Eric Johnson
“I was looking for a part-time degree program that could signal to employers that I was committed, capable, and ready to make the switch. Fuqua’s alumni network, hands-on approach to learning, and strong global reputation convinced me that the MSQM program was the right one for me.”
MSQM: Business Analytics
Industry:
Prior Education:
Tufts University
Chinese / Economics
Reflections
Last year, I was preparing for level 2 of the CFA exam, and the curriculum included introductory material on machine learning, statistics as applied to finance, and other quantitative methods. I was a liberal arts undergraduate, so I found it challenging but interesting, and I wanted to learn more. Self-study has its limits, and I felt that a formal program that covered quantitative skills and business fundamentals would help me coalesce my work experience, my informal studies, and my interests in a formalized and rigorous way.
For me, the peer team ended up being the most important part of the experience. Having a group of great people to work, talk, study, and joke with really makes me feel that, despite being thousands of miles away, I am still part of the Duke student community.
Before Fuqua
I began working in investment banking, doing mergers and acquisitions at a Chinese state-owned investment bank. After that, I worked in the film industry, primarily doing financing deals with Chinese investors. My career outlook shifted during the pandemic when the industry was slowing down. I currently work at an educational institution in Beijing, using data and analytics to improve outcomes for highly gifted students.
After Fuqua
I’m eager to transition into a corporate finance role where I can leverage the skill set I’ve developed throughout my career and during the MSQM program.
Advice for Prospective Students
If you have questions, find a current student on LinkedIn. We would be happy to share our honest feedback. More practically, brush up on linear algebra before you start Data Analytics. Class time is only a small fraction of the work you need to do, so make sure your study habits are solid if you've been out of school for a while like me.
MSQM:HA students "meet" in Durham without leaving home
Global Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
Financial Services (20%)
Consulting (5%)
Sales/Business Development (5%)
Energy/Chemical/Gas (9%)
Marketing/PR/Advertising (6%)
Consumer Goods (3%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Duke Kunshan University
Undergraduate Majors
Business/Accounting (51%)
Economics (22%)
Liberal Arts (14%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (10%)
Other (4%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
Average Age
Average Work Experience
Countries Represented
Non-US Citizenship
Women
Weekend Executive MBA
Top Areas of Career Focus
IT (16%)
Financial Services (14%)
Health Care/Health Services (10%)
Manufacturing/Operations (9%)
Sales/Business Development (8%)
Consulting (8%)