Britton Landrum, Duke Fuqua MMS Class of 2026
Age: 23
Hometown: Pensacola, FL
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Georgia, Business Management and International Business
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Since high school, I have known I was interested in pursuing a degree in higher education. During my senior year at the University of Georgia, I saw a great opportunity to pair my well-rounded undergraduate experience with a high-level business school education that would differentiate me as a job applicant in a uniquely arduous job market. Additionally, I sought to expand my business acumen while networking with a distinguished alumni network that spans the globe. The MMS program provides an incredible opportunity to accomplish these objectives with numerous ways to be involved in Fuqua and the Duke community, whether it is through professional or social organizations.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Truly, the people at Duke Fuqua were the ultimate differentiators that placed Fuqua above the rest. Throughout the application process, Fuqua students and admissions representatives consistently went the extra mile in conveying a caring, team-oriented culture. This took many forms—such as, wishing me good luck on my interview day, or introducing me to other students who could answer my questions (there were many). Equally important, the opportunity to attend one of the best universities in the world that pairs an enjoyable campus experience with world-class academics was extremely attractive to me. Additionally, the Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP) presented a tangible opportunity for me to gain experience working with clients before applying to management consulting firms.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the class?
I believe I am eager to build relationships with a wide variety of people, while having the ability to utilize my experience and lead in the classroom or through extracurricular opportunities. As Vice President of my class, it is my responsibility to survey the aggregate interests of my cohort to spur action and coordinate events that benefit all MMS students. As previously mentioned, Fuqua students are what make this place great, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to know every single one of my classmates.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
When I was eight years old, I was upset that my parents did not allow me to create a Facebook account. As a result, I created a website for me and my friends to use as a de facto social media platform: “Social Child.”
Post-MMS career interests:
I am looking to enter the field of strategic management consulting immediately following my graduation from Duke.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Network! Utilize the amazing individuals and attend the great events organized by the admissions teams to meet as many individuals involved with Fuqua as possible. Ask as many questions as you can at these events.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Ensuring all of my application materials, such as letters of recommendation and transcripts, were together and submitted EARLY. This creates more time for you to enjoy your current situation and ease the stress headache of transition. Use that free time to finish strong in school, or crush it in the workplace, or start networking with more Fuqua students and begin familiarizing yourself with the Duke landscape.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I wish I could have skipped the anticipation and amount of time waiting to hear my admission decision. Instead, I would have used this time to start networking with professionals and acclimating to the Duke Fuqua ecosystem. Focusing on making the most out of the short time I had left at the University of Georgia shifted my nervous mindset to an excited one for my graduation and future.
What is your initial impression of the Duke Fuqua students/culture/community?
The Fuqua community is full of very talented individuals; I learn a cool fact about my classmates every day. In each classroom, you can find phenomenal athletes, great musicians, and many more experts in their respective fields. Moreover, I have never been engrained in an environment as nurturing and team focused as Fuqua. Every person I have encountered through my experience at Duke—student, alum, faculty, etc.—has been very interested in my personalized journey and how they can enhance my time here in Durham. Every coffee chat I have had with a faculty member or alumni always includes the phrase “what can I do to help you achieve your goals?”
What is one thing you have learned about Duke Fuqua that has surprised you?
The pride the business school exhibits for Duke and its athletics is pleasantly surprising. One may think that graduate school students are “too old” to be involved in school spirit activities or athletic events—that is not the case at Duke! Fuqua students always show up in strong force for games and actively contribute to the craziness that occurs in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
