One of the things Markets & Management is most proud of is how so many of our students enter different fields and are able to apply the skills they learned in our program in innovative ways. While our alumni may not be involved directly in running a business or pursuing a marketing career, they are universally employing the substantive knowledge and practical skills gained through participation in the Markets & Management Certificate Program. We highlight the experience of Gillian Burns, a 2003 Trinity graduate, with a B.A. in Public Policy and Markets and Management Studies.
Gillian joined the nation’s oldest law firm, Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, after graduating from Fordham University School of Law in 2006. She is currently a Special Counsel in the Global Litigation Department focusing in securities law, and the firm’s Associate General Counsel. Gillian says that not only did MMS teach her theoretical business knowledge, but she was also taught how to hone the practical skills that are integral to her daily work. According to Gillian, her courses in marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership have helped her immensely in her law career. Gillian explains, “in addition to the substantive coursework—business, marketing, finance—I was given a forum to develop my presentation, management, networking and leadership skills, all of which are crucial to success in my day to day practice. I manage large case teams, negotiate agreements, evaluate risk, pitch business to new clients and analyze litigation strategy.” The MMS courses are unique in that they are often taught by real-life practitioners who place an equally heavy emphasis on mastering the “soft skills” that are essential to success in any business.
When asked about her favorite experiences within the MMS program, Gillian points to the diversity of the students pursing an MMS Certificate. Students from a variety of majors and academic interests were represented in her MMS classes. This, coupled with the heavy emphasis on group work, made it a particularly enriching academic experience. She recalls taking “Business of Sport”—a popular course still today—that gave her the opportunity to meet other students with different interests, hobbies and strengths, and to learn how to effectively navigate various work styles to produce an effective end product. Capitalizing on this experience, Gillian was inspired to launch the MMS Student Group that provided ways for students to build connections outside of the classroom. In the days before social media, this student group was an important basis for networking and fostering relationships crucial to success in any career. Gillian is a prime example of the type of innovation and strategy MMS strives to instill in students.
Gillian’s story is not unlike that of so many of our graduates over the years. Many of our students land in fields that are not traditionally business-oriented, and they find that their MMS experience aids them daily. If you can relate to Gillian’s story and would like to share your MMS experience with us, please contact haley.warren@duke.edu.
Markets Management Studies