Advice from the MBA Class of 2010: Zubin Dalal
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NYU Stern Degree: MBA '10
Current Role: Managing Director, Commercial Banking Strategy
Company: JPMorgan Chase
Zubin Dalal shares how adapting quickly to a new internship plan and connecting with the alumni network helped him weather the difficult economic circumstances during and after his MBA.
Current Role: Managing Director, Commercial Banking Strategy
Company: JPMorgan Chase
Zubin Dalal shares how adapting quickly to a new internship plan and connecting with the alumni network helped him weather the difficult economic circumstances during and after his MBA.
How did it feel looking for a job/internship during the financial crisis? How did you stay calm?
It was important not to let external factors such as other students' offers influence me, especially if it made me feel like I was behind and/or not doing enough. Everyone’s situation is different—focus on you.What roles were you seeking/what were you interested in?
Strategy consulting, but I also selectively interviewed for Corporate Strategy roles.What strategies did you use in seeking an internship/full-time offer?
For my summer internship, I had something lined up at a Big 4 consulting firm that fell through at the last minute. I chose to pivot—there are lots of ways to build consulting-relevant, transferable skills like writing and data analysis—I took on a short-term consulting gig in India, and then travelled. For full-time, I focused on second year Fall recruiting, preparing for the case studies and behavioral interviews, and was able to secure a strategy consulting offer later that year.How did Stern's career office help?
Beth Briggs (who continues to be amazing!) encouraged me to be open to different opportunities, but even more importantly reminded me to ‘keep the faith’ and to see the situation as a temporary hiccup, not a career setback. Completely true.How were you able to tap into the alumni network?
I was able to connect with a number of alumni at strategy consulting firms through campus recruiting events and interview blitzes. I stayed in touch with the few I had established a genuine connection with. A couple of them offered to help with case prep, which I know helped me land by my full-time role at Booz&Co. Alumni can be very generous with their time when it comes to helping students. Don’t be afraid to reach out.Ten years later, we're living through great uncertainty and economic disruption. What practical advice do you have for current MBA students looking for jobs or internships?
First, don’t panic, and focus on you. Second, keep in mind that the current economic situation is likely only a temporary hiccup in what already promises to be your long and illustrious career. And third, continue to be open to different opportunities as you never know what you might learn or love.What lessons from your own experience in 2010 have helped you over your career?
Resilience and being able to push through less-than-ideal situations, whether at work or at home. Also, being open to new ideas. For example, I was ambivalent to a career in financial services when at Stern, and now I couldn’t be more passionate about what I do today.What advice would you offer Stern alumni who may be on the job market during this time?
Remember the power of the alumni network. Reach out to former classmates and friends from your business school days. Those relationships can be very helpful.Read more advice from the MBA Class of 2010:
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