Natalie Andrews, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Sherborn, Massachusetts
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Brown University, History
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Communications Associate, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Lead History Teacher, Achievement First Linden Middle School, Lead History Teacher, Success Academy
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
In education and nonprofit work, business is always a factor, but very few people in those fields have formal business training. With an MBA, I’ll be able to bring a new perspective into mission-driven workspaces. Additionally, I felt very settled in my life, and knew if I didn’t go to grad school now I never would. Business school allows me to be ambitious and challenge myself in new ways.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As a nontraditional student, I wanted to be in a collaborative environment where I could rely on my classmates to help catch me up on. I also wanted to move to a new region with many new students, so I could have a greater network and different experiences and networks than I had in the Northeast. So far, Fuqua has done a fantastic job in facilitating bonding amongst my class and section.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I serve as a bit of a devil’s advocate for classmates with more traditional backgrounds who evaluate cases with financial metrics first. Our cases are often set up to be more complicated than just the bottom line, so I can bring the impact-driven perspective to complement their financial lenses.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
As the youngest of four girls from a small town in Massachusetts, I was constantly compared to Amy March from Little Women. Although I’m a Jo at heart, I’m trying to channel my inner Amy at business school!
Post-MBA career interests:
I am open exploring consulting, impact investing, education technology, and other mission-driven roles.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend information sessions and events! After going to a Fuqua event in New York, Duke sent me a fee waiver which made it much easier for me to apply. That event also had alums with nontraditional backgrounds discussing their experiences; it was the first time I could picture myself at business school.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I was very indecisive about applying to business school at all, so I put off applying until the very last minute in Round 2. If you’re unsure about applying, ask admissions departments for fee waivers and apply as early as you can. You might not know if business school is right for you until you are admitted and learn about financials – but if you don’t apply, you’ll never know!
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I spent too much time worrying about my lack of a quant background and my limited post-grad extracurriculars, counting myself out before I even applied. Talking to alumni finally convinced me I could be a competitive candidate. If I could go back, I’d spend less time doubting myself and more time investing in myself.
What is your initial impression of the Fuqua students/culture/community?
Truly lovely. I was worried that there would be clusters of people grouped together because of their shared backgrounds, but have found that everyone is friendly and open. I’ve never lived away from family or close friends before, and every day I’m grateful to be surrounded by kind and supportive peers.
What student organizations have you joined/are you hoping to join and why?
I’m going to join the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship (CASE), the Net Impact Club, the Association of Women in Business, and the Consulting Club. I’m really interested in Net Impact, as I want to explore for-profit companies that have strong impact missions. CASE was one of the main reasons I applied to Fuqua – their offerings are unique and will help me get the practical knowledge I need.
What is one thing you have learned about Fuqua that has surprised you?
Alumni often say that “Team Fuqua” is real, and after just a month, I can confirm it. I thought it was just the energy of the program, but I can see now that administration and factually have intentionally designed programming to create “Team Fuqua.” It’s built into orientation, our C-LEAD project teams, and even the way professors assign work in class. I already have a lot of trust in my team and the people around me.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m eager to take classes I’ve never really touched before – Economics, Statistics, Accounting, and Finance are all new to me. While slightly intimidated, I’m excited for the challenge. How often do you get the chance to rewire your brain and devote yourself to learning entirely new topics? I feel lucky.
