When people start the MQM program, their goals usually include mastering SQL, diving into the latest machine learning techniques, or, of course, landing a great job. While these were also my priorities, I had another goal that was just as important to me: I wanted to meet a lot of people.

From the very beginning, I knew the MQM program was going to be incredibly diverse. Students come from different cultures, with different life experiences and worldviews. That really excited me, and I was determined to take advantage of the opportunity to connect with as many people as possible.

Pushing Myself Out of My Comfort Zone

One of the first things I learned at Fuqua is not to be afraid to step out of my comfort zone. I haven’t always been the most outgoing person. Starting conversations can feel intimidating, especially in a new environment. But I realized early on that in a setting like this, you have to set shyness aside and put yourself out there.

Before the program even began, I reached out to a few classmates just to get to know them better. A great example of this is meeting my roommates, who have become some of my closest friends. We first met on Zoom back in May and decided to live together. That decision turned out to be one of the best I made. They’ve been a constant support system throughout the program.

One of the beautiful things about making the effort to connect is that your network grows naturally. Friends introduce you to new people, and suddenly your circle expands without you even realizing it. It’s been incredibly enriching to meet classmates from so many different backgrounds and learn about their cultures.

Experiencing New Cultures Beyond the Classroom

In my last term, I worked with a truly international group. My teammates were from India and China, while I am from Spain. Working together gave us the chance to learn from each other’s perspectives, not only academically but also culturally.

One day, they even took me to an authentic Chinese restaurant to try traditional dishes. I’ll never forget the moment when they were ordering in Chinese. The waiter kept looking at me, asking if I was sure I wanted those dishes because they were very traditional. It was a small but funny reminder of how unique and immersive this experience has been.

My Advice to Incoming Students

For anyone about to start the MQM program — or any program, really — my advice is simple: don’t be afraid to meet people. Everyone is looking to make connections, and even I was surprised by how open and welcoming your peers can be. Come in with an open mind and a willingness to learn — not just from the coursework but from the people around you.

Here are three things I learned in the last 10 months at Fuqua:

1. Having someone by your side can ease the nerves and make it easier to start conversations. So, if you’re a bit shy or hesitant like me, find a buddy to join you at events.
   
2. Not everything in the program has to be work-related. When you’re working in teams, take the opportunity to learn about each other’s backgrounds and lives outside of the classroom. Organizing team dinners or social events can go a long way in building stronger relationships.
   
3. Lastly, sometimes you have to be the one to take the initiative. If you want to meet people, don’t wait for someone else to make the first move — ask someone to grab lunch or organize a meet-up yourself.

Meeting people doesn’t have to (and shouldn’t!) be superficial. It can be about building genuine relationships, exchanging knowledge, and supporting each other through this intense and rewarding journey. In the end, the connections I made are just as valuable as the skills I learned.