Oliver Chen
“I love the proximity with students from other programs, whether MBA or MMS. I feel very comfortable sharing ideas in this environment where everyone is outspoken yet respectful of different opinions. There’s always something to learn, and I find it endlessly energizing.”
MQM: Business Analytics
My Program Track
Industry:
Prior Education:
Boston College
Why I Chose Fuqua
I chose Fuqua for three main reasons:
A Balance of Technical and Business Skills: The MQM program stood out to me as one of the most technical programs in a business school. I’ve always wanted a career that’s quantitative but also allows me to communicate insights effectively with executives. This program is designed to build both skill sets at the same time, which felt like the perfect fit.
An Inspiring Alumni Network: Before coming here, I looked up Fuqua alumni on LinkedIn and saw people thriving in all kinds of industries—finance, tech, consulting, and more. What struck me was how versatile and multi-disciplinary they were, and I wanted to be part of a network that values both depth and breadth of experience. With such a talented and diverse community, I knew I’d learn a lot from my peers as well.
A Culture of Genuine Support: From the start, Fuqua felt different. Even before I was admitted, Ben Boat, one of the admissions directors, took the time to answer all my questions in a Zoom meeting. That sincerity made a huge impression on me, and it’s something I’ve felt ever since I arrived. Whether it’s interacting with professors, program directors, or the Career Management Center, I’ve always felt supported and encouraged to make the most of my time here.
Before Fuqua
I’ve worked in the tech industry in corporate strategy and development, and real estate finance. I’ve also pursued the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). These experiences have grounded my understanding of finance but I also felt the need for stronger technical skills throughout the process. The MQM program felt like the perfect gateway to bridge this gap.
After Fuqua
After Fuqua, I aim to pursue a role as a quantitative analyst in asset management or hedge funds. This career path combines my math foundation from college with the financial knowledge I’ve gained through professional experience. I’m drawn to the challenge of using quantitative models to drive investment decisions and uncover market opportunities. I see this as a stepping stone to becoming a well-rounded professional who bridges the gap between data-driven analysis and strategic financial decision-making.
5 Best MQM Course and Why
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Data Science for Business (Professor Alex Belloni): Professor Belloni’s course bridges technical concepts with practical business applications. While his teaching style is demanding, it sharpens your critical thinking. It’s incredibly rewarding when he acknowledges a good question—it pushes you to prepare and think deeply
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Modern Analytics (Professor Jiaming Xu): Professor Xu is a blend of charm and challenge. He makes deep learning—a daunting subject—accessible and even fun. His ability to explain complex concepts while pushing you beyond your comfort zone makes this class unforgettable.
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Derivatives (Professor Paymon Khorrami): Professor Khorrami’s background in mathematics adds depth to this course. He balances technical rigor with clear intuition, making complex ideas both memorable and applicable. This class has truly deepened my appreciation for the math behind finance.
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Applied Probability and Statistics (Professor Ali Khorrami): Professor Ali is easily one of the most beloved professors. His ability to address individual questions in a large lecture makes you feel like you’re in a one-on-one session. His kindness and clarity make this course a perfect start to the program.
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Data Infrastructure (Professor Ryan Burk): Professor Burk has a unique charm—he’s serious yet fun, transitioning seamlessly between his professional side and humor. Learning SQL from him feels like learning from an incredibly smart friend, which keeps the class engaging and approachable.
Becoming a Better Leader
When the program first began, I wanted to learn from my teammates’ perspectives on every project we worked on. However, I realized that equal contribution can be hard to achieve. So, I started to learn about my teammates on a deeper level – their personalities, strengths, and preferences. By giving them space to take initiative, we’ve been able to collaborate more effectively. It helped us identify areas of interest and claim responsibilities that align with our goals. These experiences have transformed my leadership style, making me more adaptive and helping me work with people more meaningfully.
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%)