Full-time MBA | Jonathan Koo

There are way too many to name! But since I'm a museum junkie, visiting the MET, Natural History or Guggenheim and then taking a leisurely stroll through Central Park has to be my favorite NYC activity. Washington Square Park on a nice Spring day is also never taken for granted (especially when you are done cramming for finals)!

My Brand Strategy Professor, Scott Galloway, has had an immense impact on me as a person. Although the course title reads "Brand Strategy," the class is really about empowering you to build the career and life that you want. It challenged me to think beyond "financial success" and taught me to focus on the things that truly mattered in my life. 

Finding a sense of community in New York City can be pretty intimidating, especially if you're new to the city like me. I recommend being as proactive as possible and getting involved in activities that even remotely pique your interest. Your block-mates will be the low-hanging fruit, but I also met a lot of great friends while playing basketball with Stern Hoops and taking impromptu trips to the MET with the Arts and Culture Club. 

The most important lesson Stern has taught me is that you can't achieve meaningful success without pushing yourself and without the help of others. I've learned this time and again when my classmates played a critical role in prepping me for interviews and holding me accountable to my career goals. In the workplace, I've been lucky to connect with Stern alumni at all levels of the company; the career support and mentorship I have received from them has been such a remarkable surprise.

Do your homework. Take some time to consider what your career goals are and how Stern specifically can help you achieve those goals. Get to know the school, the curriculum, and the companies that come to recruit. But most importantly, get to know your peers; these will be the friends who'll support you through the ups and downs of business school (and life, for that matter). Stern places an emphasis on EQ+IQ. If that's a trait you value, you'll be in good company. 

My favorite experience at Stern would have to be the Morocco Trek during spring break of 2017. Imagine spending a week experiencing a new culture with 60+ classmates and soon-to-be best friends - it was truly a special time. Riding a camel during sunset to our desert campsite was a surreal experience and probably my personal highlight of the trip. 

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