Sandra Hoffmann
“At the start of the program, our cohort gathered for an orientation weekend on Duke's campus. One highlight was a day at the Triangle Training Center, where we immersed ourselves in the Team Fuqua spirit. Collaborating to solve problems and tackle challenges pushed me out of my comfort zone, sharpened my communication, and strengthened my leadership skills—a truly unforgettable experience.”
MSQM: Accelerated Business Analytics
Industry:
Prior Education:
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, MBA
Munich University of Applied Sciences,
BA Computer Science
Reflections
My team comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and work experiences, bringing together various skills. This diversity enables us to learn from each other. While each of us has unique goals we aim to achieve through the MSQM program, we are also united by shared objectives. The emphasis on teamwork at Fuqua is remarkable, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that empowers every team member to excel and achieve their aspirations.
The program's online and interactive format and onsite component allow me to learn from others and directly apply and integrate education into my professional activities. The convenience of being able to learn remotely has allowed me to attend one of the nation’s most prestigious universities.
Before Fuqua
In my role, I spearhead global initiatives to optimize technology, streamline product portfolios, and standardize components. I focus on applying total cost of ownership principles to minimize product lifecycle costs while maximizing customer value. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams across various business units, I leverage innovative technologies to drive efficiency and reduce complexity.
After Fuqua
I seek to use my knowledge, skills, and background to become a data-driven advocate, apply quantitative analytical techniques, and demonstrate the value-add to drive competitive advantage. My long-term goal is to become a leader directing strategic decisions for different business settings and portfolio investments, leveraging a data-driven approach.
Since joining the MSQM program, I have incorporated more data-driven approaches to problem-solving. I use more quantitative methods at work, such as decision trees or statistical program language R, to analyze data. I became more confident and focused after orientation weekend, sharpened my communication, and strengthened my leadership skills.
Why I Chose to Study Business Analytics at Fuqua
Advancing my ability to learn and drive innovation has become a central goal in my professional journey. While an MBA enhanced my business acumen and management skills, the growing importance of data in my work led me to seek a program to strengthen my quantitative expertise. I wanted to deepen my ability to evaluate business strategies using complex, multi-dimensional data, synchronize and analyze insights, and ultimately drive more efficient, well-informed decisions.
The Fuqua School of Business stood out for its rigorous academics, diversity, and strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration—key factors in my decision. The program's online, interactive format and onsite components offer a unique blend of flexibility and engagement, allowing me to apply lessons directly to my professional work. Additionally, the program's focus on business management and cutting-edge analytical techniques, paired with real-world case studies, inspired my enthusiasm to enroll.
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%)