Aakash Nankani
"Becoming an MMS Fellow and leading a class with such diverse nationalities has been transformative for me as a leader. I've become more comfortable stepping out of my comfort zone and engaging with individuals from vastly different backgrounds."
MMS: Foundations of Business
Industry:
Prior Education:
University of Mumbai
Finance
Why I Chose Fuqua
I chose Fuqua for its stellar reputation as one of the top business schools, offering a short and intense program that would whip me into shape for the job market. Duke was actually the only school I applied to—I was that confident! Before even getting accepted, I could sense the vibrant community and endless opportunities Fuqua had to offer.
Coming from a background in wealth management at India’s leading private sector bank, I saw Fuqua as the perfect place to fill in my skill gaps. The 10-month program covered a wide range of topics, and just looking at the successful alumni, I knew I was in the right place for my career goals.
But what really sealed the deal were the interactions I had with the Fuqua community during the application process. It was like finding a group of friends I didn’t even know I needed. Their warmth and encouragement made me feel right at home, and I knew this was the place where I could thrive and grow.
Before pursuing my MMS, I gained valuable experience as a wealth management associate at a leading private-sector bank in India for nearly two years. Additionally, I launched two startups in the education and shoe laundry sectors. These experiences highlighted the importance of entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge, leading me to choose Fuqua for its comprehensive toolkit to enter the consulting field.
After graduating, I will be joining a management consulting firm in Chicago that specializes in business process optimization and strategy consulting for government sector clients. I'm drawn to the fast-paced and challenging nature of consulting, seeing it as the perfect environment for my professional growth and development.
5 Best Fuqua Activities
- Gold Mixer. This event, held on only the second day of school, was a unique icebreaker that introduced us to our cohort while learning golf—a fun and unexpected start to our Fuqua journey.
- Holi Celebration. As the MMS Fellow, organizing and celebrating Holi with the entire Duke community was a blast. Colors, music, and the whole Duke vibe—it was like being part of one big, colorful family.
- Poker 101. Hosting a poker event for our cohort, where we taught the basics and gave out Duke merchandise as prizes, was a fun and engaging way to bond with classmates.
- Chapel Climb. Climbing the chapel and taking in the entire campus view is a must-do for every Duke student. Organizing this for the MMS group was a memorable experience.
- Triangle Training. This challenging outdoor training in the woods during the first month created lasting memories and a sense of camaraderie among the cohort, as every Fuqua student goes through this unique experience.
Fuqua’s Supportive Community
What I find most compelling about my classmates and the Fuqua network overall is the genuine sense of community and support. When I decided to apply, I reached out to over 50 people from the Duke network, and almost everyone responded and took the time to chat with me. This had a huge impact on me. On my first day of work, a fellow MMS 2023 alum picked me up, highlighting the immediate connection within Team Fuqua. Whenever I felt lost or overwhelmed, I reached out for help and received the support I needed most.
During the holiday season, I chose to stay in Durham and spent New Year's with alums I had connected with during the application phase. It was incredible to experience firsthand the power of the Fuqua network. Whether it's job searching, negotiating offers, making the most of my time at Duke, or seeking life advice, the Fuqua network has always been there. From the dean to my peers, everyone is ready to help and share their wisdom—you just have to ask for it. That's the magic of Team Fuqua.
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
Women
Non-US Citizenship
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
Women
Non-US Citizenship
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
Women
Non-US Citizenship
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%)