Duke MQM Student Blog

When I started the MQM: Business Analytics program at Fuqua, I knew I was signing up to be challenged in the classroom. I was coming from a background in journalism and advertising and suddenly found myself surrounded by data, analytics, and people who seemed to know more than I did. What I did not expect was how much I would grow outside the classroom, too.

Capstone changed the way I approach problem-solving. It reinforced the idea that strong analytics starts with understanding the decision, not just the data.

Given my growing curiosity about how data is used in sports, the idea of applying analytics to a real team was especially meaningful.

Joining the MQM program at Fuqua was like opening a mystery box — and inside that box? A new team, a new journey, and a new set of unforgettable experiences.

The Modern Analytics course has equipped me with the skills and confidence to approach demanding analytical tasks with a structured, data-driven mindset.

The Fuqua Quantitative Management Programs Data Competition motivated us to find new applications for machine learning and data analysis in a field that we’re deeply passionate about: sports.

As I reflect on my capstone experience, I'm grateful for the challenges we faced.

None of us imagined being invited to our client’s headquarters after our capstone project. Yet there we were, marveling at the array of MasterCraft boats.

"Should we build this?" is more than just a question; it's a way of thinking.

At times when I believed I was failing, I was actually growing, learning, and understanding.