Kassim Camilo, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2026
Age: 27
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Rollins College, BA in Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Radar Crew Chief, United States Marine Corps; 5 years | Operations Manager, Almacenes Del Norte; 1 Year
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The idea of attending business school first crossed my mind when I left the Marine Corps and spent a year working at my father’s company in the Dominican Republic. I took over operations for him and managed that side of the business for about a year. Coming into the role, I was eager to dive into the business and address some of its existing challenges. However, I quickly realized that I lacked the business knowledge to be an effective leader in the boardroom. At that moment, I understood that if I wanted to make a more significant impact, I needed a stronger business foundation, and I believed business school could provide that for me.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
When choosing schools, I wanted to be intentional and mindful. I reflected on what I loved most during my time in the Marine Corps, which was the sense of community, support, and belonging I experienced. With this in mind, Fuqua stood out immediately. Every interaction I had with alumni, students, or admissions left me with an overwhelming sense that Fuqua was a place where I could find my people, where I could thrive in an environment aligned with my goals, and where I wouldn’t just fit in, but truly feel like I belonged.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
In every role I’ve held and every room I’ve been in, I have always strived to bring in a healthy amount of positivity. Life and school can both be challenging, but I genuinely believe that we, as individuals, can make difficult times more bearable by being an uplifting light in a dark room. Positivity and enthusiasm are contagious, so I approach most groups with a relaxed and easygoing attitude. Business school can be stressful and overwhelming, but serving as an anchor for others, while maintaining a positive yet realistic outlook on life, can go a long way.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
My family and I are obsessed with Monopoly. A few Christmases ago, my cousins and I spent three whole days on the same game. Things got wild—we started issuing personal loans with outrageous interest rates, making backdoor deals, and adding in rules that would drive any sane person crazy. In the end, no one won because, on day three, my cousin Sam flipped the board in frustration!
Post-MBA career interests:
I’m aiming to break into healthcare consulting but hope to explore entrepreneurship while at Fuqua.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Utilize tools like the Consortium to apply to business school. The Consortium is an organization that champions underrepresented groups in gaining access to higher education. Through the Consortium, you can apply to over a dozen MBA programs for a fraction of the cost, similar to the Common App. Anyone can apply, and it makes a huge difference in streamlining the application process and reducing costs.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Take care of all testing (GRE/GMAT) months in advance. These tests are unique and can take a long time to master, so preparing as early as possible is huge.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The waiting period between applying and receiving a decision was definitely the part I would have skipped. It was so stressful because I felt like there was nothing more I could do—the hard work was already done. To get through it, I spent time with family and leaned into new hobbies, which, in hindsight, was huge. Now that I’m in business school, free time is almost nonexistent!
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
Welcoming, supportive, and highly involved. Everyone here radiates a sense of community; people prioritize their peer’s success above their own, and the folks at Fuqua constantly strive to make you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
How involved everyone is. I knew coming into Fuqua there would be plenty of opportunities to socialize and get involved, but experiencing it firsthand was entirely different. There’s always something going on, and it’s rare to spend a weekday or weekend alone.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Balancing how to spend my time. With recruiting, classes, and socializing, you really have to prioritize what’s important to you and stay committed when things get busy. You can do anything here, but you can’t do everything.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
The treks! I came to Fuqua with the side quest of traveling and seeing as much of the world as possible, and the students here do an amazing job of organizing treks for everyone. This winter, Fuqua is heading to Patagonia, and I couldn’t be more excited for that trip!
