Vinesh Kapil, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2021
Age: 27
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Duke University; International Comparative Studies
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 5 Years; Healthcare
Why business school? Why now?
I started my career in global health innovation with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). After working there for a few years, I transitioned to private sector, domestic health with CVS Health.
While I immensely enjoyed my time in healthcare, I wanted to explore a variety of other fields. I saw business school as a great opportunity to do so. Additionally, I wanted to better understand some of the core aspects of business practice, which will be helpful regardless of the industry I pursue in the future.
Why Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I came to Fuqua for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, at Fuqua I am confident I can explore a variety of fields (healthcare, technology, energy, social impact, finance, entrepreneurship, etc.) and know that I will have access to some of the best faculty in the world.
Besides a rigorous academic experience, I am also excited by the breadth of the Fuqua network – there are Fuqua alumni everywhere! Additionally, the program continues to innovate and adjust to the global business environment. Dean Boulding has made some exciting announcements about the curriculum, and I’m also pleased to see the continuation of the core Fuqua ideal of using business to build a better world. Lastly, I am fortunate to have a fantastic support system in the area, which will be helpful given the intensity of graduate school.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2021?
I look forward to bringing my perspective on international development, global health innovation, and impact investing to our class. I have also had the opportunity to compare operating environments between federal agencies and the corporate sector. I hope being able to draw from my various experiences, both domestically and abroad, will help take our collective learning in exciting directions.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
One of my life goals is to go to space. I think the (rocket)ship has sailed on me becoming an astronaut, but I’m hoping space travel will become affordable in our lifetime.
Post-MBA career interests?
Immediately post-MBA, I’d like to launch my own venture, likely at the intersection of social entrepreneurship, healthcare, and technology. Eventually, after gathering some operator experience, I hope to move into impact investing, and finally, focus on building more effective public-private partnerships.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I was told by one of my friends to start working on lining up and prepping my recommenders as early as possible. This was excellent advice. It’s helpful to provide them with a ‘pitch’ about what your target schools are and why that fits for you – and that takes longer to put together than you’d think!
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Narrow down your school list before you apply. Makes the application (and hopefully, decision!) process more manageable.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. Like many of us, I studied and took the test while working full-time. It was kind of a drag but it helps to 1) have a great study playlist on Spotify, and 2) find the right environment that works for you. I studied at the library of a local university with grad student friends, so it was easy to remind myself what my end-goals were.
What is your initial impression of Duke Fuqua’s students/culture/community?
Everyone comes into Duke really wanting to build a supportive community. One of our “Paired Principles” is Supportive Ambition, and you can feel it in the halls. The whole “Team Fuqua” thing is real, too.
One thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
Fuqua is quickly becoming a tech powerhouse. While I was doing research, I was surprise to find that roughly a third of the class goes to the West Coast. Last year there were record-breaking hires to the big tech companies. Our Dean just confirmed this momentum by announcing three themes for the full-time MBA program: tech-driven transformation, entrepreneurial mindset and action, and creating common purpose in a world of differences.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time-management. There is so much I’m interested in doing – academics, extracurriculars, meeting my new classmates etc. I’m worried there simply isn’t enough time to do it all!
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
While I’m really excited for all that Fuqua has to offer, I am especially looking forward to engaging with the Program For Entrepreneurs (P4E) curriculum. We’ve already had a couple of events in the first few weeks of school, and I’ve definitely found some kindred spirits. I look forward to integrating with this community, and the rest of the Class of 2021!
Clear Admit Resources
Thanks for meeting a few first-years in our Real Humans series. As you work on your Fuqua MBA application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s Duke offerings:
- Duke Fuqua School of Business Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to Fuqua
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to Fuqua
