Lauren Stirling Collins
"Since starting at Fuqua, I have become a more confident and adaptable leader. Before the program, I often focused on executing tasks independently and relied heavily on my past experiences to guide my decision-making. Fuqua has pushed me to embrace ambiguity, lead diverse teams through uncertainty, and trust in my ability to learn and adapt quickly."
Daytime MBA
Prior Education:
BS Sport Management
Why I Chose Fuqua
I chose Fuqua because of its unmatched sense of community, collaborative culture, and strong academic reputation. From my very first interactions with students and alumni, it was clear that Fuqua was a place where people genuinely supported each other's success, personally and professionally. I was drawn to the emphasis on team-based learning, the opportunity to participate in student-led initiatives, and the flexibility to tailor my academic experience. Fuqua's values aligned perfectly with what I was seeking in a business school, and I knew it would be the best place to push myself while being surrounded by a community that would both challenge and uplift me.
Before Fuqua
Before Fuqua, I worked as a process optimization analyst at Lululemon, where I focused on improving operational efficiency within the global Guest Support organization. I led cross-functional projects to streamline workflows, enhance service quality, and implement new technologies. I also partnered closely with strategy, technology, and customer experience teams to drive sustainable improvements aligned with Lululemon’s growth objectives.
After Fuqua
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in consulting. I'm excited to apply the leadership, problem-solving, and team collaboration skills I've developed at Fuqua to help organizations solve complex challenges and drive sustainable growth. The program's emphasis on structured thinking, adaptability, and relationship-building has prepared me to thrive in client-facing environments and make an immediate impact.
5 Tips for Maximizing Your Time at Fuqua
-
Get involved! Join clubs, attend events, and take on leadership roles. It's the best way to meet people, build your network, and make Fuqua feel like home.
-
Say yes to new things. Whether it's a new class, trek, or a random weekend trip with your classmates, step outside of your comfort zone.
-
Prioritize relationships. Academics and recruiting are important, but the relationships you build here will have the most lasting impact.
-
Use Fuqua resources. The Career Management Center (CMC), faculty, second-years, and alumni are all there to help! Don't be afraid to ask for advice, feedback, or support. The more you engage, the more you'll get out of it.
-
Stay true to yourself. It's easy to get swept up in what everyone else is doing. Remember your goals, values, and "why" for coming to Fuqua and stay anchored to them as you navigate the journey.
My Fuqua Activities
Admissions Fellow
Career Fellow
Volleyball Club Co-President
Blue Devil Weekend (BDW) Planning Co-Chair
My Leadership Transformation
Building the Fuqua Community
At Fuqua, I’m passionate about building an inclusive, supportive community where every student feels a sense of belonging from day one. That collaborative spirit drew me to Fuqua, and I’ve made it a priority to help strengthen it. As a Blue Devil Weekend (BDW) co-chair, I helped design an experience focused on authentic connection between prospective students and the Fuqua community.
I’m excited to continue supporting the Fuqua community as a Career Fellow and Admissions Fellow, mentoring first-years through the recruiting process and evaluating prospective students during the admissions cycle—both critical ways to strengthen the culture of Team Fuqua for future classes. These roles allow me to pay forward the support I received and help ensure others feel just as empowered and connected.