Raffaella Calda, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2024
Age: 28
Hometown: Lima, Peru
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad del Pacifico, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Entrepreneurship/NGO
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Attending business school has been one of my top goals for a long time. I knew that in order to become a leader of consequence and generate an impact it was important to broaden my horizons, and an MBA was the perfect way to accomplish that. I chose to pursue the program now as I felt that I had gained enough relevant work experience in order to take the best advantage of the program and also give back to it.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
For me, the community component played a big role, and Team Fuqua perfectly aligned with this. I wanted to go to a place where I would be able to generate bonds and feel supported. A big factor in deciding to attend Fuqua was meeting and speaking to Fuqua Alumni. They were all eager to help, provide information, and put me in touch with other people, demonstrating that those relationships are still present.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I think my background working with Peruvian entrepreneurs, has allowed me to see the challenges of starting up a business, particularly in an emerging market, and also to see how leaders overgo those challenges. I have worked with startups and scaleups at different stages, which allows me to bring a fresh perspective to the classroom.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love to travel so much, that when I was 9 years old, I asked my grandfather to sign a “contract” saying we would travel together. We sure did a few months after!
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Reach out to Alumni. I cannot reiterate enough how important meeting Alumni was in my application process. Not only is it useful because of the information they can share about the program they took part of, but you get to understand their underlying values. I got to talk to people that now are in different industries, or pursuing different paths, and saw how people that attended Fuqua were always having great things to say about the program and had Team Fuqua very present with them.
What is one thing you would change or do differently?
In my case, I decided to apply a bit later in the application cycle. This meant doing some of the steps quickly. I only got to take the GMAT once, and researched programs superficially. I actually got more information after submitting my application and talking to current students and Alumni, and then I started to get more clarity about what I was looking for in my MBA program of choice and what factors I weighted the most.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think getting ready for standardized tests is always hard, particularly after being away from university for several years, and doing it while working. This usually meant studying early mornings or late nights. The best advice I have here is to try to set up a realistic schedule and follow it thoroughly. It is better to say that you’ll practice four times a week and actually stick to it, than to overwork yourself and lose productivity. That said, try to start prepping early. This is something easier said than done, but having a good time margin, and allowing yourself time to take the tests a couple of times, if necessary, helps to alleviate the pressure.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
It has been amazing to experience Team Fuqua firsthand! I had definitely heard a lot about it, but just sitting at orientations surrounded by +400 classmates I knew I was part of something special. Over the summer term I am starting to know more people from my class, and I know that even though fall will be fast-paced, it will be a great time.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
The application process itself was surprising and refreshing. There are not many programs out there asking you to state 25 random things about yourself and getting to know students while letting them shine for their individuality.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing all the things I want to do while I’m here! I definitely want to be part of the clubs and the community, while also getting good grades, and recruiting for consulting which is particularly heavy-loaded during fall one and two in terms of preparation and networking.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Definitely getting to know new people and learning from them. I love how, regardless of background, everybody has so much to share with the rest of the class. Looking forward to forming new friendships that I’m sure will last a lifetime.
