MQM: Business Analytics student 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

Class of 2025

My Program Track

Strategy

Industry:

Retail/Strategy/Healthcare

Prior Education:

Ramjas College, University of Delhi

Hometown:
Bangalore, India
Nationality:
Indian

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

  1. Legal Grounds Café: Close enough to Fuqua and surrounded by the aroma of coffee, this is the perfect place to get some work done. 

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Perkins Library: Filled with fellow students, and open long hours, the university libraries are the perfect place to study before finals!

  5. 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.

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MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home

Classroom of Remote Students on Video Monitors
Fuqua's demanding quantitative program offers the flexibility to maintain your career and personal priorities
More About MSQM:HA
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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%)

Typical Class Demographics
Global Executive MBA

Average Age

28-45

Average Work Experience

5-20 years

Countries Represented

17

Women

35%

Non-US Citizenship

30%
false

Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University

Undergraduate Majors

Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)

Typical Class Demographics
MMS: Duke Kunshan University

Average Age

23

Average Work Experience

6 months or less

Countries Represented

11

Women

53%

Non-US Citizenship

69%
false

Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business

Undergraduate Majors

Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)

Typical Class Demographics
MMS: Foundations of Business

Average Age

23

Average Work Experience

6 months or less

Countries Represented

27

Women

49%

Non-US Citizenship

43%
false

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%)

Typical Class Demographics
Weekend Executive MBA

Age Range

28-45

Students with Advanced Degrees

32%

Work Experience

5-20 years

Countries Represented

19

Women

27%
Off