Master of Management Studies: Foundations of Business
Undergraduate Majors
Liberal Arts (33%)
Business/Accounting (24%)
Engineering/Natural Sciences (18%)
Economics (17%)
Other (8%)
María Soledad Aguilar
"While working with my team on multiple assignments, we have been faced with issues that required diverse solutions. As a result, we learned to bring several ways of thinking to the table, anticipate objections and prepare responses, and meet each point with a plan.”
MMS: Foundations of Business
Class of 2020
Industry:
Pharmaceutical
Prior Education:
University CEU San Pablo
Pharmacy/Biotechnology, 2018
Pharmacy/Biotechnology, 2018
Hometown:
Madrid, Spain
Nationality:
Spain/Switzerland
Why I Chose Fuqua
In my time as a pharmacy and biotechnology student, as well as in the professional world, my goal has remained constant: to improve global health. With my training in drug research and development procedures, I chose Fuqua to establish a strong business foundation for immediate use in the corporate world. I was enchanted with the idea of building a community and how this was brought into practice with the “Fuqua Family.” I also liked how the school is capable of doing fierce and competitive business while keeping humanity in mind.
Before Fuqua
I was a research assistant in a pharmaceutical and health science department and I performed data analysis in the agri-food sector. I also worked as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy where I maximized efficiency in the delivery of products.
After Fuqua
In the next three to five years, I want to strengthen my business knowledge and gain experience as a product manager in the pharmaceutical industry. With this new business foundation acquired at Fuqua, I feel uniquely equipped to contribute to the field.
5 Things to Know Before Starting the Program
- There are so many diverse culinary styles represented in Durham that you will be able to eat out each day in a different and incredible restaurant.
- Even if you aren’t familiar with Duke’s sports teams, you will end up being a Duke fan. It’s impossible to resist the Blue Devil's craziness.
- Health care is a big industry in Durham—there are hundreds of medical and health-related companies in the area.
- As an international student, I was surprised by how many places there are to get ice cream. If you have a car and you like sunsets, the best place I recommend is Maple View Farms.
- Having a car is crucial in Durham, so if you plan to come without one, I’d recommend living near Ninth Street where you can walk to restaurants and shops and catch transportation to campus.
Why Pharmaceuticals?
My long-term goal is to launch a start-up to create and market new treatments that improve the prognoses of oncology patients. In this, I envision a cooperative health care unit that combines scientific research, business proficiency, and qualified medical professionals to deliver integrated care. I hope that my contribution will improve global health standards and support the shift to not only profitable but ethical business. Research and development within the health care sector are invaluable, but without forward-thinking business professionals to expand access, society stands to miss out on the technological boom.
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%
