Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA | Gayatri Chadalapaka

• Pronouns: she/her/hers
• Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden & Hyderabad, India
• Undergraduate: Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden. Masters in Electrical Engineering, specializing in Telecommunications
• Pre-MBA Employer: Technology at Ericsson
• Clubs/Involvement: Graduate Finance Association; Stern Healthcare Association; Stern Technology Association; Stern Women in Business

As the world rapidly evolves into tech-enabled businesses across various sectors, I wanted to position myself strongly in this space. Industries like telecom, financial services, and telehealth are increasingly leveraging Artificial Intelligence—my area of expertise. Coming from Sweden, I have a strong understanding of the challenges businesses face with data governance; this perspective has shaped my approach to innovating within regulatory frameworks to benefit all stakeholders. The focused one-year MBA will enable me to gain the business and entrepreneurial skills needed and effectively apply my tech knowledge across various industries.

My favorite class at Stern so far is the Conflict, Collaboration, and Negotiation elective by Professor Steven Blader in the fall. This class includes immersive simulated negotiations that pushed me out of my comfort zone daily, allowing me to experientially learn the nuances of successful real-life negotiations. Professor Blader does an excellent job of debriefing each negotiation and preparing us for the next session. While Professor Nate Pettit's Leadership course taught me that leadership is a behavior, not a role, Professor Blader’s class allowed me to live this principle and reflect deeply on my personal values.

The highlight of my Stern experience has been building a network of over 50 friends whom I can count on for anything in such a short time. Completing 52 credits in one year is intense, but sharing this journey with my cohort has been a significant part of my experience. I moved to New York City from Sweden for this program, not knowing anyone. From team projects, exploring NYC nightlife, and going to concerts, to a memorable trip to the Poconos, navigating everyday challenges like finding the best pizza or accessing the healthcare system, and even discovering new activities like volleyball and biking in the city—I have had my friends by my side. Forming these meaningful friendships has undoubtedly been the highlight of my Stern experience.

The world-class faculty and the opportunity to live in NYC played a significant role in my decision. Experiential learning was also a major factor—through the program, I have the opportunity to work as an MBA Consultant with different companies within one year, both in NYC and on the West Coast. Endless Frontier Labs, a unique program at NYU where you collaborate with a startup for nine months alongside top mentors in the field, was another decisive factor for me. The application process to NYU Stern really stood out as well. The Pick Six essay prompted me to reflect deeply on the meaningful experiences in my life, making the process valuable even before I was accepted. Stern admissions events with Graduate Ambassadors also influenced my decision; every ambassador I met had a genuine warmth and spoke about the strong sense of community and the friendships they built at Stern, which I wanted to experience myself.

Take your time with the application and bring your authentic self. Introspection is key—know why you want an MBA, why Stern, why now, and what sets you apart. For many, going to school is a major life change, so having a clear and thoughtful understanding of your reasons will guide you throughout your journey. Also, attend Graduate Ambassador coffee chats! They are one of the best ways to get a real sense of life at Stern. Good luck!