Parth “Ash” Singh, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2026
Age: 29
Hometown: Tulsa, OK
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Michigan, Business Administration
Pre-MBA Work Experience: V.A.S.T (Social Impact Consulting & Impact Investing Firm) Co-Founder, Management Consultant & Director of Finance and Operations from 2022-2024. AmeriCorps, Assistant Program Director in the West Coast from 2020-2022.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to attend business school now due to recent changes in my family circumstances, which have given me the opportunity to focus on my professional growth. While I have a deep understanding of the public sector, I seek an MBA to build on my skills, particularly in data analytics, strategy, and leadership. By immersing myself in this experience, I aim to innovate and lead within the public sector, driving long-term impact.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose Duke Fuqua because it has always been at the top of my list for MBA programs due to their partnership with the Peace Corps Coverdell Fellowship. As an AmeriCorps alum and Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, this demonstrated to me that Duke genuinely prioritizes public service and international development, more so than other schools. Additionally, Duke’s values of Collective Diversity and Supportive Ambition are clearly reflected not just in words but through the structure of their MBA program, which resonated with me deeply.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2026?
My most valuable contribution to the Class of 2026 is my service based values, equity-based thinking, and big-picture insights drawn from my diverse experiences. Transitioning from Tech Strategy & Ops to community organizing, I’ve spent the past four years building resilience in under-resourced communities across the U.S. and India. I bring a deep understanding of intersectional challenges, a strong commitment to equity, and a strategic mindset aimed at bridging technology, operations and social justice to empower marginalized groups.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Before moving to the U.S. in my early childhood, I grew up in India, where I had a ritual of buying popsicles for my family on the way home from school. I made everyone wait until we were all together to enjoy them—though sometimes this meant we’d end up drinking the melted popsicles instead. It became a fun (and occasionally messy) family tradition.
Post-MBA career interests:
Over the past decade, I’ve led large-scale social impact projects in partnership with federal agencies, international non-profits, and development-focused financial institutions. My experience has revealed the public sector’s lag behind the private sector, particularly in data-driven decision-making, strategy development, and operational capabilities.
Post-MBA, my short-term goal is to join a consulting firm, focusing on public sector clients in the global south. I aim to apply best practices to make social services more accessible, efficient, and equitable, ultimately driving sustainable, inclusive growth through strategic insights and operational improvements.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I would absolutely do again as part of my application process is talking to current students and alumni. This gave me valuable insights into the school’s culture, faculty performance, and the realities of recruiting. Their firsthand perspectives helped me understand whether the program aligned with my goals and values, providing insider information that can’t be found in brochures or websites
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Authenticity is your differentiator and competitive advantage throughout this process however the pressure to conform to norms is very high in general in our society so I would encourage candidates reflect more on presenting thier most authentic self instead of worrying about what the Adcom want to hear. If I could go back and change anything, I would involve my friends, family and co-workers more in my application process to make sure that my most authentic best self is being reflected in my application materials.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I were to go through this process again, I would skip worrying too much about school rankings and employment outcomes and focus on the type of experience I want to have like urban vs small city, big class vs small class, action based education vs lecture, etc. I think what got me through the anxiety of it all was being very intentional about reminding myself of everything I have been through the last couple of years and cultivating inner confidence that I will be successful regardless of which school I attend.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
My initial impression of Duke Fuqua students is one of awe, both in terms of their personal and professional accomplishments. Meeting students like Chandana Mynampati, the spokesperson for the Spina Bifida Foundation representing all of India, has shown me the power of community-centric and bottom-up solutions in medical care. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the Fuqua community’s focus on meaningful impact and the collaborative spirit that drives positive change.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about Duke Fuqua is how willing the community is to tackle difficult yet salient issues like geopolitics, polarization, and the mental health crisis, and how these factors affect business at international, organizational, and personal levels. Our first class, Leading in a Complex World, which took place during orientation, addressed these topics through case studies, executive interviews, and interactive lectures, offering a deep, real-world perspective from the outset
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about balancing academics, recruiting, and social life while still finding time for sleep. Although social life often takes a back seat to academics and recruiting in many MBA programs, it’s one of the biggest value propositions of business school—especially in a post-pandemic world where building connections is more important than ever.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about developing meaningful relationships with my classmates—many of whom are the next generation of business leaders who have both the audacity to dream of and the intelligence to build a more equitable world. Being surrounded by such inspiring individuals offers a unique opportunity to learn from their experiences and collaborate toward making a lasting impact.
