Ankit Agarwal
"Team Fuqua means succeeding together while recognizing the fact that success looks different for everyone. It’s your C-LEAD stepping in to cover for you during an interview, friends sharing notes when you miss a class, or classmates circulating job opportunities when the job market is tough. It’s professors, deans, and admissions officers inviting international students, such as myself, for a meal during semester breaks. I believe that the Team Fuqua spirit is often misunderstood as just collaboration, when in fact, it’s much deeper than that. If I were to describe Team Fuqua to a prospective student, I’d say it’s the backbone of the Fuqua community—it’s an emotion, a genuine care for each other, and a collective desire to see everyone succeed."
Daytime MBA
Prior Education:
University of Calcutta
Commerce , 2015
Why I Chose Fuqua
I chose Fuqua because it felt like home from the start. The "Team Fuqua" spirit is real—students, professors, and even the admissions team made me feel welcome and included during my first interactions. I wanted a place where collaboration wasn’t just a buzzword but a way of life, and Fuqua delivered.
The diversity here is incredible. My classmates bring perspectives from all over the world and from industries I’d never considered. Working with such a dynamic group has been transformative. Plus, with the entire MBA now STEM-designated, I could choose my classes freely without worrying about visa constraints.
Ultimately, Fuqua stood out for its balance of rigor and community. It’s a place where I could challenge myself academically and grow as a leader while being surrounded by people who genuinely care about each other’s success. It wasn’t just about the program—it was about finding my people.
Before Fuqua
I spent six and a half years at a pipe manufacturing company in India. I started as a management trainee in a leadership development program and worked my way up to lead the finance and strategy functions. By the time I left, I was managing teams of up to 13 people and helping the Board make big decisions that shaped the company’s future.
After Fuqua
I plan to work in a strategy or finance role at a Fortune 500 company, preferably in renewable energy or tech, scaling the impact I had in my previous role. Fuqua has equipped me with the tools to think strategically, lead diverse teams, and approach challenges with a big-picture mindset. I’m excited to apply these skills to drive growth, solve complex problems, and contribute to the long-term success of an organization.
5 Tips for Maximizing Your Time at Fuqua
- Irrespective of your recruitment plans and outcomes, always connect with people through clubs, events, treks, etc.
- Leverage experiential learning opportunities, such as Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) and the Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club's (EVCC) FoundHER’s challenge to build a consulting toolkit with a safety net.
- Build connections with your deans, professors, and the administrative staff at Fuqua by scheduling some time on their calendars or inviting them to Fuqua Friday.
- Try to take up leadership roles and opportunities—lead a club, plan a conference, participate in a case competition. There’s a lot that can be done.
- Leverage resources provided by Duke University, and do not limit yourself to the Fuqua bubble. This has enhanced my time at Fuqua, and I would recommend it to everyone.
Bonus Tip: Learn to live by your calendar and be mindful of the commitments you make!
My Fuqua Activities
Teaching Assistant
Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP)
Admissions Fellow
Finance Club
Food & Agriculture Club
The Fuqua Show Podcast
Board Games Club
Fuqua2Duke Mentor
Transformation at Fuqua
Top 3 Tips for Acing the Admissions Interview
- Be authentic
- Be creative
- Be passionate about why you want to join Fuqua