Caleb Walker, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025
Caleb Walker, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025Age: 30
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of South Carolina, Political Science and Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Ally Financial – Project Analyst, 3 years; United States Air Force – Space Acquisitions Intelligence Lead, 4 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
As a transitioning veteran, separating from military service can be incredibly intimidating and I knew I needed to smoothly acclimate to the private sector. I had sharpened my leadership, communication, and strategic skillsets, but lacked business knowledge; an MBA was the perfect option.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Of all the schools I applied to, Fuqua was by far the most personable, engaging, and genuine. The admissions staff go above and beyond to ensure they’re available for applicants and provide the tools necessary to build your path to acceptance. What distinguishes Fuqua from every other b-school is the emphasis and attention Fuqua staff and veteran candidates provide to the military community. I was thoroughly impressed by Duke’s military network and the Duke Armed Forces Association’s (DAFA) support during my application process and visit during the Veterans Symposium last fall.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
As a USAF veteran, service-before-self is baked into my personality. I want to create an inclusive and creative environment for candidates to think beyond academics, recruiting, and networking… and capitalize on ways to give back to the Durham community. I plan to establish a STEM community service initiative in the fall of 2024, bringing middle school students to Fuqua to learn about business fundamentals and impacts of 3D printing. Additionally, I’ll establish the first Coffee Club at Fuqua, to unite coffee lovers, coffee nerds, and coffee newbies over the craft of specialty coffee.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I have nine tattoos and am already eyeing my tenth here in Durham!
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting and Tech. Keep multiple avenues open!
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Think of ways to distinguish yourself. I made videos for my application updates instead of writing… Writing quickly began to feel monotonous, and I wanted to find a way to capture my personality as best I could. I love filming and set my tripod up in my kitchen as I made my pour-over coffee, describing to the admissions team what I had been up to. Be creative and show your personality!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would not exhaust myself over testing. As applicants we’ve been somewhat programmed to think GMAT/GREs are the defining factors in our applications. B-schools mean it when they say it is only ‘part’ of their consideration. Do your research, know your school’s threshold, and meet or exceed that threshold. Once there, focus on standing out and perfecting all other aspects of your application.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Similar to my last answer… testing as much as I did. I wish I could have skipped that process altogether, but by taking the ‘embrace the suck’ attitude helped me conquer that hill. It’s a necessary evil most of us must embrace, and by viewing it as such helped me approach it with alacrity.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
Duke has one of the most diverse student bodies when it comes to diversity and that sets them above the rest. Having people from all walks of life from all over the world exposes you to new perspectives around varying subjects. Additionally, the Fuqua culture has established an incredibly supportive environment that emulates a shared success mentality. This has been immensely helpful as recruiting gets underway.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
I am confident in all the resources at my disposal here. Everyone is looking out for each other, from students to staff… so yes, Team Fuqua is very real!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing any and all priorities.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Meeting everyone and establishing friendships that will last a lifetime.
Go Blue Devils!
