Ashima Garg
“I contribute to the Fuqua community by striving to be the best version of myself and setting an example for future students. Through kindness, hard work, and a genuine belief in the power of friendships, I aim to inspire others to prioritize personal growth and meaningful relationships alongside academics.“
MMS: Duke Kunshan University
Industry:
Prior Education:
Christ University
Why I Chose Fuqua
One thing that truly drew me in is Team Fuqua—the way teamwork is at the heart of everything and how it allows you to grow individually while thriving in a team environment. Duke nurtures potential students, transforming them into their best selves—equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and character to leave a meaningful impact on the world.
Another factor that solidified my choice of Fuqua was the "25 Random Things" essay. Despite being a simple question, it allowed me to deeply reflect on myself. The process, both interesting and eye-opening, led to a sense of self-realization and reminded me how much I have achieved.
Before Fuqua
I worked as a Business Development Associate, but it wasn’t something I envisioned doing for the rest of my life. I felt a lack of satisfaction and motivation because it didn’t align with my true aspirations. Pursuing the MMS program has always been a goal of mine, and I felt this was the perfect time to take that step. I joined the program to gain the skills, knowledge, and perspective needed to transition into a role I would genuinely love and where I could thrive professionally.
After Fuqua
I would love to work in the fashion industry. While many aspire to careers in consulting or finance, I want to pursue something that I would genuinely enjoy and find fulfilling for a lifetime. No job is easy, so why not choose one that sparks your passion and motivates you to excel? One of my main reasons for entering the fashion industry is my aspiration to start my own business. I want to gain valuable experience, learn the intricacies of the industry, and build a strong network to prepare myself for that journey.
5 Tips for Acing the Interview
- Show how you are going to make an impact. For example, if you are interviewing for a Fuqua program, know about Team Fuqua and be prepared to explain how you are going to make connections, lead, or have the courage to speak up and share your perspectives.
- Be confident in what you say and always back up your responses with reasons that support your point.
- Know the company and role you’re applying for.
- Don’t be overexcited – stay calm and comfortable during the interview. Arrive on time and dress formally. Be respectful and let your actions demonstrate how important this interview is to you. Be prompt in responding to emails from the interviewer and always send a thank-you note afterward.
- Think about what you have to offer to the role based on your past experience and education.
My Favorite Fuqua Professor
My favorite professor, without a doubt, is Don Pagach. Despite being a finance major, I struggled to grasp some of the basic concepts before his class. The way he teaches is truly unparalleled—I’ve never learned like that before, and I know I’ll never forget the concepts he taught. His sense of humor was spot on, making every lecture engaging and enjoyable.
What stood out most was his ability to connect complex financial topics to real-life examples, which made the material not only easier to understand but also incredibly interesting. Beyond his teaching, he was genuinely caring and considerate. I’ll never forget the time I was sick—he noticed and checked in on me the next day to make sure I was okay. That simple gesture showed how much he cares about his students, both academically and personally.
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%)