Kyle Wolffe

Duke University, Fuqua School of Business

“A resilient, passionate, and intentional leader who is living my version of the American Dream.”

Hometown: St. Joseph, Trinidad and Tobago (I was born and raised in the Caribbean and immigrated to the United States when I was 16 years old.)

Fun Fact About Yourself: Fuqua was the only business school I applied to. I had conversations with other top programs, but Fuqua just felt like home. My family and I decided to put all my eggs in Fuqua’s basket and the risk paid off. #FuquaOrNothing

Undergraduate School and Major: The United States Military Academy, Bachelor of Science in Management, in the Civil Engineering track

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: U.S. Army, Assistant Plans Officers

The MBA program is renowned for its “Team Fuqua” culture, which is predicated on six paired principles: Authentic Engagement, Supportive Ambition, Collective Diversity, Impactful Stewardship, Loyal Community, and Uncompromising Integrity. Which of these resonates most with you – and what does that principle demand of you as a Fuqua MBA? At Fuqua, supportive ambition goes beyond just words. Multiple current students and alumni have taken time out of their busy schedules to talk to me about internships and help me prepare for interviews during pre-MBA recruiting. This principle also gives me the avenue to “pay it forward” and help others live out their dreams the way so many people helped me when I came to the U.S.

Aside from your classmates and school culture, what was the key part of Duke Fuqua’s MBA curriculum programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Fuqua’s recruiting resources are unmatched. Before even officially beginning the program, the Career Management Center (CMC) began preparing me for potential opportunities. Most importantly, the center provided resources for me to learn more about my passions, strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Transitioning from my role as an Officer in the U.S. Army to the civilian workforce comes with a unique set of challenges. Fuqua has a team that understands those challenges and is helping me manage a smooth transition. The CMC is helping me understand what career paths align with my military experience so that I know where to focus my efforts when recruiting.

What has been your first impression of the Fuqua MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far. Tell us your best Fuqua story so far. I was unable to attend any of the on-campus previews before applying to Fuqua. After submitting my application, I finally had the opportunity to visit the campus and meet some of the Admissions team in person. I was welcomed with open arms. Everyone I met already knew who I was and seemed genuinely excited to meet me. They even had a Fuqua teddy bear for me to take home for my son who was born shortly after that visit.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at Duke Fuqua? I am excited to be a part of the Duke Armed Forces Association (DAFA). Leading up to the submission of my Fuqua application, veterans from the club were a tremendous support system. They treated me like I was already a Fuqua candidate. Soldiering has been my life since the age of 17, so it was important to attend a program that supported and recognized me, my experiences, and my potential.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest accomplishment in my career was being named to the list of 30-Under-30 Leader Developers, a junior officer award, for my potential as a leader. This honor was proof of the positive impact and influence I had on the soldiers I led in my military career. As I reflect on that time, I can say that I was positively impacted and humbled by their resilience, growth, bravery, and “can do” attitude.

Looking ahead two years, what would make your MBA experience successful? Leaving Fuqua with a job offer in an industry of my choice and a strong network of lifelong friends would make my experience successful. The friendships built at Fuqua have the potential to be the friendships that impact the course of my life and keep me focused on personal and professional growth.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Duke Fuqua’s MBA program? Remember that quality is better than quantity and that Fuqua cares about YOU more than your test scores. If you think Fuqua is the best fit for you, take the time to show the Admissions committee who you are and why you would be a good fit for the “Team Fuqua” culture.

DON’T MISS: MEET DUKE FUQUA’S MBA CLASS OF 2026