When I joined Fuqua’s MQM program, I didn’t have a technical or coding experience. I knew the job market would be competitive — filled with candidates who had similar coursework and even stronger technical backgrounds. So instead of trying to master everything, I focused on building one strength that could help me stand out: data visualization.

Setting a Narrow Focus

Before MQM, I interned at Tableau (Salesforce), which helped me build a strong portfolio. I consistently shared my projects on LinkedIn and applied for roles where data visualization was a core skill. I intentionally left out machine learning or deep learning projects because I was targeting data analyst and business intelligence roles. I didn’t want to appear overqualified or misaligned.

That focus paid off. I landed several interviews before graduation — most of them came without a referral.

The interview process usually began with a phone screen, followed by technical rounds and hiring manager conversations. For final rounds, I was often asked to analyze a dataset and deliver an hour-long presentation. In some cases, hiring managers even pulled up my Tableau dashboards and asked in-depth questions about them. A few mentioned they had discovered my work on LinkedIn, which is how I got the interviews in the first place. That’s when it really clicked: you don’t need to master everything; you just need to find your signature strength.

Staying in the RTP Area

After exploring different options, I decided to stay in the Research Triangle area, home to Duke and Research Triangle Park (RTP), a hub for innovation. The tech and health care industries are growing rapidly here, and I liked the idea of staying close to Fuqua and Duke. After all, this is where my network is strongest. Beyond that, there are many reasons North Carolina felt like the right fit.

• The cost of living is reasonable.
• The nature is beautiful.
• There’s an H-Mart nearby (can’t go wrong as a Korean!).

What Helped Me Succeed

If I had to boil it down, these are the four things that helped me the most:

1. Building a Signature Strength

Lots of business analytics students across the U.S. list the same tools (Python, R, SQL, Tableau, etc.) on their resumes and applications, but what truly makes you stand out in a crowded job market? For me, it was marketing-focused data visualization. I focused on dashboards in the marketing domain and built a clear portfolio. That’s what got recruiters’ attention.

2. Networking With Purpose

Not all referrals carry the same weight, so focus on connecting with people on the specific teams you want to join. Diversify your coffee chat pool across industries and company sizes. I found that it’s better to know one person at five companies than five people at one.

3. Applying Early and Being Myself

Job postings get a flood of attention when they are first posted — apply within 24 hours if you can. In interviews, treat it like a conversation. There’s no single “right” answer. Especially in technical rounds, there are multiple ways to query or code to get the same result. As long as you can explain your logic, your answer is valid. I had responses that differed from what interviewers expected, but once I explained my reasoning, they agreed. That kind of clarity and confidence matters more than being perfect.

4. There’s No Single Right Path

Everyone’s journey is different. You’ll hear lots of advice during coffee chats and throughout the program. Respect them, but filter what actually works for you. In my search, it was clear that everyone has different opinions on when to apply, how much grades matter, how to prioritize skills, etc. My advice is to choose what aligns with your values and timeline, and don’t let others shake your direction too much. This includes my tips — filter what resonates!

And lastly, value your classmates. Some of my best insights and support came from them. If you’re at Fuqua, you already have what it takes. Trust yourself, and let your story speak for itself.

One “yes” is all it takes.