MMS Student Lisa Boernigen

"I never anticipated discovering so many new things about myself or forming lifelong friendships within this amazing community. Each day, I am inspired by peers who challenge me intellectually, unveiling strengths and perspectives. I am constantly being pushed beyond my perceived limits, fostering growth and transformation beyond my expectations."

MMS: Foundations of Business

Class of 2024

Industry:

Marketing/Sales

Prior Education:

Lenoir-Rhyne University
International Business & Management

Hometown:
Munich, Germany
Nationality:
German

Why I Chose Fuqua

I chose to attend The Fuqua School of Business due to its reputation for creating a collaborative and inclusive community, especially with the team-based assignments. The emphasis on teamwork and diversity at Fuqua gives me the opportunity to learn more from my classmates who have different backgrounds and perspectives than me.
 
Additionally,  Fuqua has amazing faculty members who are committed to ensuring a rigorous academic environment where I can grow both intellectually and professionally. The opportunity to participate in experiential learning programs such as the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) offers hands-on experience and real-world application of business concepts. Fuqua also has one of the best alumni networks, which was very important to me because you create lifelong relationships.
 
Fuqua also offers career resources which have provided me invaluable support as I pursue my professional goals. Fuqua's collaborative culture, curriculum, and emphasis on leadership development has equipped me with the skills and network necessary to strive in a professional setting after graduation.

Before Fuqua

My internship at Infineon Technologies in finance emphasized the significance of having a well-rounded skill set. Before joining Fuqua, I had the opportunity to work on several cross-functional projects that required collaboration with various departments. These experiences solidified my decision to choose Fuqua, as I wanted to further refine my skills and gain more opportunities to work on interdisciplinary projects in a collaborative environment.

After Fuqua

My post-graduation plans are to secure a position in marketing, sales, or consulting with a reputable company on the East Coast, ideally in cities like New York City or Boston. These locations offer vibrant business environments where I can leverage the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at Fuqua. As an international student, I am eager to utilize the 3-year OPT visa to launch my career in the U.S. market. Fuqua's rigorous preparation and extensive Duke alumni network provide a strong foundation for success in this endeavor.

5 Tips to Make It Your Best Fuqua Experience

  1. Attend as many social events as you can.
  2. Connect with people that are not in your typical friend circles—trust me, you will learn so much from them.
  3. Network with everyone; every connection will be helpful in the future.
  4. Make sure to maintain a balance between academics and personal life.
  5. Contribute whenever you have something to say—everyone’s opinion is valued.

Fuqua’s Supportive Community

The team-focused community at Fuqua resonates deeply with me; we work together, not alone. We help each other out and collaborate to achieve common goals, fostering an environment where everyone's strengths are valued and utilized. I have always enjoyed teamwork and collaboration, so I try to actively contribute to this community by participating in group projects, offering support and assistance to my peers, and engaging in initiatives that promote a sense of unity among students and bring everyone together to learn from each other.