Advice from the MBA Class of 2010: Cindy Miño

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Cindy Mino (MBA '10)
NYU Stern Program: MBA '10
Current role: Director, Strategy M&A Services
Company: KPMG

Cindy Miño shares how pursuing opportunities at non-traditional organizations helped her find a rewarding path forward after her MBA, and speaks to the importance of tapping into the alumni network.

How did it feel looking for a job/internship during the financial crisis? How did you stay calm?

Initially it was concerning, recognizing fewer jobs would be available to our class. Eventually it felt like a personal opportunity, almost like taking a college gap year. I gave myself permission to explore business principles in ways that were personally fulfilling. That mindset gave me calm.

What roles were you seeking/what were you interested in?

I committed to pursuing a non-traditional experience, completely withdrawing from consulting/banking type jobs or other traditional MBA paths. I didn't want to find myself in a situation where I would be financially tempted by the kind of MBA job I "should" have versus the kind of job I "wanted" to have.

What strategies did you use in seeking an internship/full-time offer?

I started by educating myself in non-traditional organizations and initiatives that appealed to me. The Social Enterprise Association played a huge role in this connectivity as did certain classes. For example, SEA launched a Stern Social Impact Fellowship and a Social Impact Strategies course I loved. I also became a Board Fellow with a local non-profit and joined a Stern team that came in second for an educational leadership case competition. I attended a variety of subject-based conferences, which I recognize may be on hold in the current environment. Generally, you need to stay active and build your network in the space that interests you most, even if that means moving to an online platform to do so (e.g. LinkedIn).

How did Stern's career office help? 

I remember the resume and interview advice we received, and in hindsight it's advice to be applied regardless of the job you're seeking. For example, focus on highlighting transferable skills and demonstrate the initiative and impact you had. Employers want to hire someone who has the foundational skills to thrive in just about any situation.

How were you able to tap into the alumni network?

While a first year, and to test out my interest in the education sector, I searched for alumni who followed that path. I was fortunate to find a wonderful alum who had started his own professional services business supporting charter schools; he generously gave me the opportunity to intern during the school year. That gave me the time and experience to decide if I wanted to pursue an education-related summer internship, and subsequently full-time job. 

Ten years later, we're living through great uncertainty and economic disruption. What practical advice do you have for current MBA students now faced with looking for jobs or internships?

One of the greatest gifts we receive as part of the NYU Stern program is access to our fellow classmates and alumni. Be kind to one another and offer to make introductions or connections where you can. One of my dearest friends and classmates left KPMG to attend business school, but her former contacts were eager to help me as I embarked on my post-MBA career at KPMG. Also keep in mind that landing a dream job isn't always a straight shot. Find ways to get involved with organizations you can stand behind; get a foot in the door and build your internal network to navigate into the dream job at a later time. I started out in Financial Management consulting and later moved into M&A consulting within the same firm.

What lessons from your own experience in 2010 have helped you over your career? 

Creating a non-traditional MBA path is a testament to my entrepreneurial spirit. I would have never said it back then, but seeing how far I've come to realize my professional ambitions, I really can't think of any other way to describe it. That's the type of transferable skill I can bring to anything I set my mind to. I'm rooting for all of you too!

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