Meet Duke Fuqua’s MBA Class Of 2019

Joanna Guy 

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Frequently traveling, often napping, always exploring. Emerging leader working hard in the business of fun.

Hometown: Swanton, Maryland

Fun Fact About Yourself: I performed live on national television for 10 million people. 

Undergraduate School and Major: Cornell University, Government/Music

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

Fellow, U.S. PIRG

Marketing Associate, Premier Rides

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Working on a diverse team of engineers, researchers and administrators to complete a multi-million dollar proposal that resulted in a contract to build a first-of-its-kind roller coaster abroad.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? After you have completed your preparation work, passed the admissions criteria, and received your official acceptance, remember to actively seek out scholarship opportunities. Sometimes, this step is overlooked in the excitement of acceptance, but any reduction in your expenses will make you feel more secure and enable you to focus on your classes and hit the ground running when you arrive at school. Think about organizations you’ve been a part of, scholarships you received in college (can you re-apply for grad school?), and utilize apps like Scholly.

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? Simply put, I was blown away by Fuqua’s Weekend for Women. It was clear to me that this program is committed not only to increasing the number of women in its MBA program, but to preparing well-rounded and accomplished women for post-MBA life at the executive level. I wanted to learn and grow with women from diverse backgrounds who value higher education and aspire to make their mark in their respective industries. The men are great too, though! Everyone is sharp, inquisitive, and eager to learn.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? When you accept the offer of admission to Fuqua, you become part of “Team Fuqua.” For me, success in the first year would mean solidifying my place within this community. I aim to become involved with AWIB, the largest student-run organization on campus, so that I can take an active role in recruiting the class of 2020, particularly through the annual Weekend for Women. I hope to build strong relationships with other Forte Fellows, students in my section, and MBA candidates I meet through club activities or weekend events. Of course, I aim to excel in my classes and secure a great summer internship after the first year of school, but I want to see these goals come to fruition for all of my classmates as well.