Alba Mustafaj, MBA’s Post

One thing you learn quickly here at Fuqua is how diverse and unique every single person is. While many have similarities, no two people are the same. This is one of the beautiful things and what makes Duke University - The Fuqua School of Business special. The importance of diversity and embracing what makes each of us unique is key from the onset, especially with your Fuqua EMBA application! See below a cool feature from a few of us WEMBA 2025 candidates!

I am honored and humbled by this achievement. Through this journey I have encountered moments that tested my spirit, stretched my resilience and challenged my essence. After four years of progress, hard work, and dedication, I completed my studies with a First Class degree in Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Business Management. Grateful for the support! I am eager for the upcoming chapter and the chances it holds!🎓✨ #FirstClassDegree #Graduation #NewBeginnings #BusinessManagement

Five years ago, I arrived at Memorial University of Newfoundland; eleven months ago, I graduated; twenty-five weeks ago, I attended Spring Convocation; and a few days ago, I was informed by the Faculty of Business Administration at Memorial University of Newfoundland that I had received the prestigious James Barnes Award! Feeling to be over the moon would be an understatement. 🏆 The award represents graduates of the B.Comm., BBA and iBBA programs who have achieved Dean's List ✅ standing each year throughout their degree. To me, It means more than academic excellence, it is a testament that efforts pay off - if not today, then tomorrow :) When I started the program, I was simply trying not to fail any of the courses. Not because I feared failure, but because retaking the course would have caused financial strain on my family and me (In Canada,🌏 international students pay in multiples of regular tuition, in case you did not know) 🏡Navigating through a foreign university at 18, seven seas away from home, is tough. Despite feeling like giving up towards the end of May 2019, I held on to something inside me that prevented me from taking the easy way out. All I wanted was to return to my roots in India, but I knew deep down that giving up was not the answer. I'm glad I held on because today I am stronger and more resilient because of it. ⌛ The four years that followed were not easy. There were days when everything seemed fine on the outside, but inside it felt like the world was ending. Figuring out how to live a better life didn't happen overnight. It took time, effort, and taking small steps. Whether it meant challenging myself to go out more, meeting new people, trying new things, or embracing discomfort, I was in it for the experience, not just the outcome :) 💡 Practicing self-compassion, embracing vulnerability, and being open to new experiences can lead to unexpected opportunities, connections, and achievements. This is something that I have witnessed firsthand. ☝ Indeed, I am proud to have received this award. However, what makes me even prouder is that this achievement is a result of the values I have developed over time and strive to live by, rather than a goal that I set out to achieve. 👉 Believe in yourself and strive towards becoming the person that you admire. Remember, it's not about proving anything to others but achieving your aspirations.

I'm thrilled to announce that I've successfully concluded my second year of Masters, earning a distinction. This journey has been challenging, rewarding, and filled with invaluable experiences. As I eagerly await graduation, I'm reflecting on the knowledge gained, skills honed, and connections made during this transformative period. I'm excited to apply these learnings in my future endeavours and contribute meaningfully to my field. A heartfelt thank you to my professors, peers, and support system who have been instrumental in this achievement. Looking forward to the next chapter! #MastersGraduate #AcademicExcellence #LifelongLearner"

If you’re thinking about that #NextBigMove but are stuck in the “how”, an MBA might be the place to start. Let’s Talk if an MBA is something you’ve been thinking about and we can get you on the right path. #Smu #SMUCox #PonyUp #MBA

My successful graduation and hard earned degree will contribute to the next chapter in my life.

What better way to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Executive MBA program than by speaking with its heart and soul, Pavlina Atke, MBA, or as we all refer to her - Polly? Read our interview with her below or, even better, join her at the 20th Executive MBA Anniversary Gala this Friday (tickets link in the comments below).

Congratulations on reaching the culmination of your undergraduate journey. I extend my heartfelt wishes for your continued success and a prosperous future. However, there’s more to this moment — a gift awaits you that holds the potential to impact your life in a positive way profoundly. This gift is one I earnestly wish had been shared with us when we concluded our undergraduate studies. I was inspired to impart this valuable insight as I witnessed some of you unveiling your ‘sign out’ photos, symbolic of your emergence as potential graduates ready to take on the world. It prompted me to ask several individuals: What lies ahead after your academic pursuits? Regrettably, the responses I’ve received so far have lacked the warmth and promise I had hoped for. Against this backdrop, I’ve formulated four essential nuggets designed to equip you for the path ahead and empower you to become mentors to others one day. In this piece, you will go into actionable steps and strategic approaches that will help in the formulation of your personal and professional development plan. This plan will encompass distinct implementation phases, from the period before your national service, during your orientation camp days, your primary assignment, and even beyond your post-NYSC life.... #nysc #nigeria #studentdevelopment #professionaldevelopment #professionalgrowth #mentoring

Fantastic day attending two graduation ceremonies at Leeds Trinity University and University of Bradford celebrating success of many students. My advise to the graduates; ‘Never forget where you started from and never say good-bye to your people and your community. There are many young people out there who need your help, advice and inspiration, they need positive role models and be that positive role model. It is also important that you contribute for the benefit of those in need such as elderly, isolated and vulnerable. In the fact, you will get more happiness by sharing what you have with others. Even if it is a small contribution make sure that you contribute towards the society. It does not need to be in cash - sometimes contributing your time is enough to make all the difference. You need to be ambassador of your communities and build bridges with different communities to live and work in peace, harmony and eliminate any misconceptions and fears they may have. The fear of failure keeps people away from succeeding. You have to fail first, fail often to rise up the ladder. Don’t let the fear of judgments stop you. Always remember before you even learned to walk you learned to fall. You might not have answers to all the problems, its ok to seek help and advice from others. Don’t hesitate to grease your elbows and hands, be passionate about what you set out to do. Stay humble and stay true to yourself. Dream big and always play fair because success doesn’t come overnight. Finally, never be afraid of these winds and turbulences(challenges, obstacles and barriers) as these only come to raise you higher. All the best wishes in whatever you decude to do’.

Counting down the days until our 16th Graduation Ceremony! 🎓✨ Just 15 more days until we celebrate the incredible achievements of our graduates. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to join us in honoring their hard work and success! #GraduationCountdown #EmpoweringLives #Graduation #2023 #SuccessStories #Achievement