Mercedes Jones, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025
Mercedes Jones, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2025Age: 29
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Howard University—Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, year): 8 years | Project Management Analyst (JP Morgan), Pricing Business Development Analyst (Accenture), Homeroom Teacher (Beijing Haidian International Schools—Wuhan & Hainan) (Suksanari Girls School—Bangkok)
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
After nearly a decade in the workforce, I realized my skills weren’t sharpening anymore (hitting a plateau), and my existing network was waning. I needed to “hit reset” by putting myself in an environment that would help me regain those two things, and going to business school was the best way to achieve this. To be completely transparent, I intended to enroll in 2021, but the pandemic prolonged my journey by two years.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Duke’s team-based learning approach was pivotal to my decision to apply and attend. Other top programs have collaborative cultures, but collaboration isn’t as integrated into the curriculum as Fuqua has integrated collaboration into its curriculum. I was also looking to study in a small/mid-sized city where I could focus on developing a tighter relationship with the community of students.
What is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I worked in three different industries pre-Fuqua, and one of those industries took me across the world to classrooms in Asia. I’ve yet to meet anyone else at Fuqua who has managed 12 classes of 55 ESL students (660 students total) in a public school in southern China! Should I mention that at that time, my Mandarin language speaking ability was non-existent, and their English speaking abilities were nearly the SAME? Should I also say I had little to no exposure to Chinese classroom management styles or guidance on navigating Chinese workplaces? That unique experience has allowed me to pinpoint my differentiating factor as an American with extensive exposure to Chinese culture and norms. I plan to help domestic students understand the Chinese point of view of things when Chinese students are unable to do so.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included in your application:
I lived just a few miles from the wet market where the first case of COVID-19 was detected.
Post-MBA career interests:
Consulting or Strategic Partnerships/Business Development
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I loved speaking to current students and alums. There was never a moment after speaking to a Fuquan that had me thinking, “I’m not sure about this school.” Every conversation furthered my desire to attend!
–What is one thing you would change or do differently? 
I would have prioritized attending in-person events. I was living in Asia, so that made it difficult. Nothing beats being on the ground and seeing how students and staff interact. You can better envision yourself there in the future.
What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The GMAT/GRE process. It tested my mental and emotional strength beyond what I could have imagined. I conquered these feelings by leaning on others in the “struggle.” There’s something about knowing that you’re not alone in a situation that gives you a sense of hope and security.
Pro Tip: If you have a quantitative background, applying for a waiver may be your best option. You may also find the Executive Assessment a good choice!
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
I have no clue what algorithm the admissions staff uses to vet which students exemplify high DQ, IQ, and EQ, but it’s a process they’ve mastered! The weekend before the start of the summer term, I caught COVID-19, and I was expecting to quarantine for five days, figure out how to get access to food, and play catch-up once I returned to class. Boy, was I wrong! My classmates, particularly those in my section, sprung into action to ensure I needed nothing during my time away. They organized my grocery pick-ups, collected my notes packets, and even donated masks/COVID tests. That Team Fuqua spirit is alive and well.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I am anxious about balancing academics, social life, and recruiting. I’m constantly reevaluating my list of nonnegotiables to see if my priorities are aligned. I have a RATIONAL fear of missing out and not getting the full MBA experience.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited about securing an internship. While the job search and interview process is daunting, there’s nothing more exhilarating than receiving an offer letter. It’ll mean the most to me if I can check that box off by the end of Spring 1.
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
I was surprised by the number of research centers at Fuqua. Those centers include the Centers for Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Finance, Leadership, Energy, and Health. This is relevant because it shows that the institution is invested in providing students with resources beyond the curriculum in the classroom. I look forward to applying for the Center on Leadership and Ethics (COLE) fellowship.
