Michael Marsh, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2027
Age: 28
Hometown: Rochester, NY and Dayton, OH
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Georgetown University; Major: Finance & Marketing; Minor: Spanish
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Manager at Strategy&, focused on digital transformation, 5-6 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I decided to pursue an MBA to strengthen my leadership and strategic skills while codifying the product management exposure I gained during my consulting career. Although consulting gave me valuable opportunities to work on product-related initiatives, I want to formalize that knowledge and broaden it with a deeper understanding of strategy, operations, and organizational leadership.
I also recognized that I had spent the beginning of my career at a single firm, which limited the breadth of my professional network. Business school offers a unique opportunity to expand my network across industries and geographies, building relationships that will support my growth long after graduation.
Finally, now feels like the right moment to explore opportunities beyond consulting. I’m particularly excited about transitioning into strategy and operations roles within the tech and mobility sectors, where I can apply both my consulting toolkit and the new skills I will develop at Fuqua to drive impactful growth.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Fuqua’s strong emphasis on the Team Fuqua culture resonated with me. I was drawn to the collaborative, supportive environment where success is built on collective strength. In conversations with second-year students, I consistently heard examples of classmates going out of their way personally and professional to help one another, which reinforced the authenticity of that culture. I was even struck by Fuqua’s mention in an infamous Wall Street Journal article, highlighting alumni’s willingness to help one another out.
Beyond culture, Fuqua offers an ideal balance of rigorous general management training and opportunities to explore areas outside of consulting, particularly in technology and private equity operations. The school’s location, away from a major city, fosters closer bonds among classmates, while its accessible and engaged alumni network, combined with Fuqua’s global reputation, made it stand out as the right choice for me.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I believe my most valuable contribution comes from the intersection of my personal identity and professional experiences. Having lived across the U.S. as a gay, biracial individual, I’ve often found myself serving as a bridge between different communities — a role I look forward to continuing within Fuqua’s diverse class.
Professionally, much of my consulting work involved bringing together technical and functional perspectives, often underpinned by AI, to solve complex organizational challenges. This has given me a unique vantage point on how culture, operating models, governance, and business requirements intersect in practice.
I also bring a truly global perspective, as I have never worked on a project with fewer than two countries represented. Navigating multiple time zones and cultural perspectives has sharpened my ability to collaborate inclusively and adapt to different working styles.
Finally, I approach both work and life with a natural curiosity and openness to learning. I am eager not only to share my experiences but also to learn from the incredible range of perspectives my classmates will bring.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Well – I was actually able to fit a lot of fun facts within Fuqua’s signature “25 random things” essay, however one fun fact that I did not include in there was that I recently hit 400 Barry’s classes in ~2 years, right before I left NYC.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am fortunate to have sponsorship from Strategy&, the consulting firm where I built the foundation of my career. In the short term (within 3–7 years after Fuqua), I hope to transition into a Strategy & Operations role at a leading mobility company, where I can apply and expand upon my consulting experience while building industry expertise.
In the long term (10–15 years), my aspiration is to leverage the leadership, strategic, and product management skills I am developing, along with my experience in organizational design, governance, and cross-cultural collaboration, to serve as COO of a mobility company or start-up.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Spend time reflecting deeply on my career goals and personal story. That clarity helped everything — essays, interviews, and school fit.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started GMAT prep earlier to reduce stress closer to deadlines.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I went through too many drafts trying to make each essay “perfect.” Having a trusted advocate or two review them once and then moving on was what ultimately helped me feel confident.
What is your initial impression of the Fuqua students/culture/community?
Incredibly welcoming and collaborative. Everyone I’ve met has been eager to share advice, resources, or just a word of encouragement. It feels like a community where people genuinely root for each other. Furthermore, I have been pleasantly surprised by how global our student body is.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I plan to be an active member of both the Tech Club and Fuqua Pride, and I intend to apply for First-Year Cabinet roles in each. These organizations will allow me to build leadership skills, while also deepening my involvement in communities that are personally meaningful and professionally aligned with my career goals.
I am also applying to Fuqua on Board, where I would serve as a non-voting board member of a local nonprofit during my time in Durham. This opportunity will allow me to give back to the community while building nonprofit leadership and governance experience.
Beyond these, I am excited to expand my network and community through Fuqua’s cultural and affinity groups, including the Black Business Students Association (BBSA), the Association of Latin American MBA Students (ALMA), Fuqua Fit, the Outdoors Club, and the Ski Club. Each will give me the chance to connect with classmates around shared identities, interests, and passions outside the classroom.
What is one thing you have learned about Fuqua that has surprised you?
I was surprised by just how much of student life is run by students themselves, not just clubs, but critical governance, operations, and policy. From the MBA Association (MBAA) leadership to each club’s marketing, event planning, and finance, students have real agency to shape Fuqua beyond the classroom.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited to be surrounded by so many ambitious and impactful future business leaders and to continue building the friendships and connections that have already begun — something that really came to life during our annual first-year trip to Myrtle Beach. I’m also looking forward to the many travel opportunities ahead with classmates, from the Tech Trek over Fall Break, to skiing in the French Alps during winter break, to a spring trek in China.
Another highlight will be participating in GATE (Global Academic Travel Experience), a short-term exchange program that takes place right before summer internships. It’s a unique chance to deepen classroom learning through cultural and business immersion in another country, while also strengthening bonds with classmates.
Beyond the social and global experiences, I’m also genuinely excited, in a somewhat nerdy way, to network with peers and industry leaders as I learn more about career paths in mobility and private equity operations.
