Any Duke MMS grads on here?

Interested in knowing what your profile was (GPA, GMAT, internships) I'm really interested in the MMS program but would like to talk with a few people that have been through it first.

Feel free to PM if you don't want to post your stats/info.

 

Sure.

Graduated in the 2012 MMS class

Background: - graduated from a small state school (3.4 gpa) - 660 GMAT - good extra curriculars all throughout college - worked FT for about a year then quit - after quitting, I completed an unpaid IB internship in NYC - did another IB internship while in the MMS program (over winter break) - landed in a corporate strategy role upon graduation (not through on campus recruiting) - moving onto a PE role at a leading MM firm in a few months (through networking)

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis - when I was dead broke man I couldn't picture this
 
idragmazda:
Sure.

Graduated in the 2012 MMS class

Background: - graduated from a small state school (3.4 gpa) - 660 GMAT - good extra curriculars all throughout college - worked FT for about a year then quit - after quitting, I completed an unpaid IB internship in NYC - did another IB internship while in the MMS program (over winter break) - landed in a corporate strategy role upon graduation (not through on campus recruiting) - moving onto a PE role at a leading MM firm in a few months (through networking)

Been hearing some mixed things from current students / student in your class about OCR drops. Did you get every OCR interview that you wanted or were there a bunch that you did not get chosen for?

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 
BepBep12:
idragmazda:
Sure.

Graduated in the 2012 MMS class

Background: - graduated from a small state school (3.4 gpa) - 660 GMAT - good extra curriculars all throughout college - worked FT for about a year then quit - after quitting, I completed an unpaid IB internship in NYC - did another IB internship while in the MMS program (over winter break) - landed in a corporate strategy role upon graduation (not through on campus recruiting) - moving onto a PE role at a leading MM firm in a few months (through networking)

Been hearing some mixed things from current students / student in your class about OCR drops. Did you get every OCR interview that you wanted or were there a bunch that you did not get chosen for?

My advice is, don't bank on OCR helping you land interviews, but I believe that is true wherever you go. The majority of my interviews at investment banks came through networking with Fuqua alum (I started making contacts and friends as soon as I was accepted and given access to the alumni database). I did not land many OCR interviews, but I also had a very non-target background.

With that said, I know a lot of people with decent undergrad backgrounds (UVA, UCLA, UNC, Cornell, etc.) backgrounds were able to land a fair share of 1st round interviews. The people who were really on their grind, even with non-traditional backgrounds, were able to reach their goals of IB, PE, and consulting. But, If you think that you can just be admitted, do some resume drops, and land at a top BB or MBB firm, you are very mistaken.

Recruiting was a long and tedious process, but if I was given the chance, I'd do it all over again. I am definitely on my way to where I want to be, and I have to attribute that to the MMS program. It's not for everyone, and not everyone will get what they want out of it; but if you work your ass off, you can have a good shot at your goals.

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis - when I was dead broke man I couldn't picture this
 
idragmazda:
My advice is, don't bank on OCR helping you land interviews, but I believe that is true wherever you go. The majority of my interviews at investment banks came through networking with Fuqua alum (I started making contacts and friends as soon as I was accepted and given access to the alumni database). I did not land many OCR interviews, but I also had a very non-target background.

With that said, I know a lot of people with decent undergrad backgrounds (UVA, UCLA, UNC, Cornell, etc.) backgrounds were able to land a fair share of 1st round interviews. The people who were really on their grind, even with non-traditional backgrounds, were able to reach their goals of IB, PE, and consulting. But, If you think that you can just be admitted, do some resume drops, and land at a top BB or MBB firm, you are very mistaken.

Recruiting was a long and tedious process, but if I was given the chance, I'd do it all over again. I am definitely on my way to where I want to be, and I have to attribute that to the MMS program. It's not for everyone, and not everyone will get what they want out of it; but if you work your ass off, you can have a good shot at your goals.

Did you feel like alumni were receptive to you even though you were not a 'double-dukie' i.e. a Duke UG? Or did you feel like you constantly had to justify yourself?

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 
BepBep12:
idragmazda:
My advice is, don't bank on OCR helping you land interviews, but I believe that is true wherever you go. The majority of my interviews at investment banks came through networking with Fuqua alum (I started making contacts and friends as soon as I was accepted and given access to the alumni database). I did not land many OCR interviews, but I also had a very non-target background.

With that said, I know a lot of people with decent undergrad backgrounds (UVA, UCLA, UNC, Cornell, etc.) backgrounds were able to land a fair share of 1st round interviews. The people who were really on their grind, even with non-traditional backgrounds, were able to reach their goals of IB, PE, and consulting. But, If you think that you can just be admitted, do some resume drops, and land at a top BB or MBB firm, you are very mistaken.

Recruiting was a long and tedious process, but if I was given the chance, I'd do it all over again. I am definitely on my way to where I want to be, and I have to attribute that to the MMS program. It's not for everyone, and not everyone will get what they want out of it; but if you work your ass off, you can have a good shot at your goals.

Did you feel like alumni were receptive to you even though you were not a 'double-dukie' i.e. a Duke UG? Or did you feel like you constantly had to justify yourself?

I just want to second this question. Would love to hear about duke alumni receptiveness to MMS students that didn't do duke undergrad

 
Best Response
BepBep12:
idragmazda:
My advice is, don't bank on OCR helping you land interviews, but I believe that is true wherever you go. The majority of my interviews at investment banks came through networking with Fuqua alum (I started making contacts and friends as soon as I was accepted and given access to the alumni database). I did not land many OCR interviews, but I also had a very non-target background.

With that said, I know a lot of people with decent undergrad backgrounds (UVA, UCLA, UNC, Cornell, etc.) backgrounds were able to land a fair share of 1st round interviews. The people who were really on their grind, even with non-traditional backgrounds, were able to reach their goals of IB, PE, and consulting. But, If you think that you can just be admitted, do some resume drops, and land at a top BB or MBB firm, you are very mistaken.

Recruiting was a long and tedious process, but if I was given the chance, I'd do it all over again. I am definitely on my way to where I want to be, and I have to attribute that to the MMS program. It's not for everyone, and not everyone will get what they want out of it; but if you work your ass off, you can have a good shot at your goals.

Did you feel like alumni were receptive to you even though you were not a 'double-dukie' i.e. a Duke UG? Or did you feel like you constantly had to justify yourself?

Fuqua alumni are VERY receptive and VERY helpful. This is one of the main reasons why I would consider getting my MBA there in a few years.

I want to say out of the Fuqua alumni I emailed, almost 75% or more responded and were willing to help me. However, you must be genuine. If you email them and are just looking for a job, they are not going to want to help you. I started building relationships with alumni very early on, so when recruiting season came around, i had a few people who were willing to help me out. One of the best aspects of Fuqua is the community, that's for sure.

Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis - when I was dead broke man I couldn't picture this
 
sshereef13:
Is anyone aware of how international students fared in the recruiting whilst at MMS? I come from a pretty non-target background + an international student, so I am interested to see if the MMS managed to boost recruitment ops for those in a similar boat?

From what I've heard, not well... not really a Duke issue, but the retarded situation w/ Visas in the US.

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 
BepBep12:
sshereef13:
Is anyone aware of how international students fared in the recruiting whilst at MMS? I come from a pretty non-target background + an international student, so I am interested to see if the MMS managed to boost recruitment ops for those in a similar boat?

From what I've heard, not well... not really a Duke issue, but the retarded situation w/ Visas in the US.

Any further details to add to that bepbep? Were there any hires at all? It's confusing because their exit stats say 26/27 folks need authorisation to work in the states got jobs [2011-12].

Do you know if Duke has been able to do anything to help intl kids? Their webpage naturally tries to paint a rosier picture than reality. thanks in advance!

 
sshereef13:
Is anyone aware of how international students fared in the recruiting whilst at MMS? I come from a pretty non-target background + an international student, so I am interested to see if the MMS managed to boost recruitment ops for those in a similar boat?

The Duke MMS employment report addresses this specifically. 97% of students "without permanent U.S. work authorization" received an offer within six months after graduation and 69% received an offer within two months after graduation.

 
RWLforever:
The Duke MMS employment report addresses this specifically. 97% of students "without permanent U.S. work authorization" received an offer within six months after graduation and 69% received an offer within two months after graduation.

Maybe they have more information on their website, but what you quoted does not mean anything. They did not specify which country or countries those offers came from, so, for all you know, those "97% of students" could have gone back to their homeland.

If you look at most IB job listings, the first thing that is said is something like "We will not sponsor visas." I personally believe international students make for an excellent and diverse learning environment, but the fact of the matter is that it is very, very tough to get a job in the US as a non-citizen, especially after the 2008 Recession.

 
sshereef13:
Thanks bepbep. yeah I heard ibd is tough from duke's mms too, but hopefully more corporate careers are available, even for intl kids. are you an intl student too? have you had to go through the h1b visa crap? if so, any insights/tips on that experience?

Why don't you look into MSF programs? I would think that would fit your background better

 

Duke's MMS has least Duke on it which I feel might help me out with getting a job i.e. the brand name of the school. And since I need to go to a place with good OCR recruiting and strong alumni network for me to capitalise on all the opportunities of getting a job, I feel Duke's MMS would offer that. I haven't come across an MSF that has the same kind of pull with regards to jobs, esp. a level ofpull that can help off-set my need for a h1b. plus, i am a non major from a non target, so an msf program from the ivys or more prestigious names might not accept someone like me with my limited work experience either.

I'd love though if you have another suggestion for me to consider; i hate putting all my eggs in one basket.

 

The Visa is not particular to Duke, but an issue w/ the employers so you'll see it crop everywhere (other MSFs).

I'm not an international student, but I am an Alumni Mentor to one at my UG program and its been a recurring issue. He has two offers in the U.S. but he has to hustle and it was not at any of the big banking or F500 names. I think Visa issues can and do get overcome, but just something to be aware of.

'Before you enter... be willing to pay the price'
 

Thanks Bep; do you mind shedding some light on the offers please? It would be good to know what to expect if/when I do make the jump to a masters program in the States. And if you don't mind, what all hustle did he have to do - again, just so I know what are the levels one needs to go to get an offer. And congrats to the fellow and you; couldn't have been easy at all. I am glad though to hear you say as a mentor that the issues can be overcome. I feel the same way, i just need/want to know how and what all I'd have to do in order to make sure I do it right and beyond. Thanks again Bep - appreciating your insights.

 

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