MMS Student Christian Johnson

"My journey at Fuqua has transformed my approach to leadership significantly. I now recognize the importance of vocalizing leadership qualities and actively engaging with others to have a more profound impact. Consequently, I've evolved into a leader who not only leads by example but also empowers and inspires through effective communication and collaboration."

MMS: Foundations of Business

Class of 2024

Industry:

Real Estate Private Equity

Prior Education:

University of Southern California
Real Estate Development

Hometown:
Fresno, California
Nationality:
American

Why I Chose Fuqua

The seamless blend of academic excellence, athletic opportunities, and a vibrant community at Fuqua immediately caught my attention. What stood out most were the professors, not only for their expertise but also for their genuine passion for their fields. Duke's culture, characterized by its high standards and tight-knit community, deeply resonated with me.

Joining Team Fuqua meant immersing myself in a collaborative environment where mutual growth and support were paramount. Beyond academics, Fuqua presented an opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections and contribute to a greater cause. Its holistic educational philosophy and emphasis on personal growth convinced me that Fuqua was the ideal setting for me to thrive intellectually, socially, and athletically, perfectly aligning with my aspirations.

Before Fuqua

My prior internships in real estate development, financial analysis, and international arms trade brokerage provided diverse experiences. Fuqua helped me pinpoint my niche and focus on real estate private equity, aligning my career aspirations. These varied roles shaped my decision to pursue an MMS by highlighting my interest in real estate and finance.

After Fuqua

Upon completing my Master of Management Studies (MMS) degree, I will be starting the Daytime MBA program at Fuqua. Following my MBA, I intend to pursue opportunities in real estate private equity, initially gaining experience in New York . Eventually, I plan to transition back to Southern California, where I will focus on portfolio management and engage in the development of mixed-use properties along the coastal region. This career path aligns with my passion for real estate and my commitment to contributing to sustainable development in my home state.

5 Tips for Maximizing Your Time at Fuqua

  1. GO TO THE BASKETBALL GAMES .
  2. Attend all the Fuqua Friday events.
  3. Play overly competitive ping pong games with classmates.  
  4. Take part in Tavern Tuesday.
  5. As cliché as it sounds, network, network, network .

Fuqua’s Supportive Community

My passion at Fuqua lies in our ability to come together as a team, leveraging our diverse backgrounds and strengths to achieve success. Beyond academic excellence, we take pride in our contributions to the community. Personally, I am actively involved in excelling both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, I am excited to extend the impact of my nonprofit, the Sneaker Project LA, to Durham next fall, with the goal of empowering individuals and making a positive difference in our local community.