Real Humans of the Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025

Kholoud Almohammadi, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025

Age: 31
Hometown: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Undergraduate Institution and Major: King Saud University, Bachelor of Science, Business Management
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Investment Professional, Venture Capital, 7 Years.

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I wanted to pursue an MBA to expand my knowledge of Capital Markets further while gaining an international perspective on business in different economic markets. The timing now is ideal for an MBA as I explore different asset classes of investments in my career. 

Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My work experience has been mainly around emerging markets, and to reach my goal of a deeper understanding of finance in mature markets, location was a huge factor in my decision. The US as a market was a fit for my goal, and from there, I narrowed down the school search to Duke as a top pick. I related to Fuqua’s values and culture; whether you’ve chatted with an alum, talked to faculty, or even browsed the website, Fuqua has a strong culture and brand around teamwork and innovation. 

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I think the perspective I gained during my work experience is unique because I’ve been deeply involved in the entrepreneurship and VC ecosystem in Saudi Arabia since its inception. I’ve seen parts of the ecosystem come to life and contribute to its growth. This background honed my problem-solving skills because it was a crucial tool to get things done when the market’s infrastructure was still developing.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love traveling, so since my undergrad, I’ve had a tradition of planning a yearly trip on my birthday. This is something I look forward to every year now. 

Post-MBA career interests:
Alternative Investments, VC/PE. 

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Pick your top school and make an effort to commit to schools you relate to and identify with their cultures. Be Intentional with your applications.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Start GMAT prep as early as possible. I wish I’d given myself more time with it because that would get you closer to your target score while still managing a life/work balance.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I was waitlisted initially; I don’t think you can skip that part, though I wish I could. But what I would recommend getting through it is to trust the process, attend sessions while waitlisted, if possible, to better understand the different reasons that might have affected your candidacy, and communicate updates with the admissions team. 

What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
If you think you know what “Team Fuqua” is, think again. Seeing this firsthand in daily interactions is much more powerful than reading about the school’s emphasis on teamwork. Especially as an international student, the resources offered to help you settle in and engage academically and socially are endless, and the people are always willing to help. 

What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
There’s an agreed-upon rule between students not to use electronics in the classroom. I learned this after being accepted and thought it would create a challenge because I’m used to taking notes on my laptop. However, I was surprised by how much I found it convenient when classes started. As simple as that rule may sound, the effect of not having a laptop to distract you has allowed for rich discussions in classes and higher engagement. 

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The first year requires a thoughtful plan for time management and resource allocation. There’s a lot to be considered within the first half of the year, and I’ve learned that it’s all about being intentional with your commitments. My current focus is balancing my priorities (goals), being fair to my classmates around teamwork, and contributing to a better learning experience for everyone as we tackle group learning experiences. 

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m honestly excited about the experience as a whole. The academics, the network, the professional gain, and the social work I plan to engage in outside of school. It’s an opportunity to surround yourself with like-minded people who share similar interests while exposing yourself to different interests and perspectives. It’s exciting to be around positive and energetic colleagues and only fitting to be in an up-and-coming area like Durham.