Real Humans of the Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025

Mrinalini Shah, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025

Age: 28
Hometown: Austin, TX
Undergraduate Institution and Major: The University of Texas at Austin, Political Science
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Digital Transformation Consultant, CGI, 2 years & Program Specialist, University of Texas System, 3 years

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I’ve always had diverse interests, and I was fortunate to have the chance to explore them before entering graduate school. In the early part of my career, I worked in public affairs, and later, I taught myself the art of case interviews, which allowed me to transition into consulting working in data analytics and digital infrastructure. This journey was fulfilling, though it did require a fair amount of self-reliance. I knew there was more for me to discover, so I applied to business school seeking a stronger support system. I believed that pursuing an MBA could provide the kind of community and personal reflection I needed to experiment with my strengths and interests, all while steadily advancing in my career and treating my experiences as building blocks rather than lily pads.

Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When considering programs, I was focused on the culture of the school as well as the location. Duke University was a strong contender for both. The “Team Fuqua” ethos was palpable from before I stepped foot on campus. The students I talked to became valuable mentors for me in the decision-making process. For example, during Blue Devil Weekend, the admitted students’ event on campus, a second-year student happily drove me around the city to peruse potential apartments. Their level of investment was a meaningful part of my decision to come to Fuqua. Additionally, from that event, it was clear that the faculty and staff were mindful about leveraging the program to cultivate leaders who are empathetic and concerned about the social impact of their work. Duke values something called the “Decency Quotient” as a core leadership quality, and it is evident in the academics and co-curricular programming.

Durham, North Carolina, is also a beautiful place to live. I enjoy the cooler temperatures (compared to Texas!) and natural scenery. It is also situated around so many interesting places such as the Smokies, Shenandoah, and Washington, DC – to name a few. I knew I would enjoy exploring this part of the country.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
My top Clifton Strength is individualization, which I believe is my most valuable contribution at Fuqua. It helps me understand and appreciate the unique qualities of each person, tailoring interactions to bring out the best in others and fostering a more inclusive environment. In a setting as diverse as Fuqua, understanding and appreciating individual differences is such an important piece of creating an environment where everyone feels like they belong. I value this work, and it’s been a lot of fun to do it in an environment where I get to regularly interact with people across cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic, and professional backgrounds. 

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a trained yoga teacher! I spent six months earning the certification last year and I love practicing and teaching (especially to those who have never tried it before).

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to as many alumni as possible. The students, especially second years, are probably the best source of information about the program. They have most recently been through the first year and are likely implementing changes and helping manage parts of the program as student leaders. They will have plenty to share about their experiences, and that is the most current information you can get! Plus, many of those connections can turn into great friendships if they stay in the area or you overlap in the future.  

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Not being so afraid of the test requirement! I often let self-doubt get in the way and made the process a lot longer and harder than it needed to be. There are plenty of resources, free and paid, that can help you navigate that part of the application.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Again, the test requirement. But working through that was a huge confidence booster and made me realize I can do hard things! Plus, it’s useful practice for the first year if you’ve been out of school for a while.

What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
Warm and welcoming. The campus is beautiful, too.

What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
For being situated in a smaller town, Duke is strikingly diverse and busy. The two contrast well. It’s nice to be constantly on the go but be able to step back for a moment of solitude when you need.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Adjusting to a new environment.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to explore the area.