, and I must say it’s been...
European Vacation April 6, 2012 - - One of the best perks about going to Fuqua is its spring break, and specifically the length: two weeks instead of one. We were out of class from March 4 – 18. Now,...
Dinner with the Dean April 3, 2012 - - On Wednesday, March 28, the MMS Class of 2012 had the opportunity to have dinner with the Dean of The Fuqua School of Business, Bill Boulding. The dinner was held at The Cotton...
Dear Prospective Student: April 2, 2012 - - A little over one year ago I was in your shoes, applying to the MMS program and trying to decide if it was the best fit for me. I’ve written several blog posts...
Business in Africa Symposium March 29, 2012 - - I recently attended the first symposium held by the newly formed MBA Business in Africa Club. The club’s focus is to prepare those with an interest in Africa for the business opportunities that...
Career Resources for International Students March 28, 2012 - - We all know that the world economy is not at its best – and the same goes for the economy here, too. It’s especially difficult for us internationals because along with the cultural...
The Business of Moneyball March 27, 2012 - - Book & Movie Review Moneyball is the third Michael Lewis book that I’ve read this year, but this time it’s accompanied by a movie. Lewis has quickly become one of my favorite authors,...
Strategy Class Leaves Lasting Impression March 26, 2012 - - So far, one of the most interesting MMS classes I’ve taken is Principles of Strategy, taught by Professor Sharon Belenzon. This class was very different from anything I had taken before, and was...
Disappointing Loss Doesn’t Overshadow Memorable Season March 21, 2012 - - Duke basketball made history again, but unfortunately, it was for all the wrong reasons. A number two seed losing its first game to a 15 seed in the NCAA Tournament is rare. In...
Duke Supports Entrepreneurs March 14, 2012 - - Is becoming an entrepreneur a part of your career goals? Business school can be one of the many important steps you’ll need to achieve this goal and Fuqua’s curriculum provides excellent preparation. Since...
There’s Nothing Like a Duke – UNC Game in Cameron March 8, 2012 - - Any sports fan will tell you the Duke-UNC rivalry is the greatest in college sports, maybe even the best in all of American sports. Even though I didn’t attend Duke during my undergraduate...
Bringing March Madness to the Web March 6, 2012 - - Turner Broadcasting was on campus the other week – and I know it has been said before, but it bears repeating – Fuqua attracts the most amazing speakers! Three “Turner Talks” were scheduled...
Former Infosys Chairman & CEO Talks Leadership March 3, 2012 - - I love the guest speakers that Fuqua brings in. Recently, the former Chairman and CEO of Infosys, Narayana Murthy came to the school to discuss lessons in leadership as part of the Distinguished...
A Fashionable Celebration March 2, 2012 - - Black History Month is celebrated by millions of people of color in the United States as a testament to the richness and diversity of black history and culture. In an effort to showcase...
Snowboarding in the South March 1, 2012 - - On President’s Day Weekend, 25 MMS students headed to Wintergreen, a ski resort in Virginia, for a weekend of snowboarding and skiing. This event, put on by the MMS outdoor adventure club, gave...
Students Hit the Slopes February 29, 2012 - - Most people don’t think of “skiing” when they think of North Carolina, but there are some great ski resorts only hours away. The MMS Outdoor Activities Club recently spent a weekend at the...
Meet Molly Lester: MMS Student & Duke Soccer Captain February 28, 2012 - - Molly Lester is an MMS classmate and Duke Women’s Soccer captain. Her team had a great season last year, and they made it to the finals of the National Championship. I enjoyed the...
Movie Reminds Me of Team Fuqua February 25, 2012 - - The Black Student Association recently held its first official club outing. We took a trip to see the movie Red Tails. The movie chronicles the challenges faced by the first all-African American unit...
Connoisseurs Club Celebrates their Love of Baked Goods! February 24, 2012 - - It is safe to say that February 14 is most everyone’s least favorite made-up holiday. If you’re in a relationship, it’s that frustrating day where you have to get someone a gift for...
Olympian Hopeful Excels in MMS & on Duke Swim Team February 21, 2012 - - The MMS program doesn’t just admit some of the smartest people in the world. It attracts some of the world’s best athletes, too. I don’t fall into that category, but as a former...
Duke – UNC Rivalry February 10, 2012 - - After spending nearly eight months in the Triangle, I can now clearly feel the bad blood between Duke and the University of North Carolina. I have made several friends at UNC, so when...
Hosting International Visitors February 9, 2012 - - Fuqua recently hosted a group of prospective students from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). The group of roughly 25 students visited a number of schools in the Research Triangle...
Fast Food Cravings February 2, 2012 - - Durham has many great dining options, but I’m not going to discuss anything gourmet. Or expensive. Life at Fuqua is busy, and sometimes, you need to get food quickly. Or even if you’re...
Personal Job Search: Finding the Right Fit February 1, 2012 - - There are many factors that go into a job hunt, and looking for a job is often a painful and tedious task that requires great patience. It’s important to find a job that...
Fuqua Friday: Lunar New Year Style February 1, 2012 - - Last week’s Fuqua Friday was a celebration of Asian culture and cuisine, in honor of the Lunar New Year. Celebrating this holiday has become one of Fuqua’s cultural traditions. The celebration featured a...
My First Lunar New Year January 26, 2012 - - One of the resounding themes of the MMS program and Fuqua in general, is the large value that is placed on diversity in terms of background, experience, and culture. This past weekend marked...
Days of My Life January 24, 2012 - - No two days are the same in this program. Some days are crazy busy, while some are less packed. It all depends on what term you’re in and what activities you’ve signed up...
Class Teaches Practical Lessons January 20, 2012 - - Business Communications Course Focuses on the Right Job Skills I recently spoke with my future manager at Wells Fargo, and I set up the conversation so I could gain insight on what I...
Open House — You’re Invited! January 18, 2012 - - Open Houses are a great way for prospective students to engage with current MMSers and determine whether the program is a good fit for them. Open Houses are supported by MMS Admissions Ambassadors....
Nearby Art January 14, 2012 - - The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh is a great place to visit, especially when they have special exhibitions and shows. Over the past few years, there have been several exhibitions to...
Looking Forward to Next Semester January 13, 2012 - - Winter break has provided some wonderful downtime for me so far. I have been able to relax and enjoy the fact that I don’t have to think about anything really quantitative. Christmas was...
What is a Leader of Consequence? January 12, 2012 - - A reader recently asked this question, and I thought it would be helpful to provide a broader response. The truth of the matter is that “Leader of Consequence” has a different meaning for...
The Best Way to Spend a Duke Break January 11, 2012 - - Having 15 courses during 10 short months makes the MMS program intense, and the breaks in between particularly precious. There are competing priorities during these breaks including job searches, internships, visiting family, and...
First Night Raleigh January 10, 2012 - - On December 31, we bring in the New Year with a bang in Raleigh – or a drop, rather. First Night Raleigh is a New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown. Citizens of the...
Carpe Diem! January 9, 2012 - - I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. Every year, people come up with a bucket list and then a few weeks later, they throw it in the trash can. I’m no different. I’ve...
My New Year’s Resolutions January 3, 2012 - - 2011 was a great year. I had the chance to work in Ghana before moving over to Duke and the MMS program. My experiences have taught me a lot, and I look forward...
A Grad Student’s New Year’s Resolutions: January 3, 2012 - - Drink less vanilla-flavored coffee and more green tea No more jalapeño chips before lunch Pack a lunch for long school days Get better at carpooling to school No more parking tickets Remember my...
Diversity in MMS & Why it Matters December 29, 2011 - - Every educational institution talks about how diverse they are, and Fuqua is no different. The MMS website says: 30% of the student body has international citizenship, representing over 20 countries. Students come from 77 different undergraduate...
Bubble Mentality December 28, 2011 - - As a student, it’s easy to fall into what I like to call the “bubble mentality.” We live within the “bubble” of our academic lives, which revolve around academic work, while our social...
On Break & Graduation is Already in Sight December 23, 2011 - - With exams leading up to the break, I spent a full few days studying. One of the advantages of having such well prepared professors, though, is that the PowerPoint slide decks from all...
Reflections on the Halfway Point December 23, 2011 - - July 13, 2011: First Class of Summer Term 9 – 11:15 am: Business Communications 12:15 – 2:30 pm: Team Dynamics 2:45 – 5 pm: Accounting Fast forward 5 months … December 13, 2011:...
Christmas Wish List December 22, 2011 - - Since a couple other bloggers made a wish list, I figured that I should make one, too. Just for fun! The new Nokia Lumia 800 A black iPod classic A car (Durham is...
My Holiday Wish List December 22, 2011 - - Since the holidays are here, I decided to put together a brief wish list for the season, from a student’s perspective. Here goes: Job – Number one on the list. This is one...
The Social Side of MMS December 19, 2011 - - Many posts have covered the academic/professional side of the MMS program. It’s equally important to highlight the fact that Fuqua cares about balance, and encourages students to spend time with one another in...
Winter Break is a Time for … December 19, 2011 - - Despite the fact that everyone has been busy with interviews and looking for jobs, a portion of the class has not yet received a job offer. From what I’ve heard from classmates, I...
The End of Five Long Months December 15, 2011 - - Can’t Believe We’ve Come So Far Already I cannot believe how quickly the time has passed. Somehow it is December. I feel like it was only weeks ago that we were sitting in...
MMS Christmas Wish List December 13, 2011 - - So I know Santa Claus doesn’t exist, but that doesn’t mean I can’t wish for things for Christmas. As I thought about what I want for Christmas, I thought I’d get some input...
We’re Not in Undergrad Anymore December 9, 2011 - - Academics Move Quickly & Finals are Soon Upon Us “Finals are next week.” “Wait, didn’t we just have finals?” One important thing for incoming students to know about Fuqua is that finals are...
Peer to Peer: Real Talk December 9, 2011 - - In an earlier post, I spoke at length about the Volunteer Alumni Career Fellow (VACF) Program and the general supportiveness of Fuqua’s alumni. The deep pride alumni have for Fuqua strongly motivates them...
International Exposure December 8, 2011 - - Learning About Other Cultures is an Enriching Experience My undergraduate university, NC State, was a hub of international activity, due in part to the scientific and engineering resources available for research and development....
BB&T CEO Teaches Values-based Leadership December 7, 2011 - - We recently welcomed John A. Allison, former Chairman and CEO of BB&T Corporation, to campus. Hearing a speaker of Mr. Allison’s caliber is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Aspiring to build a career in financial...
Dinner with P&G Executives!?! December 5, 2011 - - Procter & Gamble is the world’s leading consumer packaged good (CPG) company and also one of the best places to start a marketing career in consumer goods. As a member of the MMS...
Got Questions? I Have Answers! December 2, 2011 - - As an Admissions Ambassador and a blogger, prospective students ask me a number of questions. I thought it might be helpful to share my answers with a larger audience, and I will post...
Interviewing Skills Improved by Alumni December 2, 2011 - - For me, the most beneficial aspect of the MMS program has been the VACF. Every MMS student is assigned to two Volunteer Alumni Career Fellows, or VACFs. These alumni help MMS students to...
A Business Leader’s Philosophy December 1, 2011 - - Former Bank President & CEO Shares Thoughts on Success John Allison, former president and Chief Executive Officer of BB&T Bank, came to speak to the MMS class this past Monday. Mr. Allison shared...
A Durham Thanksgiving November 30, 2011 - - Thanksgiving is a time for the celebration of family and experiences. This is no different for the Team Fuqua family. For international and domestic students who were unable to make it home during...
Thankful for a Break November 28, 2011 - - During my undergraduate work, Thanksgiving break was like the home stretch of the semester-long race. Classes were winding down, and when I went back to school I only had one week of class,...
Duke vs. UNC – The Rivalry November 28, 2011 - - This past weekend, the classic rivalry between Duke and UNC was reignited during Saturday’s football game. Devils fans were disappointed, unfortunately, with a hard-fought loss to the Tar Heels. Duke has been struggling...
Getting for The Giving — Thank You! November 24, 2011 - - The Thanksgiving Food Drive, jointly organized by the MMS Black Student Association and the Non-Profit Club, was a huge success. Everyone donated generously, filling several bins and in the end, requiring 2 full...
Volunteer Alumni Career Fellows (VACF) November 23, 2011 - - Volunteer Alumni Career Fellows (VACF) are MBA alumni who give MMS students advice on resumes, cover letters, interviews, and so forth. As a student, I was able to have three sessions with two...
Team Fuqua November 22, 2011 - - One of the most frequently heard phrases when you get here is ‘Team Fuqua.’ At first I thought, ‘Okay, so people here must work in teams a lot.’ But as I’m in my...
What are Case Studies? November 22, 2011 - - Okay so here’s a heads up for business school – and this applies to almost every business school – you will learn via the case method. I recently went to NC State to...
The End of Interviews — I Got a Job! November 21, 2011 - - I am pleased to share that I will be employed after graduating from the MMS program in May! Yesterday, I officially accepted a corporate strategy consulting position with Wells Fargo in Charlotte. I...
Team Challenges & Lessons November 21, 2011 - - One aspect of the MMS program that sets it far apart from undergraduate coursework is the emphasis that is placed on teamwork. In undergrad, I remember having a few classes that required a...
Our Great State November 21, 2011 - - There’s So Much to See in NC As a native North Carolinian and someone who has lived in Raleigh for most of my life, I feel that it’s my duty to tell people...
On-Campus Job Boosts Budget November 18, 2011 - - One of the issues on the minds of many students pursuing graduate studies is how to finance their education. Though many schools offer scholarships and loans as a form of support, these are...
Our Very Own Beauty November 17, 2011 - - The MMS program brings together students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. The program represents students from over 20 countries, over 40 different undergraduate majors, and over 75 different undergraduate institutions. We...
Panelists Highlight Finance Opportunities November 16, 2011 - - This panel event focused on careers in the finance industry, from both a male and female perspective. The panel consisted of 6 members of the BlackRock Team, who discussed their experiences at the...
Finding Direction November 15, 2011 - - Career Coaches Take a Holistic Approach When I began my undergraduate study, I was floundering about what to do with my career. I am sad to say that by the time I graduated,...
Navigating Duke’s Campus November 15, 2011 - - Duke’s campus is extremely beautiful. When I’m throwing a Frisbee with my roommate, the gothic architecture makes us feel like we’re at Hogwarts. The greenery is incomparable. Not many universities have: An art...
Bloomberg Training November 14, 2011 - - Learning to Use the Same System that the Pros Use I mentioned in an earlier post that Fuqua’s Ford Library has several Bloomberg terminals where students can access financial data. Since Bloomberg terminals...
A Game at Cameron is a Special Experience November 12, 2011 - - Despite its academic qualifications, Duke is most known for basketball. I am a HUGE basketball fan, having played throughout high school. I also had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to help the Houston Rockets with...
“Mobile Wars” Provide Real-World Experience November 12, 2011 - - Ten MMS students just wrapped up two months’ worth of heavy tech research and debate. This year’s first Center for Technology, Entertainment and Media (CTEM) Case Competition was titled “MOBILE WARS: Google vs....
The Fashion & Luxury Goods Club November 11, 2011 - - If the Marketing Club is my professional club, the Fashion & Luxury Goods Club is my fun club (although it’s registered as a professional club, I consider the activities as more relaxing). The...
Getting for the Giving November 11, 2011 - - Student-sponsored Food Drive in Progress The MMS Black Student Association (BSA) and Non-Profit Club present the first ever Thanksgiving Food Drive! Much of our time in the MMS program is spent developing ourselves...
Learning About Social Sector Opportunities November 11, 2011 - - One of the MMS professional clubs, the Non-Profit Club, organized an information session last month that was focused on jobs within the social sector. I loved the fact that the speakers spoke about...
Networking: Informational Interviews November 10, 2011 - - I thought getting a job was simple. You send in your resume, get called in for an interview, and then get an offer if you’re lucky. Well, not really. Networking is a huge...
From One Season to Four: A Californian’s First November 9, 2011 - - As a native of San Francisco, who has really only experienced California ‘seasons’ (called fog in San Francisco, and sun in Los Angeles), I have to say that fall in North Carolina is...
Halloween Spectacular November 7, 2011 - - The Halloween party hosted by the MMS Culinary Connoisseurs Club was a success! Not only were the costumes impressive, but the food provided was some of the most creative I’ve seen. Two dishes...
The Exam Crunch November 5, 2011 - - An Emphasis on Learning We just returned from our week-long fall break, which was wonderfully relaxing after 12 weeks of class. As can be expected in any graduate program, exam time is a...
Once in a Lifetime Experience November 4, 2011 - - Being Coached by Former Duke Basketball Players I am a huge basketball fan, so I found the MMS Basketball Experience (part of team changeover) incredibly worthwhile largely because I recognized some of our...
Fuqua’s Ford Library: Rich with Helpful Resources November 4, 2011 - - Since beginning the MMS program a few months ago, I have spent quite a bit of time in Fuqua’s Ford Library. Most of my time in the library is spent studying, and I...
Innovative Talent at Fuqua Career Services November 3, 2011 - - In undergrad whenever I’d visit a career counselor, he or she would give me generic advice that wasn’t particularly helpful to my specific situation and goals: “Make a list of target companies and...
Speaking with a Top Business Exec November 2, 2011 - - CEO of Rio Tinto has Intimate Discussion with Students As mentioned in “Impressed by Speakers at Fuqua,” I really enjoy meeting with executives who come to campus. Today, we had a special speaker....
Lessons from the Court November 1, 2011 - - Applying Duke Basketball Principles to Team Fuqua “Team Fuqua” is a fundamental part of the MMS experience. Teams are where we study, complete projects, and often find our closest friends. Teams are first...
Trying to be Productive During Fall Break! October 28, 2011 - - Fall break was 6 days this year. It was October 20 – 25, and started the day after finals. A lot of students went back home, but as an international, it was a...
Interview Season in Full Gear October 28, 2011 - - I applied to the MMS program so I could get a leg up on competition for jobs. MMS students compete with undergraduates for positions. In addition, some companies specifically recruit MMS students for...
Club Life October 27, 2011 - - In my previous posts I’ve talked quite a bit about the academic and professional (aka job search) demands of the program, but not much about what there is to do within the Fuqua...
A Mini Tour of NC October 25, 2011 - - Last week was finally fall break!! Don’t get me wrong, Fuqua and the MMS program are a wonderful experience. I find myself learning and being challenged on a daily basis to test my...
Ambassador and Baker: My Roles at Fuqua October 24, 2011 - - When I first arrived at Fuqua I wanted to make sure that I was involved in activities outside of the classroom and my normal team gatherings. There are so many awesome clubs that get started...
Valuable Alumni Network October 18, 2011 - - Program Connects Alumni to Students to Build Job Search Skills One of Fuqua’s greatest resources are its alumni. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with a number of passionate and involved Fuqua alumni...
Duke Football Gives New Fans Hope October 18, 2011 - - I consider myself a new Blue Devil fan. To be honest, I grew up rooting against Duke in basketball. In fact, I used to equate the Blue Devils with the Yankees of baseball,...
Exclusive Learning Opportunities October 16, 2011 - - Events Provide Valuable Company, Industry Insight This past week, representatives from the southeastern banking firm BB&T visited Fuqua for an exclusive information session for MMS students. The presentation focused primarily on BB&T’s Leadership...
Why MMS is Right for Me October 14, 2011 - - The Master of Management Studies (MMS) is a unique program in that it’s designed to deliver a master’s level business education in less than a year. The concept of earning an advanced degree...
Learning to Analyze Advertising October 7, 2011 - - I’m a member of the MMS Marketing Club, which is doing an awesome job of holding events for students interested in pursuing a career in marketing and advertising. One event I loved was...
Crossing the Sectional Divide October 7, 2011 - - October 4th marked the first official MMS “cross-section lunch.” This created an opportunity for students in different sections to socialize with each other. This was an experience many students had not had since...
The American Dream? October 6, 2011 - - As the taxi I took from the airport drove away, I was left alone with my things at the entrance of the hotel I was staying at for the night in Durham. It...
Case Competition Sheds Light on Consulting October 4, 2011 - - As a member of the MMS Consulting Club, I took part in the Accenture Case Competition, in conjunction with the Masters in Engineering Management (MEM) Consulting Club. For the competition, MMS and MEM...
It’s Homecoming!!! September 28, 2011 - - The weekend of September 23rd marked homecoming at Duke University. The Blue Devil spirit was all around, and the team did an amazing job, beating Tulane 48 to 27. Go Blue Devils!! For...
A Brush with Olympic Excellence September 25, 2011 - - Deloitte is a major sponsor of the US Olympic Team, and they bring Olympic athletes to college campuses to speak to students. I had the pleasure of going to their event on September...
Impressed by Speakers at Fuqua September 21, 2011 - - The Duke MBA Finance Club put on its annual Finance Symposium, titled RESHAPING GLOBAL MARKETS: Embarking on a Path of Economic Recovery. All members of the Duke family were invited, and I participated...
Campout Crazies September 21, 2011 - - One of the storied traditions for graduate students at Duke University is a yearly event called Campout. It lasts for a weekend, usually in September, and the reason for it is to win...
My Journey to Duke September 19, 2011 - - There’s actually a really long and complicated story about how I ended up at Duke, so I’m going to keep it as concise as I can. I attended undergrad at Syracuse University in...
Business Gets Social September 18, 2011 - - In early September, Fuqua’s Center for Technology, Entertainment, and Media (CTEM) sponsored the First Annual Technology, Entertainment, and Media Deep Dive, focusing on the world of social media. The event explored the interaction...
Greetings! September 15, 2011 - - Hey everyone! So excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the Fuqua blog. I love writing and I’m really looking forward to sharing my Fuqua journey with you. I hope that my...
What I Found in the MMS Program September 15, 2011 - - When I was looking for a graduate program, I wanted one that would give me a strong return on investment, had strong name recognition, and would help lead me to a career I...
Why I Chose Duke September 12, 2011 - - I graduated from USC in 2010 and knew almost immediately that I wanted to go to graduate school. I spent a year working in Los Angeles, bouncing from a position with an entertainment...
A Little About Me September 9, 2011 - - I am originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, so I am not too far away from home here in Durham. I majored in English at N.C. State University. Outside of school I enjoy cooking,...