Uploaded October 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In this Blue Table Talk, Fuqua students discuss the experiences of veteran students and the transition from the armed forces to business school. The panelists give insight into how lessons learned in the armed forces translates to the classroom and job search. The group discusses motivations for choosing Fuqua, how identifying as a veteran shows up in the classroom, and lessons learned about leadership. These students also give advice to other veterans applying to business school.
0:00 Start
1:21 Guest Introductions
3:03 Responses to “Thank You for Your Service”
5:50 Motivations Behind Chosen Service Branch and Transition to Pursuing Business Degree
7:40 Brandon’s Transition into Business
13:51 Why Fuqua?
16:30 Experiencing Team Fuqua
17:30 Other Identities Beyond Being a Veteran and How It Shows Up
22:25 Learning About Leadership Styles and Transitioning to the Classroom
28:15 Coping Mechanisms for Managing Stress
31:00 Resources at Fuqua Most Helpful for Veterans
35:00 Admissions Experience and Advice for Other Veterans
37:35 Handling Imposter Syndrome
38:50 Favorite Classes at Fuqua
40:00 Why Brandon Chose the Risk Management Track of the MQM Program
41:15 Approaching Leadership and Involvement in the Application Process
44:10 Brontavious’s Involvement in the Duke Armed Forces Association, ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) Club and Interning at Goldman Sachs
47:00 Typical Day in the Life of Daytime MBA Student
49:06 How Kris Manages Her Priorities
52:20 Brandon’s Typical Day in the MQM Program
55:00 Words of Wisdom for Prospective Students
57:300 Closing Remarks
In this Blue Table Talk, Fuqua students discuss the experiences of veteran students and the transition from the armed forces to business school. The panelists give insight into how lessons learned in the armed forces translates to the classroom and job search. The group discusses motivations for choosing Fuqua, how identifying as a veteran shows up in the classroom, and lessons learned about leadership. These students also give advice to other veterans applying to business school.
0:00 Start
1:21 Guest Introductions
3:03 Responses to “Thank You for Your Service”
5:50 Motivations Behind Chosen Service Branch and Transition to Pursuing Business Degree
7:40 Brandon’s Transition into Business
13:51 Why Fuqua?
16:30 Experiencing Team Fuqua
17:30 Other Identities Beyond Being a Veteran and How It Shows Up
22:25 Learning About Leadership Styles and Transitioning to the Classroom
28:15 Coping Mechanisms for Managing Stress
31:00 Resources at Fuqua Most Helpful for Veterans
35:00 Admissions Experience and Advice for Other Veterans
37:35 Handling Imposter Syndrome
38:50 Favorite Classes at Fuqua
40:00 Why Brandon Chose the Risk Management Track of the MQM Program
41:15 Approaching Leadership and Involvement in the Application Process
44:10 Brontavious’s Involvement in the Duke Armed Forces Association, ETA (Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition) Club and Interning at Goldman Sachs
47:00 Typical Day in the Life of Daytime MBA Student
49:06 How Kris Manages Her Priorities
52:20 Brandon’s Typical Day in the MQM Program
55:00 Words of Wisdom for Prospective Students
57:300 Closing Remarks
