Chuck Woodard, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025
Chuck Woodard, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025Age: 31
Hometown: Miami, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Miami (FL), Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Entrepreneur: I started my first business as a Junior in undergrad when I was 20 years old. It was one of the first nitrogen ice cream concepts in the country. I am beyond grateful for the experience – it was an incredible eight-year ride. After exiting, I consulted for various small businesses in multiple capacities, from organizational design to cost reduction.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My values had changed since I started my first business at 20 years old. At 30, I now wanted structure and stability. I wanted to go into an office and socialize with coworkers. I have worked in an isolated environment for most of my career, and I wanted to experience something different. Business school was the most logical step to pivot into a more traditional role.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
First, I attended Blue Devil Weekend, and I remember speaking to someone who had attended another MBA preview the previous weekend. He said to me, “Fuqua’s programming is one of a kind.” I felt that when I visited – it didn’t feel stuffy or overly serious – it strangely felt…fun. Second, while there are great schools in traditional primary markets, it was not what I was looking for while attending school. I really like the Raleigh/Durham market – great restaurants and incredible cost of living. Thirdly, I listened to Dean Boulding speak about the Decency Quotient at Blue Devil Weekend. It is defined as “achieving greatness through doing right by others.” It had a very profound impact on me. Lastly, The Fuqua brand is very strong – not only domestically but internationally as well.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I bring unique entrepreneurial experiences to the Class of 2025, and I have a different perspective to add to class discussions. Additionally, I think I can be a sounding board to classmates looking to start their own businesses and or pursue Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition. I have made every mistake you can think of and would like to see some of those learning lessons help others. I am coming to Fuqua for a reason and hope that other people can help me achieve my goals if given the opportunity – and I believe it is equally important for me to help others achieve their goals as well.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Prior to attending Duke – I went to one basketball game at Cameron Indoor – Coach K’s final home game…
Post-MBA career interests:
Tech!
I must admit – I came into school with a different idea of what I wanted post-MBA, but an exercise (from our Career Center) helped us to explicitly sort/rank our values. This process was extremely insightful and shifted my career goals to Tech.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Be raw and personal in your “25 Random Things About You” essay. If you stay at a surface level, you won’t stand out and will be doing yourself a disservice.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Given myself more time to study for the GMAT – I cut it a little closer than I needed to…
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT. What helped me get through it was just reminding myself that everyone was going through the same thing – it’s miserable no matter how you look at it…
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
I remember calling my mentor in a state of shock after the first week of classes. I feel so invigorated by all my classmates – listening to their stories, what brought them here, and what they hope to achieve. Additionally, I was told that the culture at Fuqua was not cutthroat – and it’s true – everyone has been supportive and team-oriented. Team Fuqua is a real thing – not just a random catchphrase that is thrown around. Within my section (of 65 students), everyone is helping one another – from recruiting to celebrating birthdays.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
The Teachers! For some reason, I had a very different expectation of the in-class experience coming into Fuqua, but I was pleasantly surprised. They are all masters in their craft – they spend significant time investing in each class so that we all have a first-in-class learning experience. They even have a great sense of humor!
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting – but I believe in fate and destiny. It will all play out how it’s supposed to.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Continuing to develop relationships with members of my immediate section and the entire student body. This is a unique opportunity to develop relationships with 800 people in a similar stage of life that have taken two years off their professional careers to better themselves.
