Chandra Jacobs, B.S. 2004

2004 Major: Physics and Economics; certificate in German

How has being a Physics graduate from Duke helped shape you personally and/or professionally?

"It taught me how to think and problem solve based on the scientific method. It helped me excel in the field of product management given the skillset of hypothesis, experiment, feedback (test, measure, learn) loops that physics supports. It taught me how to understand the natural world, and the constraints upon it, which can then be applied to business (my economics degree helped too!). Finally, it taught me to be curious and ask questions, which is an underutilized skillset in the corporate realm that can set one apart."

What advice would you give students in Duke's Physics programs? 

"You don't have to get a PhD to be successful. There are many paths to success, and all relative to the individual."