As members of the MQM program, career, and admissions teams, we’re often asked what makes the MQM experience special. It would be impossible to capture everything we love about the program. So, in honor of Fuqua’s iconic ‘25 Random Things’ essay, we put our heads together to create this list of 25 fun, insightful, and sometimes surprising things that capture the spirit of MQM.

Academics & Development

1. Each year, 10-13 students have the privilege of serving their classmates as part of the MQM Association (MQMA). As the program’s student government, MQMA is a unique opportunity for students to gain key leadership skills while enhancing the overall MQM student experience.

2. To culminate the MQM academic experience, student teams work with industry partners to complete a capstone project. 

3. There are many ways for MQM students to get involved in the greater Duke community. A few recent examples include:
– Joining the Chinese Music Ensemble
– Volunteering at the Duke Canine Cognition Center
– Serving on the graduate and professional student government

4. Before beginning their track-specific courses in the fall, all MQM students take the same courses in the Summer.

5. The Fuqua Quantitative Management Programs Data Competition provides students with an opportunity to apply their new analytical skills in a fun, competitive format.

Student Experience

6. Our main priority as program staff is supporting MQM students, and that includes finding fun ways to unwind from rigorous coursework. Here are some of our favorite events from the past few years:
– Hands-on workshops like ‘paint and sip’ and terrarium building
– Movie night at Durham’s historic Carolina Theatre
– A festive fall outing to a corn maze

7. Historically, MQM students have hosted a wide variety of cultural events, including India and Pakistan Independence Days and Lunar New Year.

8. Events surrounding major holidays like Diwali, Mid-Autumn Festival, and many others mean there is always something to celebrate.

9. MQM students can participate in the graduate student campout for a chance to buy Duke men’s basketball tickets. (Find more information about attending Duke sporting events here.) 

10. Climbing the 239 steps to the top of the Duke Chapel tower is a can’t-miss experience for MQM students, offered every fall.

11. MQM students interested in Durham’s local sports culture can take advantage of outings to see the Durham Bulls (minor league baseball) and the Carolina Hurricanes (professional hockey).

12. The MQM Formal is a spring celebration hosted by the MQMA.

13. MQM students embrace the arts in many ways. A few examples include attending the North Carolina Opera, making tie blankets for the charity Project Linus, and participating in a holiday card design contest.

14. Students have a knack for discovering unique activities, like goat yoga, touring the Duke Lemur Center, and organizing trips to the beach.

Career

15. Career programming and practice sessions provide MQM students with a roadmap to be successful at all stages of the job search process, including mastering small talk, designing résumés and LinkedIn profiles that align with industries of interest, and practical networking skills that help students increase their chances of getting an interview.

16. AI is enhancing MQM career services in a few interesting ways.
– Career Roadmap Advisor: creates tailored roadmaps and a step-by-step guide on suggested preparations required for fall recruiting, spring recruiting, or company-specific recruiting
– MQM Career Advisor: analyzes career data and recommends companies and roles based on a student’s resume, interests, and professional strengths
– MQM Alumni Connector: This AI tool provides students with a list of alumni connections based on companies and roles they’re most interested in by scanning the complete list of MQM alumni to make its recommendations.

17. Each MQM student is paired with an alumni mentor to assist them through their job search. Mandarin-speaking students are paired with Mandarin-speaking mentors to help them navigate the unique challenges of gaining employment opportunities in the U.S.

18. Career services at Fuqua are personal. Every MQM student can expect a personalized monthly check-in from a career coach to make sure they are on track and have the support they need.

19. When job hunts are in full swing, our team sends MQM resume books to our employer partners and all MQM alumni.

20. As you can probably tell, MQM alumni are very engaged with our community. Each year, we host sessions with MQM alumni where they share their work, the recruiting process, and what it takes to navigate the interview process successfully. In the past, we have heard from alumni working at Capital One, Meta, Wayfair, Amazon, and others.

Admissions

21. The MQM Class of 2026 is a diverse and accomplished group representing 24 nationalities.

22. Our admissions team provides personalized support to applicants throughout the process — from answering initial questions to offering guidance on next steps after admission — ensuring every student feels supported from start to finish.

23. Students play an essential role in shaping the future of Fuqua by serving as admissions ambassadors. They lead campus tours, answer questions from prospective students, and juggle several other responsibilities — and we’re immensely grateful for them!

24. Prospective students can learn more about the MQM program in both in-person and virtual formats.
– Campus visit: Experience life as an MQM student first-hand.
– Virtual session: Learn about all aspects of the program in an easy, interactive format to fit into your busy schedule.
– Regional event: Meet our team in person at an event in your area.

25. Each year, we host Blue Devil Experience, a weekend event for admitted students.