Returning to school for an MBA while balancing a demanding career can feel overwhelming, especially as a first-generation college student. However, my experience in Fuqua’s Executive MBA program has been transformative. It’s a journey that pushes you beyond your limits, opens doors you never dreamed possible, and connects you with a community of inspiring leaders who will become lifelong friends and an invaluable network.

A Family Feeling From the Start

The sense of belonging at Fuqua began even before the program officially started. At Blue Devil Celebration, an event for admitted students, I witnessed the incredible diversity and camaraderie that defines the Fuqua community, affectionately known as “Team Fuqua.”

Bringing my mom, a dedicated educator in the NYC public school system, to this event was important. Seeing her pride as I stepped into a space where historically top MBA programs have lacked representation from underrepresented groups was a decisive moment, and the openness from my peers and staff solidified my decision to join this extraordinary community.

Teamwork: The Core of the Fuqua Experience

A core tenet of Fuqua’s Executive MBA program is building leadership and teamwork skills through a unique team structure. From day one, you are placed in a tight-knit team of five to six students from different backgrounds. Your team, which you will stay with for the first two terms, becomes your bedrock — a support system, sounding board, and a group that often evolves into lifelong friendships.

My team met weekly, tackling core classes and assignments together and providing each other with personal and professional support. The bonds formed extended beyond academics, with shared experiences ranging from exploring the vibrant city of Durham on scavenger hunts to crafting a comprehensive 25-page team charter, a testament to our commitment to collaboration and growth as a collective team.

After the initial two terms, we transition to a new team, offering fresh perspectives, opportunities for continued development, and fun experiences. Throughout both team experiences, I navigated challenging leadership simulations, honing my decision-making skills under pressure during leadership institute. I can confidently say that teamwork isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an integral part of the transformative journey.

Learning From World-Class Faculty

Fuqua’s rigorous, quantitative-focused curriculum is taught by world-class professors who are experts in their fields and passionate about sharing their knowledge. From dissecting financial models to crafting innovative marketing strategies, we gained the analytical tools and frameworks to tackle real-world business challenges. In-class discussions, thought-provoking case studies with guest speakers, and hands-on, collaborative projects and simulations made learning come alive.

The program’s emphasis on real-world application has been invaluable in my career, allowing me to approach and solve critical business problems at Google. After a particularly challenging period of finals in my first term, I underwent a bone marrow procedure after I submitted my last exam. My team was there for me every step of the way, offering ongoing support and encouragement.

Real-World Experiences Beyond the Classroom

Fuqua’s commitment to experiential learning is what truly sets it apart. In a semester-long consulting practicum called the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP), my team and I partnered with a high-growth energy startup, working with the CEO on critical strategy projects as management consultants. This experience allowed my classmate and me to co-lead a team of five total classmates, all of whom I had never worked with before, given our class size. Through the engagement, we applied our MBA toolkit to develop and present a commercial strategy ultimately implemented by the company’s leadership. Following the engagement, the CEO offered us all full-time jobs joined the company after graduation, a testament to hard work and the opportunities that can arise from Fuqua’s immersion programs.

Beyond academics, Fuqua offers a vibrant community and countless opportunities for growth and connection. From Fuqua Fridays, where we unwind with classmates and faculty over drinks and lively conversations, to cheering on the Blue Devils at sporting events, the Fuqua experience extends far beyond the classroom. The program even paired me with Deloitte partner Wenny Katzenstein as my mentor. Her guidance and support have been instrumental in navigating my career journey, providing invaluable insights and advice.

Fuqua students have full access to all the resources at Fuqua and Duke, which is unique for Executive MBA programs. The opportunities for growth and exploration are endless, from on-campus recruiting and career development workshops to many clubs and immersion programs you can participate in. From launching a student-led conference to gaining a global perspective by studying abroad or simply enjoying the vibrant campus life with your classmates, Fuqua and Duke have something for everyone.

Career Growth and Community Impact

The Fuqua network and the skills I gained have opened doors I never thought possible. I have transitioned to a business-facing HR role under our chief of staff, who reports to our vice president of HR for all of Google Hardware and Platforms. I drive critical people programs and strategy efforts to land some of Google’s most ambitious bets.

Beyond my professional growth, Fuqua has empowered me to make a difference in my community. I was elected the first Executive MBA student to become the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Director for Graduate Student Government. In this role, I lead DEI initiatives for Duke’s graduate students and work alongside university leaders and the Board of Trustees (a goal of mine when I started to work with Tim Cook, who is a Fuqua graduate and a current board member) to drive systemic DEI change at Duke through the Racial Equity Advisory Council and the President’s Council on Black Affairs.

I also got to leverage my MBA skills and DEI experience to create the first three-year DEI strategy for the Fiver Children’s Foundation (Fiver), an organization I have participated in since I was ten years old. Fiver provides a one-of-a-kind 10-year commitment to youth throughout New York City through year-round mentorship and out-of-school programs, college access support, and a two-week overnight summer camp experience, all steeped in social-emotional learning in youth development. This long-term approach has yielded exceptions outcomes for over 1,700 young people (100% graduated from high school; 88% went on to college. Our commitment to DEI and our program’s success has resulted in Fiver being nationally recognized by JP Morgan as a finalist for a DEI award for nonprofits.

Unlocking Our Leadership Potential

The Fuqua Executive MBA program is more than just an academic pursuit; it’s a transformative journey that challenges, inspires, and empowers you to reach your full potential. Fuqua is the place to be for those ready to embrace the challenge, forge lifelong connections, and unlock your true leadership potential. The experience is unparalleled, and I’m confident that it will prepare you to make a lasting impact on the world.