Think about how you would approach a big decision, like choosing a home or a car. Most of us want to see and experience it firsthand before committing. Choosing an MBA program is no different. It starts with careful research and exploration.

As someone who works with prospective Weekend Executive MBA students, I cannot tell you how exciting it is to welcome people to campus in person. There is truly nothing like seeing the program come alive, meeting our incredible faculty, connecting with current students, and feeling the energy of the classroom. It is amazing to watch visitors begin to picture themselves here, as part of the Fuqua community.

Many people start their journey online, but the real magic happens when you step onto campus and see firsthand what makes this program and Team Fuqua so special.

Why Attend an Open House?

Fuqua’s monthly open houses offer participants an opportunity to experience a day in the life of the Weekend Executive MBA program. They’re held on the Saturdays of a weekend residency, giving applicants a no-filter view of what they can expect as students, no matter where they are in the admissions process.

• Just starting their search: An open house is the perfect way to go beyond the website and get an authentic feel for Fuqua’s culture and community. They will see the learning environment in action, meet students and faculty, and gain clarity on whether it aligns with their personal and professional goals.
• Already preparing their application: Applicants will gain insights that can help strengthen their application. Hearing directly from admissions staff and current students can be helpful for better articulating why Fuqua is the right fit for them and how they will contribute to the community.
• Already admitted: Attending an open house can help an incoming student confirm their decision and get a head start on building connections. It is an opportunity to prepare for the program, ask detailed questions about what to expect, and start forming relationships with future classmates and the Fuqua team.

What To Expect

Open houses are held during actual residency weekends so attendees can experience campus energy at its peak. Here’s a rough idea of what the day looks like.

Receive a Program Overview

My colleagues and I on the admissions team break down the program format, curriculum highlights, and unique experiential learning opportunities, including concentrations and certificates, Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP), and Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE). We go beyond logistics and timelines. Attendees will gain valuable insight into what we look for in strong applicants and how to present themselves as a compelling candidate.

We will explore the Team Fuqua culture: what it means, why it matters, and how it shapes the student experience in meaningful ways. We love seeing potential classmates from across the country, bringing diverse backgrounds, roles, industries, and motivations, connect through their shared interest in exploring the Weekend Executive MBA program.

Attend a Class

Then it’s time to shift into “student mode” and sit in on a class or two. Depending on the term, attendees might observe core courses or electives, giving them a firsthand look at how our collaborative, high-energy classrooms operate. Prospective students are often pleasantly surprised by how dynamic and interactive the classes are. Many have commented that while faculty provide the framework and theory, it is the students who bring real-world, lived experiences that make the theory come alive.

Connect With Students

One of the very best resources for Executive MBA candidates is our students. They are a wealth of insight and advice — after all, they’re not far removed from the application process. Open houses offer a chance to talk to the students in a casual setting over lunch. I’m always impressed by how our students are eager to talk about their experiences and share their knowledge.

My advice to applicants is that there is no better way to determine if Fuqua is the right fit than to experience it for yourself. It is incredibly satisfying and inspiring for the Admissions Team to help students invest in themselves and find an academic home and community here at Fuqua. Open houses are especially energizing and rewarding for me, as I watch professionals take time out of their busy lives to explore new possibilities and discover a place where they truly belong. Learn more about our upcoming open houses by visiting this page.