Tim Miller
“The collaborative environment at Fuqua has challenged me to think beyond conventional approaches and consider innovative solutions drawn from different sectors and cultural contexts. Engaging with classmates who bring expertise in health care, technology, and finance has broadened my understanding of global business dynamics and demonstrated the power of teamwork in tackling multifaceted issues. Beyond the classroom, juggling my responsibilities as a father, professional, and student has shown me the importance of balance, embracing resilience, and seeking support when needed—a lesson that has improved my leadership style and personal relationships.”
Weekend Executive MBA
Industry:
Prior Education:
Loyola University, Maryland
BS Physics, 2001
Reflections
Transitioning from 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps to the civilian workforce was a significant step, and I needed a program that offered tailored academic rigor and real-world applicability. Fuqua’s Weekend Executive MBA stood out for its focus on ethical leadership, diversity, and collaboration. The program’s design, which allows for a customizable experience through electives and concentrations, provided an ideal environment to refine my entrepreneurial goals and strengthen my leadership skills. The Team Fuqua ethos resonated deeply with my own values of grit, teamwork, and shared success, solidifying my decision.
Before Fuqua
As a Marine Corps officer and fighter pilot, I commanded missions across combat deployments and facilitated multinational operations, honing leadership and strategic planning skills. My responsibilities included training top-tier aviators, overseeing complex operational decisions, and spearheading transformational initiatives.
After Fuqua
Post-MBA, I plan to continue advancing as a leader in defense consulting, driving innovative approaches to performance assessment. Additionally, I aim to explore entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging Fuqua’s strategy and business development lessons to build and drive impactful solutions.
Five Tips for Soliciting Employer Support for Your MBA
- Plan Early. Start the conversation as soon as possible. I clarified my intentions during the interview with my company, expressing my desire to pursue an MBA at Fuqua. Fortunately, they were supportive from the beginning. Early transparency allows your employer to plan around your goals and ensures alignment on expectations.
- Provide a Schedule. Share the program’s schedule as soon as you receive it. Fuqua’s curriculum is well-organized, with the entire timeline available in a single PDF. This was invaluable for coordinating with my team at work, as it allowed everyone to anticipate when I’d be unavailable or focused on school.
- Keep Everyone Updated. I integrated my school commitments into my work calendar, giving my team real-time visibility into my schedule. This proactive approach minimized surprises and ensured that my colleagues understood when I might be stretched thin, fostering understanding and support.
- State Your Case. Before starting the program, I presented a formal letter to my employer outlining my motivations and how the MBA would benefit the company. Framing it as a shared investment demonstrated my commitment and helped secure their support.
- Apply What You Learn. Seek immediate opportunities to implement lessons from the program. I often identified gaps in our processes and proposed solutions based on new insights, showcasing a tangible return on investment for my employer. This approach reinforced the value of supporting my educational journey.
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%)