Matea Ferk, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2021
Age: 32
Hometown: Rijeka, Croatia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Business School PAR, BS Economics (2012), Rijeka/Croatia and Sierra Nevada College, BSBA – Finance and Economics (2013), Incline Village, NV
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): For 12 years, I was a professional alpine skier and two-time Olympian. For the last six years, I worked in consulting.
Why business school? Why now?
In my professional career, I mainly focused on the people side of technological changes. Even though I enjoyed what I was doing, I have developed only a narrow skill set.
I decided to pursue the MBA to develop a holistic understanding of the business and become a well-rounded leader who has the ability to develop an effective operating model and business strategy, identify growth opportunities, and make decisions based on financial and market analysis to make the desired impact.
Why Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
For a former athlete who spent most of her life in a team, the most important aspect of the MBA experience is an ambitious and supportive environment that values teamwork and collaboration. Team Fuqua definitively stood out.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I grew up in Croatia and traveled the world with the National Ski Team. I also had a chance to live and work in the United States and Costa Rica. I believe that these global experiences contributed to making me the mindful, flexible, receptive, and open-minded person I am today. Additionally, professional sports have been such a big part of my life, teaching me many lessons about teamwork, work ethic, dedication, respect, and discipline. All of these values I apply in everyday life and hope to contribute to Fuqua’s Class of 2021.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
Being from a country that does not have a winter sports infrastructure, I started traveling with the Croatian National Ski Team when I was seven years old in order to train and compete in ski racing. I used to spend 250 days a year on the road skiing the best mountains in the world.
Post-MBA career interests?
Social impact or strategy consulting, but I am also interested in exploring the general management career path. However, my ultimate passion is helping the emerging Croatian economy and its people. I want to encourage young people to influence positive change and help high impact startups drive the Croatian economy.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I came to visit campus twice – once to interview and once for the Blue Devils’ Weekend – and I would do it again. Throughout the application process, I kept hearing how important it is to visit campus and evaluate your fit with the school.
Many said that they felt a sense of profound belonging during the campus visits with the school they end up going to. At first, I was skeptical about these statements, but then I realized that visiting campus and meeting current and future students and their spouses made a big impact on me and my decision where to go to school.
Another thing I would do again is the Forté MBA Launch program, a 10-month program that pairs women seeking an MBA with a support network and provides a structured roadmap for applying to business schools. I had a chance to be part of this amazing community of women who were supporting each other throughout every step of the MBA application process.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Even though I talked to many current students, I wish I talked to more alumni. I believe that alumni can provide a different perspective when it comes to sharing insights on what employers value and applying the MBA experiences in the post-MBA career.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Studying for the GMAT is challenging for everyone, but it’s even more challenging for a non-native English speaker. The discipline and commitment from my sports background helped me follow a strict study schedule and not give up. However, my family, friends, and the Forté community provided support and encouragement throughout the GMAT journey.
What is your initial impression of Duke Fuqua’s students/culture/community?
I came to Fuqua mainly because of Team Fuqua and its collaborative culture, and it exceeded my expectation. Students here are extremely smart and ambitious but also humble and supportive.
I already had a chance to interview early for the summer internship and a few students who interviewed for the same company a few days before provided resources, tips and insights which helped me better prepared for my interview.
One thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
I knew that I would join a community of different people, but I did not expect to find such a diverse class. I am always positively surprised when I learn about my classmates’ unique stories, exceptional experiences, and extraordinary achievements.
This diversity makes a big impact on each of us both personally and professionally as everyone is willing to share their perspectives and cultural differences during class discussions and teach other topics they have deep knowledge about.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
There are so many amazing opportunities and resources to take advantage of that I am anxious I will not be able to balance all the competing priorities – academics, recruiting and social life – while maintaining the existing relationships and staying connected with family.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited to learn, make new friendships, and travel!
