Seamus Connelly
" 'Team Fuqua' is choosing to do more. Just as a rising tide lifts all boats, students consistently going the extra mile for others creates a self-fulfilling culture where people can have both utility and the ability to grow."
Daytime MBA
Prior Education:
Duke University
Political Science, 2016
Why I Chose Fuqua
On the heels of being medically retired from the U.S. Navy, I was searching for a place that could help establish my financial foundation and emphasize collaboration. As a Duke undergrad, I wasn’t sure about returning to Durham. That all changed when I attended the Veteran’s Symposium, capped off by Dean Russ Morgan stating, “Where people used to look to politics to serve them, they now look to business.” That sentiment resonated deeply with me, and I knew that Duke was the place for me once again.
Before Fuqua
I was an enlistee in the U.S. Navy as a Special Warfare candidate. I forged multiple attempts in special warfare selection, managing my boat crew of seven men on little to no sleep with the goal of making it through the grueling six-month course. I held various leadership positions, the highlight of which was LPO (Leading Petty Officer) of my class, in which I managed 300+ candidates in day-to-day operations.
After Fuqua
I’m fortunate enough to be heading back to JP Morgan’s Private Bank in my home city of Boston, MA. In addition to the many finance courses I’ve taken, the concept I’ll be applying most from the program is proactive leadership.
5 Random Things About Me
- I got the call that I got into Fuqua two days before my wedding.
- Our daughter, Brynn Cameron, was born here last April. Her middle name has a dual meaning; she is named after her uncle and Cameron Indoor Stadium.
- Cookout shake order: Chocolate, Oreo, Reeses, Heath Toffee
- In my first year here, I delivered a presentation about how going to the movies will help your grades and subsequently earned an SP in the class.
- This is my second time at Duke. I graduated as an undergrad in 2016, studying political science and playing on the lacrosse team.
My Fuqua Activities
Center on Leadership & Ethics (COLE)
Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA)
Duke Athletics Mentored Study
The Fuqua Experience
3 Must-take Classes at Fuqua
I have four and can’t leave any one of these out:
- New Biotech & Pharma Strategy with Dr. David Ridley. Dr. Ridley is both brilliant and as engaging as any professor I’ve ever had.
- Negotiations with Grainne Fitzsimons. Prof. Fitzsimons is a master facilitator of tough conversations and excellent at getting students out of their comfort zones to grow.
- Game Theory with David McAdams. Prof. McAdams makes game theory absurdly fun and provides students with a framework for any role they’ll play in the future.
- Corporate Restructuring with John Buley. Prof. Buley is a Fuqua legend but never lets on about his success in banking. He breaks down layered concepts with ease and is an ally to all.