TJ Clayton
"I hoped to leverage my background in neuroscience, and my previous skills, to not only make an impact at Fuqua but to also use Fuqua as a launchpad to success in the world of business. I have already learned numerous business principles that I am eager to deploy into the real world."
MMS: Foundations of Business
Industry:
Prior Education:
Rhodes College
Why I Chose Fuqua
First, the Team Fuqua spirit was demonstrated to me even as an applicant. As a former dual-sport collegiate athlete and current member of the track team, I knew a team-focused academic environment was where I would thrive the most. Second, as a neuroscience major in undergrad seeking to pivot into the world of business, I knew I needed a program that would instill the necessary business fundamentals from a foundational standpoint and then build upon that.
Before Fuqua
Prior to Fuqua, I gained internship experience in venture capital and investment management, where I realized a business career was my calling. The MMS program was ideal for me to bridge the gap between my neuroscience background and business expertise. Therefore, those internship experiences illuminated a path for me to Fuqua.
After Fuqua
Currently, I am working on a startup company called Vendle that I co-founded with two dynamic colleagues. Upon completing the MMS program in May 2025, I intend to continue my studies at Fuqua through the AMBA program. My ultimate goal is to apply the advanced business principles acquired from the Duke MBA to accelerate Vendle’s growth. After earning my MBA, I plan to focus full-time on expanding Vendle’s operations, hopefully to the point of either a successful exit or IPO in the future.
5 Things to Know About Durham
- Explore the food truck scene. They are a large presence here!
- Downtown has plenty of study spots and cafes
- It can get a little chilly in the winter so pack winter clothes
- Ninth Street is a very vibrant place with plenty of spots to hang out, eat, and shop
- The transportation in and around Durham is seamless
What I Love about Durham
The food is what I love the most about Durham. As someone from Louisiana where food is a large part of our culture, I feel like Durham encompasses a piece of home for me considering how great the food is here.
MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home
Global Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
Financial Services (20%)
Consulting (5%)
Sales/Business Development (5%)
Energy/Chemical/Gas (9%)
Marketing/PR/Advertising (6%)
Consumer Goods (3%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Women
Non-US Citizenship
Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University
Undergraduate Majors
Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Women
Non-US Citizenship
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Women
Non-US Citizenship
Weekend Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
IT (16%)
Financial Services (14%)
Health Care/Health Services (10%)
Manufacturing/Operations (9%)
Sales/Business Development (8%)
Consulting (8%)