Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business Student Caty Stanko
“It’s incredibly rewarding to step into Fuqua and be surrounded by people with similar goals and aspirations. Competition never outweighs respect, kindness, and diligence among students. Everyone in the Fuqua community wants you to succeed and will do everything in their power to help you. I’ve seen firsthand how impactful the Fuqua community can be, and my goal is to be part of that legacy."

MMS: Foundations of Business

Class of 2022
Industry:
Consulting

Prior Education:

Villanova University
Communications, 2021
Hometown:
Wyomissing, Pennsylvania
Nationality:
USA

Why I Chose Fuqua

My decision to attend Fuqua was not linear. In undergrad, I was nearing graduation and incredibly uncertain on my next steps. I decided to apply to graduate programs at schools that were in new places with noteworthy reputations. The graduate school application process was somewhat of a shot in the dark for me, as I was looking for a next step, not specificity. Fuqua is one of the top business schools in the nation, and academically speaking it was the best choice for me. However, socially, Duke also fit all of my boxes. I was excited to continue celebrating my love for college basketball in a new place, far away from home.

Before Fuqua

I interned at five companies in four different industries – a law firm, two fashion companies, a resort, and a marketing agency. While these experiences differed greatly from each other in terms of industry and duties, I was able to develop an understanding of what I wanted in a career, and I gained experience in e-commerce, finance, marketing, hospitality, and accounting.

After Fuqua

I’ve accepted a position as a Risk and Financial Analyst with Deloitte in their New York office, where I’ll work on multiple projects. I’ll be helping clients make decisions and drive performance, focusing on controls, compliance, and finance.

5 Random Things About Me

  1. Taylor Swift went to my high school and lived in my town until her big break!
  2. In my free time, I enjoy working out, online shopping, reading, and spending time with my three young nieces.
  3. In 2019, while studying abroad, I took a trip to Germany to attend Oktoberfest. Fast forward to 2021. One day at Fuqua, my best friend and I were discussing our abroad experiences and going through photos. In a strange turn of events, Rachel and I are in the background of each other’s Oktoberfest photos.
  4. I diagnosed myself with a disorder I call “Color Confusion.” My brother and I consistently mix up the colors orange and green and are likely to say the wrong color when they come up in conversation.
  5. I was waitlisted at Fuqua and found out I was accepted two days before I was supposed to move for a different program! Keep the faith, everything works out how it’s supposed to.

What I’ve Learned about Leadership

As a leader, I’ve learned how to listen properly. Through cohort learning, I’ve witnessed various leadership approaches and seen firsthand how successful teams achieve goals. I used to be the first one with my hand up, the first one to speak, and the one with an idea. However, at Fuqua I’ve learned how to take a backseat and listen to others who may be more qualified about a subject or situation.

Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business

Undergraduate Majors

Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)

true
Typical Class Demographics
MMS: Foundations of Business

Average Age

23

Average Work Experience

6 months or less

Countries Represented

27

Non-US Citizenship

43%

Women

49%
true
Lindsey Walker
MMS: Foundations of Business

Lindsey Walker

Class of 2018
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business Student Donovan Spearman
MMS: Foundations of Business

Donovan Spearman

Class of 2022
Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business Student Caty Stanko
MMS: Foundations of Business

Caty Stanko

Class of 2022
MMS: Foundations of Business Student Yogita Tahilram
MMS: Foundations of Business

Yogita Tahilram

Class of 2023