Summer Internship with NC SBTDC
Amit Iarochevsky, Daytime MBA 2024
This summer, I had the opportunity to apply my business skills in a consulting role at SBTDC, working with a respected founder of a small startup. When he greeted me as the “business expert,” my first reaction was, “Wait, where’s the expert?” But then I realized—this is what Fuqua prepared me for. I dove into the project, using BLUF and crafting a clear Executive Summary, all the while circling back to key points. When it came to valuations, I tapped into my finance classes, projecting TTM for multiples and using a five-year projection for the DCF. I even factored in the 10-year highly rated government Treasury note for the WACC.
But it wasn’t just about the technical skills. During customer discovery, I remembered Josh’s advice that the customer is the expert and applied the EMA approach we learned. Managing up was another challenge where I leaned on the leadership skills we practiced. By the time I delivered my final presentation—just as we rehearsed in Leadcomm—I realized how much of an impact I was able to make by integrating everything Fuqua taught me.
Looking ahead, these experiences have solidified my confidence in using these skills in every aspect of my career—whether it’s in full-time recruiting, networking, or even presenting myself in new situations. And yes, I might even use BLUF when talking to my wife (though she might accuse me of bluffing). To sum it up, I’d say: I AM FUQUA, and these skills are here to stay.
This internship was supported by the Summer Internship Fund, which enables first-year Duke MBA students to learn about the rewards and challenges of using business to drive positive impact without making a significant financial sacrifice. The program enables organizations that otherwise could not afford to hire MBA student interns to benefit from students’ expertise. Funds are raised through student fundraising and from donors who believe in the mission of the program. If you would like to contribute, you can donate online using your credit card.