This interview is the latest in an Accepted blog series featuring interviews with MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. And now for a chat with Enrique Toubes, a graduate of Duke Fuqua. (We first met Enrique last year – you can read our first interview with him here.)
Accepted: Last we spoke, you were finishing up your first year at Duke Fuqua. How was your second year? How did year 2 differ from year 1?
Enrique: Second year was very different from the first one.
First of all, I kept thinking that the countdown for the end of the MBA had already started, which was very sad! I was one of those who did not want to graduate and was hoping to get a third year at Fuqua! I kept thinking about all the things I should be doing before the MBA was over.
Recruiting was also different. I got my full-time offer with Deloitte and had more time to give back to the school, helping second and first years preparing behavioral and case interviews. I was also involved in several clubs and organizations. It is true what they say– that a different MBA starts once you get your job offer!
Accepted: Where did you intern in between years 1 and 2?
Enrique: I did my summer internship at Deloitte Consulting, out of the Atlanta office. I got my offer in their technology practice and spent my summer working at an M&A engagement. It was a very successful summer and led to my full-time offer!
Accepted: Where are you currently working? What role did Duke play in helping you secure that position?
Enrique: I decided to accept the Deloitte offer and started working in their technology practice in July, out of the Atlanta office. I am aligned with the technology strategy service line. Duke played a key role during the recruiting process, as I was able to talk with many management consultants during their campus visits at Fuqua. Alumni are super involved during the recruiting process at Duke and everyone was super helpful
Accepted: Congrats on the new baby! Can you share some advice on juggling parenting and working full-time?
Enrique: A baby changes your life completely. I was afraid that I would not see my daughter much and that I would not be at home often. However, Deloitte goes the extra mile to help their consultants have a good work-life balance. I was staffed at an internal project, which allows me to work from home and not having to travel as much. I will be in this project for five months and will then transition back to a client facing role.
Accepted: Do you ever go back and visit Fuqua?
Enrique: I go back to Fuqua every time I have a chance! I have been at Duke three times already and will be going back again in early December!
I am part of the recruiting team at Fuqua and am very involved on campus. For instance, one of my tasks is to organize and conduct office hours, which is an opportunity for the students to meet 1-on-1 with recruiters and ask all their questions about recruiting for a particular company, type of projects that are involved, and so on.
I love helping students and enjoy giving them guidance during the recruiting process. At the same time I am learning a lot about what it takes to be successful during interviews or informational chats.
Being “on the other side” really lets you identify what works and what does not when recruiting for a job.
Accepted: Do you have any advice for our readers on making the most of b-school? Is there anything you wish you would’ve known before starting school to make the transition easier and to make the most of the experience?
Enrique: My only advice to make the most out of b-school is to go out of your comfort zone, meet as many people as you can, explore classes and get involved in activities that are new to you. This is the only way you will really learn and grow as a person and as a professional.
As for the second part of the question, I would recommend doing some self reflection to identify the top roles you would like as a career both for the summer and full-time. This will help you be more focused and successful on the recruiting process.
You can read more about Enrique’s b-school journey by checking out his blog, Reaching the Thirties and connecting with him on LinkedIn. Thank you Enrique for sharing your story with us!
Related Resources:
• The Best MBA Programs: A Guide to Selecting the Right One
• How To Earn A Spot On Team Fuqua
• Duke Fuqua 2016 MBA Essay Tips & Deadlines