Queen Nwokonneya, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2024
Age: 31
Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Nottingham (BSc. Economics); London School of Economics and Political Science (MPA in Public & Economic Policy)
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): International Development and Consulting, 7 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Prior to business school, I worked in the international development sector where I managed large-scale programs focused on sustainable cities, health and investment promotion across Africa. During the pandemic, I experienced setbacks in scaling impactful initiatives due to the increased strain and competing priorities for foreign aid and public sector budgets. This sparked my desire to learn business principles, private sector models and innovative funding structures to sustainably address economic development challenges. As a mid-career professional, I recognized the need to grow beyond my comfort zone, broaden my global network and sharpen my leadership skills to be well-positioned for roles of higher responsibility. Business school was the perfect place to achieve all these goals.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When applying for my MBA, I was looking for a business school with a strong brand, competence in combining experiential & action learning, a collaborative community and competitive financial aid. While I got offers from various prestigious programs, Duke Fuqua was the only school which met all my criteria. I could map out where I fit perfectly across the different initiatives at the school. Fuqua’s Client Consulting Practicum and its Centre for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE) stood out to me as it offered unrivaled resources to gain cutting-edge on-the-job skills in consulting and impact investing. At every stage of the Duke Fuqua application process, the students, alumni and faculty I engaged with made me feel part of the Fuqua community from my first interaction and lent me the one-armed hug which welcomed me, whilst pushing me to go further.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I bring rich policy formulation and field implementation experience from managing economic development projects across Africa. In a world where business and the public sector have become increasingly intertwined with business leaders influencing policies and vice versa, and the increasing role of emerging markets for global growth, it is important to have this representation to enhance thought-provoking discussions and solutions at Fuqua.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I drove a quad bike through the red sand dunes and desert terrains in Dubai.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting and Impact Investing
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I loved writing about my 25 random facts. It allowed me to share my passions and be authentic.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would value the chance to visit the school. As an international student faced with COVID travel restrictions, I did not have the opportunity to visit Fuqua, meet students on campus or try out classes. Most of my engagements were from desk research, virtual admissions events, and Zoom sessions with current students and alumni.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Drafting my business school essays. As someone who runs away from introspection, I tried to avoid this and did everything else to procrastinate. However, being encouraged to reflect and share my story succinctly played a significant part in helping me to understand my ‘whys’- not only for attending business school but for taking the next step in achieving my medium and long-term career & personal development goals.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
Just how supportive and intentional everyone is! Team Fuqua is real with collaborative success ingrained in everything we do. A few weeks to orientation, I had an important event which I shared only in passing with a Fuqua Administrator. On the day of the event, I received a message from her wishing me luck. This was uplifting, and in that moment I realized I was in the right place and had made the best decision. For me, it has always been the little things and Fuqua embodies that.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
The variety of resources that are available to students. I dare you to think of anything ranging from career support to puppy yoga and there would be an initiative at Duke Fuqua which allows you to explore it. As a mental health advocate, I am so impressed with the school’s focus on student wellness.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Dealing with FOMO. There are a lot of opportunities to participate in but I have to learn how to prioritize.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am looking forward to recruiting, being on the opposite end of finding talent and exploring the opportunities available to apply the skills learned at business school. I am extremely excited about meeting fellow students, finding my tribe and developing long-lasting connections at Duke.
