Cynthia Wang, MBA 2025
“Prior to joining Stern, my professional background was primarily in corporate accounting and finance, with experience spanning both the US and China. During this time, I frequently observed the internal M&A teams leading transactions, which sparked my fascination with mergers and acquisitions. This exposure deepened my interest in the complexities of deal-making and strategy, ultimately motivating my pivot towards investment banking. Having lived and worked in New York City during the early stages of my career, choosing Stern for my MBA was a natural decision. The school's unparalleled location, coupled with its well-established reputation in finance, made it the ideal place for me to pursue my goals. Throughout the recruiting process, I received invaluable support from MBA2s, the Graduate Finance Association, and the Careers team, which reinforced my belief in the collaborative and supportive culture at Stern. What I value most about Stern is its strong alumni network and the comprehensive resources it offers for investment banking recruiting. From workshops and training sessions to mock interviews, the resources provided by Stern have been instrumental in my career development. I was fortunate to secure a summer internship with Morgan Stanley's Financial Institutions Group in New York as an Investment Banking Summer Associate, and I have since accepted a full-time return offer with the firm. Eager to give back to the community that has supported me, I signed up to be a career mentor and have enjoyed sharing my experiences with the next class of MBA students. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to provide guidance and support to those navigating the recruiting process, much like the help I received when I was in their shoes.”
Robert Wilkins, MBA 2024
“I taught elementary special education for several years at a Title I school and juvenile detention centers to positively impact the lives of underserved youth before business school. My father passed away during my last year in the classroom, and that experience drove me to move closer to my mom and figure out what was next for my life and career. NYU Stern was a perfect fit -- not only is the school in an incredible part of the city, but it also has a Careers team that was caring and involved from when I was a prospective applicant to a new MBA1 on campus. Specifically, Careers was instrumental in reframing my non-traditional background as a distinct asset rather than a disadvantage, and they were able to help me secure my summer internship at PwC before the regular recruiting cycle began. With my summer opportunity secured before school started, I could focus on diving into the rigorous coursework and extracurriculars that have made my student experience transformative. I've had experiential learning opportunities with Dick's Sporting Goods, a study abroad opportunity in Australia, and even an opportunity to enter the field of angel investing, something I'm excited to keep doing as a side-career outside of management consulting. I'm so excited for my future at PwC, and I'm deeply grateful for all of Stern's support in helping me launch this new chapter of my professional journey.”
Aveek Sarker, MBA 2024
“Prior to Stern, I was a management consultant in the media & entertainment, marketing, and technology industries at MediaLink (A UTA Company) in NYC. My experiences ranged from advising streaming companies and TV broadcasters on international growth and advertising strategy, to partnering with CMOs to initiate marketing org transformations, to conducting due diligence for private equity buyers looking to invest in the space. I quickly found that a firm grasp of core business concepts was becoming increasingly important to inform the work I was doing and more significantly, I had developed a strong desire to work directly in the industry I had spent years advising. To facilitate this step change (instead of a hard pivot), I ultimately chose to attend Stern for its unique program that offers focused finance and strategy related courses in entertainment, media, and technology and its robust alumni network of entertainment professionals right here in New York City. During my first year, I took advantage of several workshops facilitated by the Careers team to hone my resume and pitch and relied on many of my fellow classmates and Entertainment, Media and Sports Association (EMSA) members for their sage advice on how to handle recruiting and interviews with my top companies of interest. I spent my summer interning at A&E Networks on their Corporate Development & Strategy team, a role I was able to source through resources provided by the Careers office. In my final year at Stern, I look forward to further leveraging these experiences and resources to secure a role in the entertainment industry full-time.”
Pierra White, MBA 2024
“Prior to enrolling in NYU Stern, I embarked on a career in commercial banking as an analyst at JP Morgan Chase & Co. During my tenure, I had the privilege of assisting middle market companies spanning diverse industries in the Tri-State East region with their cash management and financing requirements. This hands-on experience provided me with invaluable insights into the transformative influence of technology on various operational processes within these businesses, significantly shaping my professional trajectory. Today, I'm actively pursuing a career in Tech Finance, driven by a deep-seated enthusiasm for harnessing technology to optimize financial strategies and operations. Simultaneously, I've embarked on a journey to expand my small real estate portfolio in the Michigan market, exploring diverse investment opportunities. My experience at JP Morgan Chase provided me with fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to grasp the core principles of finance, recognize its pivotal role in driving business success, and effectively assess a company's profitability. The Careers team at NYU Stern has been crucial in shaping my career development by offering valuable guidance and support through resources like 12twenty, career coaching sessions, and the alumni network. Their resources and network have been pivotal in helping me make the transition into Tech Finance, enabling me to pursue my passion for technology-driven financial solutions. I look forward to the exciting journey ahead and the opportunities that lie in Tech Finance and real estate investment, thanks in part to the insights and inspiration I've gained along the way.”
Pari Bhargava, MBA 2024
“Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to foster my compassion for people. I graduated from NYU College of Arts and Science with a B.S. in
Chemistry and Public Health with the initial intention of pursuing medical school. However, my experiences as I began working shifted my desire from wanting to be a clinician to wanting to strengthen the healthcare system by providing advisory services for healthcare transactions. I realized that the power of directing capital into the right hands, coupled with strategic advice, can greatly fuel the economy, and I wanted to be a part of this impactful process. It was a no-brainer for me to return to NYU, and this time, I chose Stern to refine my financial acumen and broaden my understanding of the business side of healthcare. Throughout my time here, I've been fortunate to find mentors in various places, whether it be through the Graduate Finance Association, the Stern Healthcare Association, or the Careers team. These mentors have been instrumental in helping me turn my vision into reality. They assisted me in refining my resume, perfecting my pitch, and even quelling the imposter syndrome that had occasionally crept in. The unwavering commitment of the Stern community to help others succeed is truly remarkable, and I don't take it for granted. I'm proud to announce that, upon graduation, I will be joining Guggenheim Securities as a full-time Investment Banking Associate. I am genuinely excited to leverage my startup background and healthcare experience as I embark on this new path.”
Alexandra Greene, MBA 2024
“Before Stern, I worked for NielsenIQ, where I consulted with CPG companies on their pricing and promotion strategy to advise on issues such as everyday price changes and frequency of promotion. While I enjoyed addressing these issues for my clients, I had a desire to transition to the client side which would allow me to combine my creative and analytical skills to evaluate a full range of strategic issues for my brand and be in a cross functional role. Stern has allowed me to pursue my goals and more. Even before starting classes at Stern, the Careers team reviewed my resume and provided resources for me to hit the ground running. Upon entering, I felt fully supported in my journey and knew Careers and the Graduate Marketing Association had my back. They help to navigate coffee chats, cover letters, interviews, and offer management. I interned this past summer at Colgate-Palmolive and plan to return full time after graduation next year.”
Mariam Doudi, MBA 2024
“Before joining Stern, I was part of the finance rotation program at Ford Motor Company. My roles were diverse, offering unique experiences that shaped my professional journey. Working on a variety of impactful projects within dynamic teams was rewarding, but it was in my last role that I sensed a desire to transition more into the realm of strategy. As I contemplated MBA programs, I realized I still wanted to explore the entertainment and technology space I had engaged in during my undergraduate years. NYU Stern emerged as the perfect choice for several reasons. Recognized as a leader in the entertainment, media, and technology sectors, Stern's emphasis on EQ resonated with me. In addition, being situated in the heart of New York City was attractive as it promised an environment conducive to my learning and growth. Throughout the rigorous recruitment cycle, the support of the Careers team proved invaluable as I considered career paths in consulting or technology. Their guidance helped me map out target companies, provided peer mentorship, and offered constructive feedback on cover letters. Thanks to their assistance, I secured a summer internship in finance at Microsoft. The experience was enriched by the presence of fellow Sternies, who became a supportive network as I navigated a new city. My transformative journey at Stern has allowed me to explore new opportunities, identify my passions, live globally, and grow both professionally and personally. I am eager to give back to the community and currently serve as the Vice President of Corporate Relations for the Association of Hispanic and Black Business Students. In this role, I am excited to assist fellow students in finding their unique paths at Stern, by facilitating exposure to a plethora of companies.”
Javier Maldonado Zuniga, MBA 2025
“Prior to Stern, I worked in Transaction Services conducting financial due diligence for cross-border transactions, and in Corporate Development, leading acquisitions throughout South America. During these years, I always had the MBA dream in the back of my mind. Once I felt I had gained enough relevant experience to transition into investment banking, I quickly recognized that Stern was the perfect fit for me, thanks to its unbeatable campus location and the extensive Stern network on Wall Street. During my time here, I’ve been fortunate to have a supportive group of friends, as well as mentors from the Graduate Finance Association (GFA) and the Careers team. Their guidance helped me navigate the recruitment process and provided invaluable support during both the challenging and rewarding moments. After countless coffee chats, corporate presentations, invite-only events, and hundreds of thank-you emails, I secured a summer internship at Goldman Sachs with the Cross Markets Group, and I will be joining the team as an Investment Banking Associate after graduation – a dream come true. Now, as I enjoy my second year in New York City, I’m committed to giving back to the Stern community by mentoring fellow students through both the Careers team and the GFA, providing MBA1s with the same guidance and support that helped me successfully transition to banking.”
Sreekavitha Parupalli, MBA 2024
“With a foundation in technology and entrepreneurship, I pursued both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Computer Science Engineering from IIIT-Hyderabad. Before joining Stern, my career trajectory led me to a Senior Product Engineer role at Sprinklr for a duration of four years. Furthermore, I ventured into entrepreneurship with two distinct businesses in India: one in the Media and Entertainment sector and another within the F&B industry. My aspiration to hone my financial acumen and cultivate a comprehensive understanding of global business operations drew me to Stern. The recruiting process at Stern took off soon after my enrollment, and I had the opportunity to spend my summer in Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley within their Global Technology group. Transitioning from engineering to investment banking was a monumental shift, made achievable largely due to the supportive Stern community. I'm genuinely appreciative of how the institution fosters and encourages such dynamic career adaptations. My decision to pursue my MBA at Stern consistently proves rewarding, given the plethora of real-time industry project experiences and a vibrant student ecosystem. Engaging in leadership capacities has been instrumental in my personal growth, and as a second year, I've undertaken roles as a career mentor and a graduate ambassador, embodying Stern's ethos of community contribution. As someone inherently passionate about exploration and continuous learning, Stern has been an enriching journey. ”
Vincent Chou, MBA 2024
"Prior to Stern, I worked at KPMG, advising on transfer pricing and taxation strategies for financial institutions. While I thoroughly enjoyed the client-facing aspect of the job, I had ignited an interest in markets that propelled me to pursue an MBA at Stern. For me, Stern was a no-brainer; the location was prime for recruitment and networking, and the alumni reach was unrivaled. During my first semester, I reveled in the opportunity to participate in stock pitch competitions, where our Stern Investment Management and Research society (SIMR) proved instrumental in preparing us. Walking away with a second place from the Columbia Stock Pitch gave me confidence to pursue investment management in earnest, and I spent the last summer in Singapore with PIMCO, from whom I accepted a full-time offer to return after graduation as an Account Manager. It is hard to imagine any of this happening without the Careers team. As an international student they were an invaluable resource for my resumes, interviews, and networking. Through my roles as Career Mentor as well as VP of Career Development at SIMR, I am excited to be able to offer my experiences and network to the next class and give back after I have been given so much."
Ishana Nigam, MBA 2025
“Before attending Stern, I worked as a Merchandise Planner at Abercrombie & Fitch and Warby Parker, where I enjoyed blending creative and analytical skills. During my time in retail, I became increasingly aware of the lack of sustainable practices within the industry, particularly in the supply chain. This realization sparked my desire to pursue an MBA to gain the strategic, sustainability-focused skills necessary to help businesses adopt more environmentally friendly practices. I chose Stern for its renowned Center for Sustainable Business, its prime location in New York City, its access to a wide range of industries, and its dynamic culture. When I arrived, I was touched by the warmth and support I received from students, clubs, and the Careers team. Although initially unsure of my short-term career choice, I found the Stern community eager to help, offering one-on-one time to discuss my interests and goals. With focused guidance and access to an array of resources, I successfully navigated the consulting recruiting process and secured an internship at McKinsey & Co. in New York. There, I developed my ability to think strategically, prioritize tasks, and collaborate with industry experts. My experiences at Stern and McKinsey have provided me with the toolkit and network to one day start my own sustainability-focused business. Now, as a career mentor, Management Consulting Association (MCA) study group leader, and board member for the Social Impact and Sustainability Association, Stern Women in Business, and the MCA, I feel incredibly grateful and honored to be part of this extraordinary community I proudly call home.”
Julian Sutton, MBA 2025
“As I entered my senior year of college, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. To be honest, I still don’t, but back then I really didn't know. I was interested in just about everything, so consulting felt like the natural next step for me. An opportunity to explore all the different industries and business challenges that I was curious about felt like a perfect fit. I joined Deloitte right out of school as part of their Strategy and Analytics practice in New York City. Functionally, I did a bit of everything, but on the industry side of things, I quickly found a home within Media and Entertainment. There's something so fascinating and compelling about how these companies operate and the types of problems they're solving. One of the reasons I came back to school, and why I chose Stern specifically, was an opportunity to dive deeper into Media and Entertainment and learn what a career in the space could look like. Thanks to the infrastructure created by the Careers team, along with professional clubs like the Entertainment, Media, and Sports Association, I've been able to do just that. I never utilized the resources at my disposal in undergrad, and I didn't realize how silly that was until my first meeting with Stern's Careers team. The guidance and insight they've provided has not only helped me better understand the landscape of Media and Entertainment but has also given me a clear path to advance my career. They've connected me with invaluable resources, exceptional mentors, and incredible opportunities, allowing me to build a strong foundation for my future in the industry.”
Daulat Mahadik, MBA 2025
“I came to Stern with a strong foundation in healthcare technology and management consulting. I was a Software Engineer at Philips’s Healthcare Innovation Hub, followed by a role as a Senior Consultant with Deloitte. At Philips, I helped build software applications for MRI, CT scan, and ultrasound machines. While at Deloitte, I helped large-scale businesses in areas involving Organizational Design, Performance Improvement, Workforce Transformation, and Compensation Strategy. My decision to pursue an MBA at Stern was driven by aspirations to further sharpen my consulting expertise and expand my focus across new geographies. Stern’s strong presence in the consulting industry helped me stay true to my career aspirations. My mentors at Stern helped me transition from a generalist consultant to a specialist, and the depth of Stern’s consulting-focused curriculum helped me arm myself with advanced tools and frameworks to solve a broader range of business issues. From the start of my MBA program, the Stern Careers team proved to be one of my strongest pillars of support. With my career mentors, I had access to numerous one-on-one mentorship sessions. Whether to draft the perfect resume, craft my networking pitches, or a comprehensive interview preparation boot camp, support from the Careers team was a game changer in my recruitment journey. After going through the structured hiring process at Stern, I was thrilled to accept a Summer Senior Associate position with Strategy& (PwC) in their New York office. I plan to return to Strategy& full-time, continuing my consulting journey within their Enterprise Strategy & Value practice while specializing in the Financial Services industry.”
Daisy Cheng, MBA 2025
“I came to Stern from an unconventional path. I studied art history and visual arts as an undergrad and loved it, but I knew I wanted to pursue a career in business. My favorite part about studying art was learning about people, which compelled me to begin my career in tech sales. I enjoyed selling various tech products and meeting all kinds of clients, but eventually, I hit a wall. I wanted to develop the technical skills to advance my insights and career overall. After going back to school during the pandemic, I made a significant career pivot to become a data analyst at a fintech startup. In this role, I learned so much being knee-deep on the technical side of an intricate fintech product. However, I found myself yearning for a role that would combine both my client-facing, qualitative background with my quantitative skills. I was thrilled to attend Stern knowing that I could stay in New York and hoping to pivot my career once again. Coming to Stern, I was clear with the core values I wanted in my next job: cross-functional exposure, interesting and challenging work, and good people and culture. With immense help during my first year from MBA2s, my peers, and initiatives by the Careers team, I landed an internship in corporate finance at Marsh McLennan’s Finance Leadership Development Program. I had an amazing time and am glad that I have many opportunities to give back to the Stern community, including working as a career mentor and being in careers-oriented verticals in the Management Consulting Club and the Social Impact and Sustainability Association. I couldn’t have asked for a better MBA experience and am deeply grateful for the support of the Stern community.”
Steven Sacia, MBA 2025
“Attending business school was not always the obvious next step in my career. At the time of receiving my offer to attend NYU Stern, I was approaching my eighth year at a Big Four consulting company, where I was incredibly fortunate to be working with some of the top firms across the financial services industry. On paper, it seemed as though I was gaining all of the right experiences to advance my career—and yet I could not fight the nagging feeling that something was missing. Accountability has always been important to me, but the nature of the consulting business inherently limits the level of ownership you ultimately have. Client work is interesting and impactful, but the client ultimately owns the output. As I considered my long-term career path, I was hungry for a role that filled this gap. So, I took the leap to join Stern, excited about the opportunity to retool and challenge myself. To say that Stern has provided me with the right opportunities to achieve this goal is an understatement. From the start, I was immediately impressed with the quality of my classmates, professors, and the education I was receiving. Participating in the Stern Technology and Private Equity/Venture Capital Associations and leveraging the Careers team for recruiting preparation, company networking, and offer negotiation provided me with the structure needed to navigate an otherwise intimidating recruiting cycle. Club involvement also provided a strong community of students and alumni who were interested in the various nuances of the industries. I found all of these resources so impactful in my first year at Stern that I took on Co-President and Career Mentor roles in my second year to pay it forward to those just starting their recruiting journey. The decision to join Stern, while initially uncertain, has changed the trajectory of my career. I am thrilled to be moving back to the West Coast to take on a Product Manager role at Visa upon graduation, and I credit Stern, my classmates, and the entire network for the opportunity. Stern gives so much to both its students and alumni, and I am proud to be a Sternie for life!”
Ryan Johnson, MBA 2025
“Prior to Stern, I spent several years working in project management in the construction industry. My work ranged from ground-up construction to renovations of existing spaces, with a focus on the utility infrastructure space. I enjoyed leveraging my engineering background and applying my skills to help clients complete the projects that were critical to their long-term strategic plans. While I enjoyed my time in construction, I wanted to further develop my business acumen and have an impact across organizations. This desire led me to pursue an MBA at Stern and an internship in consulting. With an engineering degree, I felt that I wanted to help businesses navigate complex problems and lead them on the path to continued success. Stern has an incredible breadth of resources to support the goals of all students and gave me the confidence to navigate the complex recruiting process successfully. I have enjoyed the organizations I am a part of and the people that I get to share my time with. Each class of MBAs is filled with talented individuals who challenge you to be a better version of yourself! This past summer, I interned at Deloitte and will be joining the firm full-time upon graduation.”
Sejal Mali, MBA 2024
“Prior to Stern I worked at PwC in technology as a product owner and consultant for tax accounting clients. While I enjoyed the work, I missed a lot of the social impact and sustainability work I did in undergrad related to UNICEF and the United Nations. I knew I wanted to eventually pivot into sustainability and social impact and combine my interests in a more corporate environment. I applied to Stern because I knew I wanted to live in NYC where there are a number of opportunities in the ESG space and where the UN Headquarters is located! I recruited for sustainability in the spring semester and worked with the Careers team and the Center for Sustainability and Business (CSB) to apply for CSB Fellowships. I received multiple offers for a summer internship and ultimately chose a role in sustainability at Nespresso. I used the knowledge I learned from taking sustainability and social impact classes, along with attending events and info sessions through the Social Impact and Sustainability Association to excel at my internship. I learned about the inner workings of sustainability at larger corporations and in the supply chain, and I hope to help incoming students excel at achieving their goals in the ESG and sustainability and social impact space!”
Paige Muschott, MBA 2024
“While working in Financial, Planning & Analysis in the technology industry, I developed a passion for finance. I was living in San Francisco at the time but knew I wanted to be in New York. The energy of the city had always captivated me along with the plethora of opportunities in the financial services industry. I bought a one-way ticket to New York at the end of COVID and began my application to Stern. While I loved the ideal pairing of quantitative and qualitative skills that FP&A offered, I found myself constantly looking for new challenges and decided to pursue investment banking. I'd always had a desire to work in banking; the exciting opportunities to work on complex transactions that have a huge impact across an industry has always appealed to me. I knew Stern was the best school to help me make that transition given its strong alumni network, peer mentorship, and Careers team. Throughout the entire recruitment process at Stern, the Careers team supported my classmates, and I through each step of the process including coffee chats, resumes, cover letters, interviews, and networking events. Thankfully, I was able to secure an internship and full time offer at J.P. Morgan on their Consumer, Retail & Business Services team in their investment banking division, and I could not be more excited.”
Max Soifer, MBA 2024
“After graduating from a pre-law program at the University of Washington, I decided that Law School was not for me, and that pursuing a career in gymnastics– a lifelong passion–was the best path. I coached for universities, private clubs, and even the national team. I loved the sport and wanted to expand my impact footprint. While working full time for a private club, I started a gymnastics clinic where I traveled around the country setting up weekend camps for youth athletes. It was an absolute blast! Then COVID-19 hit, and the clinic suffered. For a while, I was a little bit lost, but I realized that when one door closes, another one opens.I decided that I should learn more about business and the world beyond the sport of gymnastics. That's when I applied to Stern. Since arriving, I've spent my time getting involved in professional, social, and cultural clubs, all of which combined with the curriculum and support from the Careers team have shaped me into the person and professional that I am today. Last summer, I had the opportunity to work at CitiGroup in the consumer banking rotational program where I had my first experience working a corporate job and took my first step into an exciting and new career journey.”
Yushan Ye, MBA 2024
“I moved to New York City after graduating college in 2019 and spent three years with PwC prior to Stern. When I decided to pursue an MBA to pivot to investment banking, NYU Stern felt like a natural fit, not only because New York City quickly became my beloved home, but also because of everything Stern has to offer: the collaborative community, an unparalleled alumni network in finance, and the unbeatable proximity to Wall Street. This decision was affirmed throughout my MBA experience. During the recruiting process, I received invaluable guidance and mentorship from second-year MBA students who generously shared their insights, advice, and personal experiences. With support from the Careers team, my fellow classmates, and the robust alumni network, I felt well-prepared to navigate banking recruitment. I was fortunate enough to intern at Morgan Stanley this summer with the Financial Institution Group, and I will be joining as a full-time Investment Banking Associate after graduation. As a way to give back and pay forward the generosity I received, I have taken on the role of career mentor for both the Graduate Finance Association and the Careers team. I look forward to guiding first-year students in their internship search.”
Danit Fleischman, MBA 2024
“I left undergrad with a humanities degree in History and spent the next five years at IBM in global consulting. My time at IBM was a great experience. The role allowed me to take on challenging work and develop professionally, managing teams across the world and working closely with clients. The COVID-19 pandemic struck almost three years into my career, and I was finding it difficult to find my work fulfilling in light of everything that was going on around me. Looking for a better balance between career, giveback, and fulfillment, I applied to Stern because of the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business. With the incredible work happening there, I knew Stern would be the place to find a career where I could meld my passion for positive impact with helping my clients reach their business goals. This was a tall order, and the Careers team was there for me every step of the way. The entire staff at Careers was encouraging, thoughtful, and there to work with me as I figured out what my next step was. Their guidance was instrumental in helping me realize that I still loved consulting but needed a different working environment and focus. With Careers’ support, I accepted a summer internship at McKinsey & Company. I am so excited to return to Stern as a Career Mentor and Career Fellow, and have the opportunity to help the next generation of Sternies find their dream job.”
Rachael Nisenkier, MBA 2024
“Before I came to Stern, my experience was mostly in creative fields, focused on producing TV and advertising, specifically non-profit advertising. I knew that I wanted to get into the process earlier - be part of the team that decided what was said, not just how it was said - but I also wanted to leverage my robust (if unusual!) work experience in my new role. I was nervous because I was coming to Stern with a 1 year old at home and didn't know if that would mesh with the typical B-school experience. Stern gave me an awesome, welcoming community, while also providing me a chance to share the joys and tribulations of all the work I had done prior. People were so willing to be flexible and supportive, even when I had to miss a week of classes due to toddler colds. In particular, I found a home in Stern Women in Business (SWIB) and the Social Impact and Sustainability Association (SISA), while finding all the career support I could possibly need from the Management Consulting Association (MCA) and was lucky enough to find amazing mentors, peers, and friends! I am happy to share that after interning with McKinsey transformation over the summer, I will be returning as a full-time associate upon the completion of my degree.”
Can Telkes, MBA 2024
“When I came to Stern, I traveled to the US for the first time in my life, leaving my family and friends behind in Turkey and quitting my job. I was completely out of my comfort zone and hoped for a community to help me find a job, adapt to an entirely new culture, and make long lasting friendships. Stern turned out to be all I could ask for and more. As soon as I arrived, I realized that collaboration and support were in Stern's DNA, as I was warmly welcomed by the second years and my classmates. I felt at home within a couple of weeks, and that played a key role in my self-confidence during recruiting. Having a prior finance background, I recruited for investment banking, which has a structured and demanding process, and I could not have done it if not for the collaborative community at Stern. My classmates shared every resource and information with each other, while the second years and Careers team helped me perfect my resume and story by offering guidance and mocks. Something that surprised me the most was the willingness of the alumni in Wall Street to help us during the recruitment process, advocating for us within their firms, offering mocks in their busy schedules and guiding us through every step of the process. I believe that such support is unique to Stern, built on the back of the pay-it-forward culture in each class. Over the summer, I interned in Lazard’s Industrials group and had a great experience working on high profile transactions and learning every single day. I look forward to going back next year as a full time associate and helping the first years during my second year of business school.”
Shelby Luce, MBA 2024
"I fit into a classic "non-traditional" background before coming to Stern. As a public health advocate, I spent 5 years working in nonprofits and on the Hill in D.C working in government and writing health policy while also completing a master’s in Public Health. During COVID, I had what I refer to as my "COVID-epiphany." I realized that yes, I cared deeply about public health and improving access to healthcare- but what made me most excited was the innovation happening on the private-side. People were turning to their medicine cabinets to take care of themselves and their families rather than waiting for policy to support them. I decided that to make the jump to private healthcare, and specifically consumer packaged goods, I would need an MBA to further develop my financial and data skills to help prepare me for the transition. From the moment I arrived at Stern, the support and guidance from the Careers team to strengthen my story and the location of the school helped me pivot into a dream summer internship working on brand innovation and marketing for Kenvue (previously Johnson and Johnson). During my second year, I am excited to continue developing my marketing and strategy skills to continue to help increase access to healthcare."
Andy Mukherjee, MBA 2024
“My trajectory has been quite straightforward – undergrad in economics, a post-grad degree in finance, and a few years in Big 4 corporate finance and investment banking in India. Having completed a master’s degree, the decision to pursue an MBA was perceived by most to be predominantly a geographical pivot to ‘break into Wall Street’. My desire to come to Stern, however, was fueled by so much more; I was drawn to an ecosystem that would not simply teach me what to do but would drive me to question the world around me. At Stern, as I navigated the arduous recruiting journey, the support provided by the Careers team and by the Graduate Finance Association was an instrumental factor in obtaining my dream internship as an Investment Banking Summer Associate at J.P. Morgan, where I was fortunate to secure a full-time offer. They say it takes a village, and I couldn’t be more grateful for mine – the career coaches who guided me, the mentors who patiently answered my questions, and my larger cohort, who had my back at every step of the way. Stern’s high emphasis on EQ is an overarching theme of my experiences thus far, and I am excited to uphold the values of the school and give back to the community as a student mentor, and subsequently as an alumna.”
KJ Brown, MBA 2024
"Prior to Stern, I worked in non-profit consulting, and I built and ran a strategic campus recruiting hiring program for a global staffing company. These experiences allowed me to leverage my entrepreneurial spirit and hone my creative problem solving and managerial skills, all while working directly with clients in a fast-paced environment. During my last year at the staffing firm, they merged with another company equally interested in implementing the strategy I built, and I was asked to scale and scope this program to support the joint organization's hiring goals. That experience piqued my interest in exploring different industries and the unique problems they might be facing in today's economic landscape, which brought me to Stern to pursue my MBA. I knew that NYU Stern would be the perfect place to explore my interests (and subsequent specializations) in Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Entertainment and Media. I was able to take advantage of the diverse array of resources and immersive experiences offered at Stern, such as the Entertainment and Media Solutions in-semester project, where I worked directly with leaders from Warner Bros Discovery to help solve a current business challenge. This experience cemented my desire to land a strategy and analytics-focused internship, which led me to joining New Balance over the summer, as an MBA Strategy intern on their Responsible Leadership and Global Compliance Team. I am exceedingly grateful for all of the experiences I have had thus far here at Stern. Unequivocally, I credit my peers/community at Stern and as well as outstanding faculty, student-run organizations, and Careers team for supporting me throughout my journey. I look forward to seeing where I go next, and I am excited to support the peers in my community by serving as Co-President of our Entertainment, Media and Sports Association, as well as a Career Mentor. "
Saagar Chitale, MBA 2024
“Prior to Stern, I held a corporate development position at Protara Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutics for oncology and rare diseases. In that role, I enjoyed working on deals that helped the company move potentially life saving drugs forward, but I wanted to explore working on deals in the biotechnology and healthcare space of a larger quantum. Having attended NYU for my undergraduate degree, I was aware that Stern's strong reputation in the world of finance would be an excellent platform for me to pivot into a career in investment banking. As soon as I got to campus, it was clear that the abundance of resources that Stern provides, from its Careers office to the wealth of knowledge my professors held, would definitely set me up for success in my ambitions of a career pivot. Although the recruitment process was grueling at times, it opened my eyes to the less obvious benefit of Stern: the strength of its community. My peers and my MBA2 mentors at the time were instrumental in providing me with the knowledge and moral support to push through a challenging few months. I was fortunate enough to walk away from that process with an internship at Goldman Sachs in their Healthcare Investment Banking Group. I’m excited to be returning there full time after I graduate and also look forward to all the great things my fellow Sternies will accomplish in the coming years!”
Nate Hudson, MBA 2024
“My career path prior to Stern started within audit and M&A consulting at KPMG. When the pandemic hit, I decided to finally scratch the itch of becoming an entrepreneur. I started my own real estate investing firm and simultaneously took a role at Zillow to see how Tech was impacting real estate. After learning many valuable lessons within the real estate space, I missed the pace and diversity of projects that consulting offered, and I transitioned to EY to work in M&A, specializing in sell-side due diligence. Soon thereafter, I realized that I wanted to find more personal meaning and impact in my career. During this time, I was volunteering with the mayor of my city to secure state funding for green initiatives and set up a local government green team. I discovered a new passion for sustainable problem-solving, and Stern provided the perfect opportunity to interact with the most prominent sustainability firms and thought leaders in the world. I was incredibly excited to accept a full-time position with McKinsey & Company in the New York Office after interning within their sustainability practice. I am beyond grateful for the Careers team, the Management Consulting Association, and the countless second-year MBAs that helped prepare me to be successful, and that is why I was inspired to serve as Student Government President and as a Career Mentor to pay forward the kindness, advice, and Sternie EQ.”
Karla Marquez Ramos, MBA 2024
“Before my journey at Stern, I was employed at a small cargo airline in Miami where I worked as an engineer supporting the aircraft maintenance department. This opportunity not only allowed me to acquire valuable technical skills but also fueled my enthusiasm for the world of aviation. However, I wanted to broaden my horizons and explore other industries and business verticals. I applied to the MBA program at NYU Stern due to its endless opportunities and the chance to live in an energetic and vibrant city. New York City in combination with the NYU community quickly became my home. My journey through the recruitment process was demanding, yet immensely rewarding. Stern’s extensive network connected me with top industry practitioners that provided me with the unique opportunity to interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and different professional experiences. Through Stern’s invaluable resources, I had the privilege of engaging with some of the brightest and most genuine professionals in the consulting area. With support from my peers, alumni, clubs, and the Careers team, I successfully secured an internship as a consultant at EY-Parthenon in the heart of New York City. The Stern community has consistently demonstrated its eagerness to extend a helping hand and provide guidance. My transition to Stern represented a pivotal shift in my career journey; it pushed me towards a world of opportunities, fostering personal and professional growth. This institution’s exciting environment, coupled with the glamor of the city, has truly become a place where I want to continue to evolve and thrive.”