I’m Demir Degirmenci, a first-generation New Yorker born and raised in Queens. My parents are from different backgrounds, Iowa and Turkey, so I've come to learn and appreciate the value of diverse viewpoints and ways of life. Before attending Fuqua, I attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina where I worked as a data analyst for the school’s career center. This left me with a deeper appreciation for the role that data can make in daily decision-making and longer-term strategies.
Two of the things I value the most here at Fuqua are the ability to converse with and learn from students with different technical backgrounds and to learn from industry-proven instructors. The more time I spend with my cohort, the more I've come to appreciate the students around me who also come from unique backgrounds. I find myself learning from those around me every day, and I hope that I can provide my classmates with that same feeling. Partnering that with the ability to learn from instructors who have lengthy and successful careers, Fuqua has truly fostered my growth as a young professional.
Instructors such as Ericka Kranitz, Ryan Burk, Bryce Gartner, Salman Azhar, and Yehua Wei have taught me valuable lessons from: higher-level decision making in the grey zone, SQL querying to provide desired groupings, and effective questions to tell the right story. It is truly a pleasure to be at Fuqua with such great individuals.
Outside of Fuqua I'm an avid-runner, occasional reader, and fan of the arts. One thing I'm very big on is saying yes to new experiences. Saying yes has provided me with some of the best opportunities and learning experiences I could have easily missed out on.
