As an Army officer, I had the pleasure of working with several Fuqua MBA grads whom I respected and who spoke highly of the program. They repeatedly emphasized the degree to which Fuqua emphasized teamwork, collaboration, and leadership when compared to other programs.

When I returned to the Raleigh-Durham area in 2018, I was introduced to many more Fuqua alumni in various roles and industries: entrepreneurs, tech leaders, product managers, sales leaders, and consultants. Without exception, they lauded the quality of the program and emphasized the amazing relationships they developed as much as the top quality education they received. While I knew that Fuqua had a great reputation at large, and had a strong network and brand, my decision to apply to the program was influenced far more by my personal relationships and the respect I had developed for so many Fuqua alumni in my life. It was the only program I applied to because I knew without a doubt it was the tradition and community I wanted to be a part of building.

One of my classmates is a neurosurgeon. To see someone at the top of his field—and  one of the most challenging and demanding fields in the world—choose to pursue an MBA for no other reason than his insatiable curiosity and desire to have a greater impact in his industry, has been an inspiration to me. Throughout the program he has continuously challenged me to refine and expand my goals and to define the impact I want to have, both in business and in life. The opportunity to build deep relationships with such accomplished and inspiring people is what makes the WEMBA format so truly unique.