Ethan Whitfield
“Throughout the GEMBA program, I have undergone profound professional and personal growth, shaped by the program’s emphasis on global markets and cultural diversity. The curriculum has increased the breadth of my understanding of global business, equipping me with strategic tools to navigate complex markets. It’s also highlighted the critical role cultural nuances play in shaping commerce and decision-making across borders.”
Global Executive MBA
Industry:
Prior Education:
University of Louisville
Why I Chose Fuqua
As I went through the GEMBA application process, Duke’s attention to detail and the personalized engagement from the admissions team set Fuqua apart. Every interaction felt intentional and meaningful, leaving an impression.
Attending Blue Devil Weekend was a pivotal moment in my decision-making process. During the event, I had the opportunity to meet prospective classmates and faculty members, whose energy, ambition, and collaborative spirit immediately resonated with me. The discussions during the presentations and interactions gave me a clear sense of Fuqua’s unique culture, one that emphasizes teamwork, leadership development, and a genuine commitment to the collective success of the cohort.
The Team Fuqua ethos was evident in many aspects of the experience, and it became clear that this was the environment where I could thrive personally and professionally. Fuqua offered a nice balance of academics, practical application, and a supportive community and network to help me achieve my goals. Confident in the opportunities and connections Fuqua provides, I proudly and confidently chose to join the Duke community.
Before Fuqua
Before joining Fuqua, I was Executive Vice President at a telemedicine start-up company, leading fundraising efforts. I also was on the advisory board of a non-profit organization committed to veteran transition. Previously, I completed a military career and successfully exited two founded companies.
After Fuqua
Upon completing my GEMBA at Fuqua, I plan to leverage the business education and leadership skills acquired to drive my third startup toward sustained success. The program's emphasis on strategic thinking with global perspectives will be instrumental in navigating the complex business challenges and scaling operations effectively needed for any start-up.
5 Tips for Networking within the Fuqua Community
- Attend Networking Events: Participate in sponsored networking opportunities, especially those outside your immediate interests, to learn from different experiences and career paths.
- Be Proactive: Don’t hesitate to connect with current students and alumni. The Team Fuqua spirit fosters a supportive environment where individuals are willing to assist and share insights.
- Utilize Resources: Leverage the Career Management Center, alumni directories, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and platforms like LinkedIn to identify and connect with individuals in your areas of interest.
- Be Patient: Recognize that community members have various commitments; allow time for responses to your networking outreach and maintain consistent follow-ups.
- Reciprocate Support: Approach networking as a mutual exchange by offering assistance and connections to others, giving more than you receive.
The Global Executive MBA ROI
Investing in Fuqua's GEMBA program has been transformative. It has enhanced my leadership capabilities, and strategic thinking, and provided a global outlook on business. The program’s curriculum has pushed me to analyze complex challenges from new perspectives, while the diversity of my cohort has been an invaluable source of learning from one another. Collaborating with accomplished professionals has broadened my understanding of global business practices, helping me approach challenges with innovative and adaptive solutions.
Beyond academics, this experience has instilled a commitment to uphold Fuqua’s values, especially the renowned Team Fuqua ethos. This collaborative and supportive spirit has become a cornerstone of my daily endeavors, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and shared success. Engaging with Fuqua's extensive alumni network has also been incredibly rewarding.
The mentorship opportunities and connections I’ve gained have shaped my professional growth and fueled a desire to give back. I’m committed to mentoring future MBA candidates and fostering a culture of continuous learning and mutual support. This lifelong dedication to the Fuqua community reflects the personal and professional transformation I’ve experienced throughout the GEMBA program.
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%)