Ineza Mutimura, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2021
Age: 28
Hometown: Kigali, Rwanda
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Johannesburg, Intrapreneurial Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 years, primarily in Education and Youth Development
Why business school? Why now?
I was working in education startups and doing well in leading operations. However, I found that I had a knowledge gap in understanding finance and what long-term sustainability looks like. I also wanted to explore social impact more broadly in a business context to prepare me to take on larger scale impact projects in the future.
Why Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
CASE and Team Fuqua. The Centre for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship is one of the main reasons I applied to Fuqua. Having access to one of the world’s top social impact knowledge centers was at the top of my business school priorities. I also found the Fuqua admissions team, alumni, and current students incredibly warm and supportive. I felt like part of the community long before I was admitted.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I grew up as a refugee in the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa, and went on to live and work across the African continent. I am also currently the only Rwandan student at Fuqua. My background, passion for driving innovation in education, as well as my experience in emerging markets all offer a unique perspective, particularly for my peers who are interested in international business.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I went to a concert last year that had over 200,000 people in attendance. One of my favorite artists was on stage and the cameraman caught me looking mesmerized. Someone on Twitter turned the clip into a meme and it went viral in the next 2 days (over 100k views).
Post-MBA career interests?
Social Impact Consulting, Impact Investing, and Entrepreneurship.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Speak to as many people as you can. Fuqua has a strong networking culture, so the more people who can vouch for you, the better. Alumni and current students are also great sources of information, they can help you prepare your applications, prepare for your interview, and answer any questions you have about the program and application process.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would have applied to more schools than I did. I applied to very few schools, which heightened my risk. The more schools you apply to, the more options you have, and this puts you in a better position to negotiate financial support with your dream school.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GRE was very hard. Start early and get help if you need it. In Rwanda, I didn’t have access to tutors or classes, which made it very difficult. The test is also structured quite differently from how I had learned in the past. Eventually, I paid for an online tutor, which helped tremendously. Don’t wait as long as I did to get the help!
What is your initial impression of Duke Fuqua’s students/culture/community?
I honestly really love it. The community is welcoming and the caliber of students is very high. I love being surrounded by so many people I can learn from. I’ve also loved the learning process here, which is very practical. For the first time ever, I really enjoy class!
One thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
This is not really a Duke thing, but more a business school thing. There is a lot of pressure to be social. There is a party or some other get-together every evening. While that’s been great, I am still trying to find the balance that will help me manage my energy throughout the year.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting is nerve-wrecking. I feel like I’m in a candy store and spoiled for choice. Everybody gets an internship at a great company after their first year – this outcome is pretty much guaranteed. However, the journey to get there seems like it will be quite stressful, particularly in having to prioritize my time and not trying to apply everywhere because everything sounds so cool!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to get involved in Fuqua extracurricular stuff. There are so many interesting clubs and initiatives here that allow you to leverage your skills and strengths, develop yourself as a leader, and learn just about anything. I’m still trying to decide what I can join that will take me completely outside of my comfort zone and also be really fun.
