Sanj Saxena

“My experience at Fuqua has taught me to be a more empathetic and communicative leader. It has made me realize that not all conflict comes from a place of difference, and when you dig into a deeper layer, you realize that both parties are coming from the same foundation.”
MQM: Business Analytics
My Program Track
Industry:
Prior Education:
Ramjas College, University of Delhi
Why I Chose Fuqua
One of the best pieces of advice I received during graduate admissions was choosing a university whose culture aligned with my values. Duke and Fuqua are known for their excellence and rigor, but they are also known for their people, their culture of care, and their embrace of diversity. Throughout the admissions process, I was constantly impressed by how Fuqua wanted to ensure that they selected not only the best students but also that the students chose the best option for themselves. Later, when I attended a Fuqua Around the World Alumni Mixer, I was impressed by how every individual so strongly believed in the school spirit, and how passionate they were about Duke. I could see parts of myself reflected in Fuqua’s culture and spirit and was eager to attend Fuqua.
Before Fuqua
My previous work in Strategy and Partnerships made me realize the importance of business acumen. I wanted to do a business analytics course that balances data skills with business fundamentals, and Duke was the perfect match.
After Fuqua
My past work experience was in the social sector, and I loved seeing the impact of my work. I want to continue working in strategy and in a domain like people analytics, healthcare, or retail, where I can harness the power of data to positively impact people's lives.
5 Best Places to Study and Why
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Legal Grounds Café: Close enough to Fuqua and surrounded by the aroma of coffee, this is the perfect place to get some work done.
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Team Rooms: Quiet, equipped with a whiteboard and an additional screen, I find this the perfect place to revise, brainstorm ideas, or have long team meetings.
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Brodhead Center: The hustle and bustle of being near the heart of the university, along with the wide variety of food and free drinks, is my preferred place to do light work.
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Perkins Library: Filled with fellow students, and open long hours, the university libraries are the perfect place to study before finals!
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Student Wellness Center: Quiet, calming, and peaceful, this is an underrated but great place to study. Playing the grand piano during breaks is an added plus!
My Favorite Professors
While I admire all my professors, my two favorite professors were Ryan Burk, who taught Data Infrastructure, and Scott Rockart, who taught Strategic Management.
Ryan’s method of teaching ensures that by the end of six weeks, you will know SQL inside and out and will continue to remember the fundamentals. His classes were very fun, including watching the Price is Right.
Scott’s classes were highly engaging, and I have never seen a class more eager and excited to talk. I am certain that the business frameworks that we learned in class can be used across industries.
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%)