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I learned that I shouldn’t be pursuing an industry, but a genuine interest.
Mia Pao, Duke in Silicon Valley (Summer 2025)
What was your most memorable class activity?
Besides all the amazing tech companies, VC firms, and startup founders we visited, I loved the improv class we all took during the first week of the program. I went in nervous and not knowing what to expect. I thought taking an improv class would be like going on stage and acting out a scene in front of all of my peers (something I really was not interested in doing). But, it wasn’t.
Led by our energetic and kind teachers, the workshop quickly taught us to let loose and have fun in the process of doing things. We played interactive theatre games, laughed, and helped each other come up with wacky stories. I learned to trust that my peers are there to support me, just as I would be there to support them as well.
Where were your favorite places in Silicon Valley?
San Carlos, where our hotel was located, had a charming street filled with restaurants and shops. After class, I’d often head there for boba, frozen yogurt, fresh bread, snacks, or really anything I was craving. The Stanford area was just a 10-minute CalTrain ride away. I loved going to the Stanford Shopping Center for its great stores, and the campus itself was beautiful for a relaxing walk. In San Francisco, one of my favorite spots was Stonemill Matcha, a cozy matcha café with delicious drinks and Japanese sandwiches.
A day at the SF Giants with Duke alum and CIO, Bill Schlough! Thank you for the garlic fries!!
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Big fans of the snack bars #memorymaking
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Anjali, Alyssa, and I took a little weekend trip 10 minutes away from our hotel on the CalTrain to the Coldplay Concert.
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A special visit to Netflix HQ
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Why did you do Duke in Silicon Valley?
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I wanted to do Duke in Silicon Valley because I was itching to try something new. Life in college can sometimes be repetitive and hyper-focused on academia and pre-professional opportunities. I wanted to put myself in a new place, push myself to learn, and challenge myself to consider different career paths.
What was your greatest takeaway?
There are so many career paths out there—far beyond consulting, finance, healthcare, and law. Even beyond entrepreneurship, startups, and tech. Careers exist in virtually every sector of human activity. I learned that I shouldn’t be pursuing and industry, but a genuine interest. An opportunity will inevitably present itself (or, you’ll make the opportunity yourself).
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What advice do you have for students considering this program?
Do it. In the little time you have at Duke in Silicon Valley, you grow to understand that the world is much bigger than Duke (although there are super kind Dukies everywhere!). You learn to challenge products and practices we see in our everyday lives, and most importantly, what questions you should be asking to drive yourself forward. Plus, isn’t it fun to live with your friends and debrief at the hotel hot tub after a long day?