Meet Duke Fuqua’s MBA Class of 2018

Sofia Rodriguez

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: I’m a driven person who pursues excellence, but never forgets to enjoy the journey.

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have scuba dived with hammer sharks and bull sharks!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Notre Dame, Management Consulting

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

1. Strategy Consulting Associate and Senior Associate, KPMG
2. Founder, HighView (personal startup)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment has been donating over 100 years’ worth of clean water to Guatemalan schoolchildren on behalf of my startup, as a portion of its sales are donated to provide water filters to rural schools in Guatemala. It is important for me to help those in need and it has been a privlege to share my startup’s success with school children in my home country.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? Make sure you take as many GMAT practice tests as you can, and always include the essay and integrated reasoning sections as well. Even though these two sections aren’t your priority, it is important to include them in your practice tests as they will help you get used to the actual length of the exam and managing your brain power appropriately!

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? When I visited Fuqua for my interview, I was impressed by the people. Everyone was very accomplished and always went out of their way to make me feel welcome. My interactions with students, faculty, and staff showed me what Team Fuqua was about and the type of community that Fuqua builds and fosters. I wanted to attend a top program that had a unique, collaborative, friendly community, and I found that at Fuqua.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life? My dream job is to work as a product manager in a growing tech company in the US.  After a few years, I would like to be able to use what I learn to start a tech related company in Guatemala, that also incorporates giving back to those in need as part of its mission.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would like my peers to say I was a classmate and friend that was always available and willing to help, knew how to lead teams and accomplish goals together, and was fun to be with!