Alex describes his beginnings in analytics as “a combination of luck and opportunity.” His formal education started at university in his native Mexico City, where he received an undergraduate degree in IT engineering.
Alex then came to the United States, where he received a master’s degree in Information Systems Management and entered the business intelligence and technology consulting industry. He is currently a consulting manager at Third I (check out some of their work here), a data analytics and digital transformation consultancy based in the Washington, DC, area.
Why another degree and more specifically, why an MBA?
I love to learn and wanted to extend my business acumen. To be honest, part of me also missed school. My undergrad is in engineering and my master’s degree was a step removed but still somewhat on the technical side. I wanted to build my management capabilities and become better equipped to lead teams, innovate, and to grow in general management.
Alex at Microstrategy World 2018 where his team won the “People’s Choice Award” for their work in the two-day Datathon Competition.
What attracted you to Fuqua?
The school’s reputation and strong focus on leadership development. I was also attracted to the faculty who were genuinely interested in student success and building relationships. The interactive structure, a combination of in-person residencies and distance learning, and the fact that the program is not entirely case based, which makes the experience more dynamic, were also factors.
How did you show the value of the Duke MBA – Weekend Executive program while working full-time?
My supervisor had an EMBA and appreciated the value it would bring. Also, having the business insight to help set the firm’s strategic direction and participate in leadership meetings in real time was impactful. Our firm is smaller and wants to expand our customer base, an endeavor I began helping with while at school. On the finance side, I began assisting in optimizing our budget, and from a marketing standpoint, helping to strengthen our brand.
What surprised you most about the Weekend Executive MBA program?
The program’s emphasis on building a team culture. From the very beginning in Triangle Training it was all about Team Fuqua and learning that a good team is comprised of diverse viewpoints.
Alex and his first team living out Team Fuqua.
With a Duke MBA in hand, what is on your wish list?
The Duke EMBA was a critical first step in reaching some of my goals, including leading larger teams and eventually bringing sophisticated data analytics to foreign markets, starting with Latin America. I am passionate about teaching and helping others learn. I want to translate that into a scalable model with lasting social impact to promote technology and engineering opportunities for youth. One way I currently contribute to my passion is by volunteering in the yearly Hour of Code, which is a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, where I promote coding for children ranging [in age from] six to twelve.
What are your words of wisdom for those interested in the program?
One of my favorite quotes is by Oliver Wendell Holmes: “A mind stretched by a new idea can never go back to its original dimensions.” So, take every opportunity in the program to stretch your mind! Have thoughtful conversations with your team and other members of your cohort. Cultivate your knowledge and complement everyone else’s in the program.
