Obianuju (Uju) Madu, Duke Fuqua MMS Class of 2025
Age: 23
Hometown: Alpharetta GA
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Notre Dame- Marketing
Pre-MMS Work Experience: Analyst at BlackRock (1 year)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I always knew I would return to school to deepen my knowledge. After switching majors later in my undergraduate studies, I felt I needed more comprehensive knowledge to complement my professional experience. Working for a year revealed significant knowledge gaps that I was eager to address. Finding a program designed for professionals with 0-2 years of experience came at the perfect time and positioned me for success. My year working highlighted numerous opportunities for growth and improvement, and this program seemed precisely tailored to bridge those developmental needs.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Beyond the program’s exceptional quality, I chose Fuqua specifically for its innovative team-based learning approach. The emphasis on collaborative structures genuinely reflects real-world work environments, which I find incredibly valuable. The classroom experience mimics professional team dynamics, preparing students for actual workplace collaboration. As an added bonus, the school’s proximity to my family—just a 6-hour drive away—made the decision even more appealing!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
As one of the few MMS students who entered the program with some corporate experience, rather than coming directly from undergraduate studies, I believe I bring a unique perspective to our class. My professional background enables me to contribute meaningful insights to classroom discussions and team projects, while also supporting my classmates as they navigate the complexities of the industry and also work to establish their professional networks.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am a passionate playlist enthusiast with over 35 meticulously curated playlists, each made to complement specific moments—from solving math problems and packing to cooking, daily walks, and even sleeping.
Post-MMS career interests: I plan to return to the Financial Services Industry where I am going to leverage my MMS experience to pursue Corporate Strategy and Operations roles. I’m particularly drawn to helping financial institutions optimize their operational efficiency and develop innovative growth strategies in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would absolutely love to answer the essay questions again. I had a great time working on this section of the application. Fuqua had particularly interesting and fun prompts that made the application process both a creative expression and a journey of self-discovery. The questions challenged me to reflect deeply on my experiences and aspirations while allowing me to showcase my personality in a way that traditional application components don’t permit. So, my advice would be to have fun with the prompts and approach them as an opportunity to share your unique story. Embrace the chance to let your personality shine through, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box. The more authentic and genuine your responses, the more they’ll resonate with the admissions team.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would do differently would be managing my writer’s block more effectively from the start. Although I loved the prompts, my perfectionism often took precedence, and quite frankly, my not-so-great time management made it challenging. Midway through my application, I had to adopt a more methodical and pragmatic approach by implementing a stricter schedule and setting smaller, achievable goals. If I had the chance to redo the process, I would implement this structured approach earlier, saving myself some stress and allowing more time for refinement and reflection.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I know this might sound cliché, but I genuinely appreciated all parts of my application process. I see how each component intertwines and intersects, making the application a comprehensive representation of who I am. However, what really helped me through the more challenging aspects was developing an effective organizational system and task completion method. I learned that following a structured schedule while allowing myself to take strategic breaks significantly improved my productivity and the quality of my work. As someone who typically doesn’t rest until a task is completed, it was initially difficult to make the decision to step back and listen to my body’s needs. Learning to balance focused work periods with intentional breaks was a valuable lesson that not only helped me complete my application but has also served me well at Fuqua.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua MMS students/culture/community?
My initial impression has been nothing but amazing. From the first day on campus, we have been taught about the Team Fuqua spirit. Initially, I was somewhat skeptical about the extent of commitment to this community spirit. However, from my first step on campus, I was met with such genuine kindness and warmth. A key part of community that I have come to appreciate is how members proactively foster connections for others. I have met people who, from brief conversations, would immediately connect me with others sharing similar interests or goals. From recommendations for the best spots off campus to advice on study techniques, this impression of community continues to shine throughout my time here. There is also a culture of academic excellence that permeates the environment. I remember on the first day of school, we had to do a case analysis, which set a high standard for how Fuqua approaches problem-solving. This early experience exemplified how Fuqua combines rigorous academic standards with collaborative learning, allowing it to gradually form an environment where students are challenged to succeed while supporting each other’s growth. Through each subsequent class and team project, I’ve seen this unique combination of excellence and community spirit consistently reinforced.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
One thing that I truly appreciate but frequently get surprised by is how strong the Team Fuqua spirit is. The spirit of community here at Fuqua is not just a buzzword. It is seen in practically every aspect of my experience here at Fuqua, in and out of classrooms. Being here has shown me how important it is to learn how best to contribute to and leverage a collaborative community. What’s particularly surprising is how this extends beyond just current students – alumni regularly reach out to offer guidance, second-year students proactively mentor first-years, and faculty members make themselves consistently available for both academic and career discussions. The depth and authenticity of these connections have far exceeded my expectations of what a business school community could be.
