Embarking on an international residency as part of a Global Executive MBA program is a journey that requires careful balancing of academic pursuits with professional and personal responsibilities. My experiences with residencies in Bangkok and Santiago, amidst a demanding career in private wealth management and the need for comprehensive care for my dog, illustrate the complexities and rewards of managing such a multifaceted life. Bangkok: Navigating the First Challenge The anticipation of my first residency in Bangkok brought with it a whirlwind of preparations. A crucial aspect of these prep ..read more

Between school, work, and personal obligations, staying focused and positive in an executive MBA program is a challenge, but it’s not impossible if you have the right mindset. When I initially began the Global Executive MBA program, I had to immediately adjust the priorities in my life. On top of my full-time job at The Container Store and social events like birthdays and weddings with friends and family (I have a big Persian family!), the addition of travel, classes, and schoolwork quickly became stressful. Here are a few tools I use to stay focused and positive in school, at work, and at hom ..read more

Making the decision to step away from the military was one of the hardest decisions I have made. My dream was always to be a Green Beret and serve my country–what I had always believed was the ultimate purpose. Now, my dream and purpose has shifted–being a present dad and connected husband to my growing family. The questions of what’s next, how I satisfy my appetite to connect to something bigger and challenge myself outside of my family kept bouncing around my head. The daunting task of transitioning out of the military and setting me and my family up for success loomed in front of me. I need ..read more

With more than 16 years working as a technology executive across retail, insurance, and technology services, my journey has been as diverse as it has been rewarding. Being a dedicated husband and father to three boys, I recently faced a challenging decision. Amidst unemployment, I chose to invest in my future by enrolling in Fuqua’s executive MBA program. This step, taken without the security of a steady income, reflects my commitment to personal growth and professional excellence.   Committing to this program amidst life’s uncertainties required a significant shift in perspective, viewin ..read more

After three weeks of Global Managerial Economics, Statistical Models, and Global Immersion pre-residency preparation, my Global Executive MBA classmates and I descended on the vibrant city of Bangkok, Thailand. Some of the group arrived a few days early, eager to immerse themselves in Thai culture and shake off jet lag. I, however, decided to thread the needle and travel ~26 hours, arriving the day before classes started—a rookie mistake, no doubt! After a welcome reception at the Siam Kempinski Hotel (AMAZING!!!), many of us retired for the night, gearing up for our first day of residency lec ..read more

I recently worked with a student who wanted to pivot from being an accountant to becoming a stand-up comedian. Let’s just say his jokes didn’t add up! Jokes aside, a career pivot is something many people consider as they think about pursuing their MBA. As a career coach on the Career Management Center (CMC) team at Fuqua, I partner with Executive MBA students and alumni, and I see a little bit of everything in terms of individual career goals. However, one thread that remains consistent among our students is using the MBA as a catalyst for change. That change looks different for everyone but i ..read more

When I decided to apply to Duke, I thought the admissions process would feel like an interrogation. I mean, let’s be honest, Fuqua is known for producing top-tier talent, so I figured the admissions process must be formidable since it’s the front line for vetting. My assumptions could not have been further from the truth as I was met with humility, kindness, and sincere curiosity during every interaction with the Admissions team. After my initial conversation with an admissions counselor, I felt comfortable enough to approach the application process in a similar capacity to how I show up for a ..read more

There’s a lot to track during the admissions process—uploading transcripts and resumes, snagging an interview date and recommendation, and the application itself, of course. As a member of the Admissions team, I want to make sure applicants have all of the tools they need to submit a strong application that helps us genuinely get to know them. Fuqua’s signature essay prompt asks applicants to list 10 things about themselves, big or small, that make them who they are. So, what makes for a great “10 Random Things” essay? Here are a few tips. 1. Be Yourself This essay provides applicants with a c ..read more

When I landed on Thai soil to gear up for my cohort’s fourth global residency, I didn’t realize that up until this point, I hid my Southeast Asian identity from myself. I honestly have struggled with my cultural identity for as long as I can remember. As many Filipino Americans will tell you, I asked myself questions like, “Do I identify as a Pacific Islander? Am I Asian if I don’t look like East Asians?” Also, I learned from a distant relative that my lineage goes as far back as Spain and Portugal—it just felt too much to deal with internally. For most of my life, I chose to accept my mixed h ..read more

It’s Tuesday, April 25, 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand. My Term 4 morning classes in marketing and strategy wrapped up a few hours ago at the very luxurious Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. Although I am intellectually fulfilled after two great classes in the Global Executive MBA program, I have traveled away from the comforts of the elegant business district of Pathum Wan and have commuted across Bangkok into the down-to-earth suburb of the Wang Thonglang district. I am here to continue my early Muay Thai training at the Jaroenthong Muay Thai Gym. While there is no air conditioning to comfort me insi ..read more