My Experience in the NYU Impact Investing Fund

Isabella Felipa Schumann is a recent graduate who specialized in Corporate Finance and Strategy. Prior to Stern, Isabella spent three years in development at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, followed by two years as an investigative consultant at K2 Integrity. During her time at Stern, Isabella was a summer associate at Partner’s Group, a private equity firm, and during the academic year, she served as an MBA associate at Connectivity Venture Funds, a venture capital firm based in New York. Additionally, Isabella participated in a variety of experiential opportunities offered at Stern, and was AVP of Sponsorship of Stern’s PEVC Club. Isabella now works at Global Atlantic Partners as VP of Strategy and Business Development in NYC.

When I started my MBA journey in 2021, I was interested in exploring opportunities in the investment space, but as someone with a non-traditional background, I was unsure where to start. I knew that NYU Stern would provide me with endless opportunities to explore investing, develop relevant skills to succeed in the space, and take career risks that I may not have taken otherwise. One of the defining experiences of my time at NYU Stern that allowed me to do all three things was the NYU Impact Investing Fund (“NIIF”). 

Why NIIF

I have always had a passion for social impact which has manifested itself through community service work, pro-bono consulting with a focus on social enterprises and female-founded startups, and working in nonprofit organizations earlier in my career. NIIF was the perfect way for me to explore the intersection of a personal passion of mine and my professional ambitions. Additionally, I had the incredible opportunity to work with peers from Stern, NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and NYU Law School. Being part of a group of dedicated and ambitious individuals from different backgrounds was a huge part of what made NIIF such a great experience. 

Getting Involved

NIIF is the only MBA student-run venture organization in the country, which means that NIIF invests real money into real startups that we as participating students are sourcing, completing investment diligence on, and pitching to the investment committee. The program is structured as a one-year course through Stern and participation starts with an application the Spring before the Fall semester start date. Once you begin with NIIF, you are split into teams representing six different verticals – financial inclusion, environment, healthcare, aging, education, and food systems. I was a member of the education deal team along with five other peers. 

Phase I: Investment Thesis

We began our semester by developing an investment thesis highlighting the areas of education that we would like to invest in and other non-negotiables for NIIF, including a founding team representative of the community the company serves, and demonstrated impact in lockstep with revenue. From here, our team tapped into our networks to identify impact-driven early-stage startups that were actively raising a new round of fundraising. Once potential targets were identified, the team interviewed the founders and identified the companies that were most aligned with the team’s understanding of impact and the expectations of NIIF’s investment committee. 

Phase II: Due Diligence

The second stage of the process is defined by a funneling process where each deal team presents their chosen company to the other teams and to the investment committee. From there, two deal teams are chosen to continue with the NIIF investment process while the other teams are split between competing in the MBA Impact Investing Network & Training (“MIINT”) and managing previous investments made by NIIF. As a member of a deal team chosen to move forward in the NIIF process, this third phase was followed by a longer due diligence process where my team and I spent the coming months working with the NYU Law School clinic and the founder of our target company on the complex due diligence process. This included legal, financial, impact, and competitor diligence and identifying relevant investment risks in each of these areas. This was where we were challenged the most as a team, and pushed outside of our comfort zones to understand and evaluate different areas of the business. 

Phase III: Presentations

Finally, our team was one of two that pitched a target company to the NIIF Investment Committee in an in-person meeting with the three committee members and the support of our peers. The presentation featured information on our company, deep dives into the diligence that we completed, an emphasis on the demonstrated impact of the company, and a complete risk analysis with insights on how to minimize risks. By the end of the week, we were notified of the investment committee’s decision on which of the two deal teams had received NIIF’s investment. 

The entire process closely resembled the various investment processes that I have seen in both the private equity and venture capital spaces. I was able to see many parallels between my work at NIIF and what I have seen in various internship opportunities across investment firms. I can confidently say that my NIIF experience will not only be a highlight of my time at Stern, but will also be instrumental in my career development. 

Embracing a New Adventure: My Journey to Intern at Microsoft in Seattle

Daniela Rios is a current Full-time MBA student, specializing in Marketing, Tech Product Management, and Strategy. Prior to Stern, Daniela worked at an advertising agency in HR. Post-MBA, she plans to pivot into marketing at a Tech company. At Stern, she is involved in the Association of Hispanic and Black Business Students, Stern Technology Association, Student Government, and Stern Women in Business.

 As I sit here, packing my bags and preparing to embark on an exciting journey, I can hardly contain my excitement. In just a few short days, I’ll be heading to the vibrant city of Seattle, ready to dive into a thrilling three-month internship at Microsoft. Today, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and support I received at Stern that led me to this remarkable opportunity. Get ready to join me on an adventure filled with growth, perseverance, and the unwavering assistance that Stern provided along the way.

 From HR to Marketing: A Bold Transition

When I entered business school, I set out to make a daring shift from HR into the dynamic world of marketing. I’ll be honest, it felt like stepping into the unknown, and doubts crept in about the relevance of my HR skills. But Stern had a pleasant surprise in store for me. I soon realized that the insights gained from conducting exit interviews to enhance employee retention could seamlessly translate into understanding customers’ needs and preferences. Who knew my HR expertise had marketing potential?

The Consortium, Early Recruiting, and Microsoft

Stern’s affiliation with the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management proved to be a game-changer in my journey. Through this exclusive network, I had the privilege of participating in early recruiting opportunities and was able to attend the Consortium’s signature event: Orientation Program. This opportunity led me straight to Microsoft’s door where I was connected to a marketing hiring manager. The excitement that surged through me when I received the internship offer months later was indescribable. It was validation of the hard work, dedication, and passion I had poured into my studies and career.

 Navigating with the Careers Team

Now, let me share the secret ingredient that boosted my confidence and guided me throughout the internship pursuit: Stern’s Careers Team. This incredible team provided me with a treasure trove of resources, including interview workshops, resume feedback, and even mock interview sessions. With their support and guidance, I walked into each interview room prepared, polished, and ready to showcase my skills. It was like having a personal squad of career champions by my side, every step of the way. Shoutout to Genevieve and Fatim for being the best!

 Alumni Talks: A Game-Changing Experience

When it came time to choose between Microsoft and another company, I found myself at a crossroads. In those moments of uncertainty, Stern’s alumni network became my guiding light. I reached out to Stern alumni working at both organizations, seeking their invaluable insights. Their firsthand experiences, knowledge of the work culture, growth opportunities, and overall fit within the companies proved instrumental in making an informed decision.

 Ignite Program: Igniting the Flames of Success

Before embarking on my official journey at Stern, I was able to immerse myself in the Ignite Program. This pre-MBA summer initiative equipped me with a powerful arsenal of professional skills. Through engaging workshops and personalized guidance from incoming MBA 2s and career coaches, I honed my ability to craft compelling pitches and tackle behavioral interviews with ease. This transformative experience ignited a fire within me, fueling my confidence and positioning me for success in the early recruiting events that awaited me.

 The Stern Squad: Friends, Encouragement, and Camaraderie

Last but certainly not least, I can’t help but express my deep appreciation for the incredible friends and the tight-knit community I found at Stern. The unwavering support, encouragement, and camaraderie transformed my experience. Whether it was lending a listening ear during challenging moments or cheering for every milestone achieved, the Stern community became my pillar of strength. The collaborative nature of Stern fostered an environment where we could freely exchange ideas, seek advice, and grow together as a united front.

 Conclusion

As I prepare to embark on this exciting new adventure with Microsoft, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and excitement. Stern has played an integral role in shaping my path, providing me with resources, connections and the support I needed to reach this milestone. It is a testament to the transformative power of education and the incredible opportunities that await those who are willing to chase their dreams. I am ready to make the most of this internship opportunity and contribute to the innovative and dynamic world of marketing at Microsoft!

Updates to the 2024 Application from our Executive Director

Lindsay Loyd is the Executive Director for MBA Admissions at NYU Stern. She joined NYU Stern in January 2023 after a 20-year career in financial services.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Hi, I’m Lindsay Loyd, and I’m excited to announce some key information for the upcoming admissions cycle, and also take this opportunity to introduce myself.

I joined Stern in January 2023 as the Executive Director of MBA Admissions after a 20+ year career in financial services. I’m thrilled to be a champion for the Stern Full Time MBA programs and lead the admissions team as we meet future Sternies each year. I was energized to become part of this community after working with several Stern alumni during my tenure at American Express. This will be my first full admissions cycle, and I’m delighted to share some updates as we gear up for the application launch.

Important Things to Know for the 2023-2024 Cycle

While our applications for the next cycle are not yet open, we’ve announced some key information you should know as you are preparing your candidacy. This spring, we took a comprehensive look at our application process and worked to find ways to make applying easier for prospective students.

New Deadlines

For the upcoming cycle, we’ve expanded our deadlines to give you greater flexibility so that you can apply when it makes sense for you. It’s important to note that our process is a bit different than the more structured “rounds” used by other programs. Our admissions committee reviews applications on an ongoing basis. We don’t wait for a deadline to pass to begin reviewing applications, and most applicants will receive an initial decision notification (e.g., invitation to interview, waitlist offer, or denial of admission) within 8 weeks of applying.

More Standardized Test Optionality

We continue to be test agnostic and accept a wide range of tests. There are no minimum score requirements to apply and we do not have a preference for which test you take. I want to highlight four key points to keep in mind on tests:

  • A standardized test score is required for the Full-Time program and the Fashion & Luxury Focused 1-Year program. 
  • The Andre Koo Tech Focused 1-Year program will be test optional this cycle.
  • We offer a separate test waiver application for anyone who is unable to prepare for or take a standardized test, but can demonstrate academic readiness through prior academic and/or work experience. 
  • Your test options include the GMAT (both current and Focus Edition), GRE (both current and new), EA, MCAT, LSAT, and DAT.  

One EQ Endorsement

To further streamline the application process, we’ve also reduced the number of EQ endorsements required from 2 to 1. This EQ endorsement should come from your current supervisor. You have the option of submitting additional EQ endorsements, but I encourage you to be judicious and consider whether additional endorsement(s) add significant value and/or a different perspective to your candidacy. A tip on EQ endorsements – start thinking about who you want to write in support of your application and set up a meeting with this person. Do this early so your endorser has time to prepare. 

Continued Commitment to a Holistic Review Process

What hasn’t changed for this cycle is our interest in getting to know you through the application. We have a chance to learn about you academically, professionally, and personally during this holistic review process. Our essay questions remain largely unchanged from last year, so you can start thinking through those now. We find that your answers to these essay questions provide incredible depth and insight into your experiences, goals, and motivations. We look forward to meeting the whole ‘you.’

Why Now is a Great Time to Get an MBA

It’s been almost 20 years (!) since I was in your shoes: studying for the GMAT, researching MBA programs, lining up endorsements from current and former supervisors, and starting to write application essays. It feels like not nearly that long ago, yet I appreciate the big picture view that time span affords. No matter when you decide to apply, the Stern MBA will have value long after graduation.

Investment in Yourself 

Pursuing an MBA full-time is a big investment of time and money, and I firmly believe it’s one of the smartest long-term investments you can make in yourself. I’ve seen first-hand how it can significantly change the trajectory of your career, help you weather economic storms, and create career optionality, not just in the short-term, but throughout the course of your life. This is still true today. Take a look at our employment report to see the ROI of the Stern MBA

Versatility for Your Entire Career Journey 

My MBA experience allowed me to try an industry and functional career switch with my summer internship. It then helped facilitate a move back to the financial services industry, but at a higher level, in a new geography, at my dream company, and in my preferred functional area. It set me on a course to grow laterally and rise up the ranks at that company.  And when it was time to make a midlife pivot for a “second act” career, my MBA experience and network helped me navigate my way to Stern to lead the Full-Time MBA Admissions team.

At Stern, you’ll take core business classes that will help you build foundational skills that are broadly applicable across various industries and functions. You’ll also be able to customize your MBA experience with over 200 electives and seemingly endless opportunities for experiential learning. You’ll be part of the vibrant NYU community in the heart of NYC. You’ll be just a short subway ride from many prospective employers, a wide array of industry resources, and a vast network of Stern alumni ready to pay it forward. As a Stern alumnus, you’ll continue to have access to the support of the Careers team and have the ability to audit classes, so you can stay at the top of your game as your interests and the job market evolve.

Meet Your Future Forevers

I also made some great friends during my MBA, and in fact, met my best-friend-now-husband while setting up a fantasy football league for our b-school classmates. During your MBA experience at Stern, you will create friendships and a professional network that will be with you long after you graduate. I cannot promise that you will find your life-partner, but your MBA experience will last a lifetime. 

My husband and I during business school!

If this all sounds good to you, I hope you’ll consider applying to Stern. If you feel you are ready, don’t wait. If you aren’t sure, know that we’ll be here to help you along the way.

Be the First to Know When the Application Goes Live

Sign up here to receive more information about Stern direct to your email inbox, including notification of when our applications for the 2023-2024 cycle are live.

We also offer many virtual and in person opportunities to learn more about Stern. Join us in person on campus for a information session and tour, or at one of our many stops around the world this summer. We also offer virtual “Ask A Sternie” coffee chats with current students, virtual information sessions.

Best wishes as you begin the first steps of your MBA journey!

My Experience in Leadership Fellows

Anna Gallagher is a current Full-time MBA student, specializing in Strategy, Management, and Leadership & Change Management. Prior to Stern, Anna worked in various HR roles at The Boeing Company. Post-MBA, she will join the Amazon Web Services HR Leadership Development Program. At Stern, she is on the boards of Stern Women in Business and Student Government. Anna is a Leadership Fellow, Board Fellow, and Forté Fellow. She is also a Stern Graduate Ambassador. Anna loves Broadway musicals and has seen 10+ shows as a Sternie.

This year, I was fortunate to participate in NYU Stern’s Leadership Fellows Program, an incredible opportunity for MBA students. The purpose of the Makhoul Family Leadership Fellows Program is for students to accelerate their growth and position themselves as leaders within their organizations after Stern. The program includes monthly classes and one-on-one mentorship. 

I loved that the Leadership Fellows program is highly experiential. For example, in several classes we role played workplace scenarios with the help of professional actors. Scenarios included a board of directors discussing a contentious issue with a CEO, a manager coaching a rockstar employee who refuses to work with the team, and an employee advocating for a promotion while being dismissed by management.

In another class session, we focused on understanding the experiences that have shaped us as people and as leaders. We first identified major events, achievements, and moments over our life. We then plotted these events across time and used a vertical axis to indicate the level of positive or negative impact each event had on us. In class we shared our “lifelines.” It was an incredibly moving session as my peers vulnerably shared their greatest heartbreaks and proudest moments. I got to know my classmates so much better and this exercise deepened the trust and respect we had for each other. I encourage you to do the “lifeline” exercise, too. I suspect it will be helpful as you prepare your MBA application and consider your post-MBA goals!

As a Leadership Fellow, you are assigned a mentor to meet with monthly. My mentor was a rockstar Stern alum and professional leadership coach. In our monthly sessions we discussed my career goals, values, and how I can apply class learnings to my daily life. In one of my favorite meetings, we role played a difficult conversation I needed to have and practiced taking the other party’s perspective. 

My Leadership Fellows section (one of many) was deliberately capped at 12 students. The small class size supported vulnerable conversations and gave me ample opportunity to participate in class exercises. Despite the small class size, my section was incredibly diverse including students from the full-time, part-time, and Tech MBA programs. 

If you are looking to gain self awareness, practice leadership skills in a safe setting, connect deeply with other Sternies, and receive regular one-on-one mentorship, then I encourage you to apply for the Stern Leadership Fellows program!

The Value of Affinity Clubs at NYU Stern

Kendra Spruill is a current Full-time MBA student, specializing in Strategy and Leadership & Change Management. Prior to Stern, Kendra worked in the Non-profit sector. Post-MBA, she plans to be a Senior Consultant at Deloitte. At Stern, she was the Co-president of AHBBS, a part of SWIB, Stern Adventures, and MCA. 

Will I fit in? That’s a common question that you may ask yourself while looking for your perfect business school. The student population matters and you want to make sure that you are with people who you can work with, and build lifelong friendships. With business school being as social as it is, it’s crucial to find your community. Fortunately, at a place like Stern, everyone belongs. What’s more reassuring is that there are affinity clubs to lean on to make sure that you find your right community. 

Affinity clubs provide an opportunity for those of similar backgrounds to connect on a deeper level that you may not necessarily get to do on a daily basis. Being at a school where there are so many people from different backgrounds, it’s difficult to really connect with one type of person. The two affinity clubs that I am a part of are SWIB (Stern Women in Business) and AHBBS (The Association of Hispanic and Black Business Students). Though these clubs highlight those of a specific identity, allies are welcome to join and truly help make the clubs the successes that they are today. 

Before becoming co-president of AHBBS, I was very eager to meet people who came from a similar background as me. AHBBS has given me a community to lean on when I struggled with quant classes, classmates to work with on group projects, and more importantly, two bridesmaids in my upcoming wedding! Affinity clubs are crucial in many ways: Helping minority students like myself fit in, allowing international students have a space to speak in their native tongue, reiterating the importance of allyship and understanding cultural influences in business, and providing a safe space for students to challenge and explore.  I am forever grateful to the affinity groups at Stern that have helped shape my overall positive experience at Stern. 

The Value of EQ

Matthew Moll is a Director of MBA Admissions on the digital marketing team. Outside of Admissions, Matthew and his partner are usually trying to convince their rescue dog Lentil to make new friends.

IQ + EQ is one of the core values that defines the NYU Stern community experience. Sternies join the MBA to hone their knowledge and IQ. Similarly, Sternies are committed to looking honestly at their EQ – their emotional quotient or emotional intelligence. How do we improve as leaders? When do we step back and support? What can we do to address challenges differently? These are only a few of the questions our students consider as part of their MBA journey.  

Much like how there isn’t one ‘type’ of candidate who is admitted to the program,  there is not a single set of EQ traits we see thrive at NYU Stern. What is common is that students who challenge themselves and self-reflect are able to benefit from and contribute to the NYU Stern ecosystem. 

Let’s explore the value of EQ and how EQ is part of our admissions process.

The value of EQ

Building community – EQ is foundational to our evaluation process during our assessment of candidates. The many ways candidates express EQ become part of what makes each class its own special unit. If the community is a tree, EQ is like nutrient rich topsoil that provides the needed fuel for a sapling to flourish. EQ is part of what drives and sustains a strong community. The students, faculty, and administrators are all invested in the people around them which is crucial to building community.

Employers see the value of EQ – Our focus on EQ is not only to level-up the student experience and foster people-first and team oriented values. We regularly hear from employers that they emphasize EQ during the hiring process and NYU Stern students have the tools needed to excel in the modern, evolving workplace. The numbers support this. We continue to see record compensation and employment by Sternies.

Sternies pay it forward – The ROI of the Stern MBA goes beyond your first pivot into your new career, in part because the need for EQ does not end at graduation. The collaborative student experience is woven into the Sternie DNA, which then translates into a ‘pay it forward’ mentality for both students and alums.  

Where you have a chance to express your EQ during the application process

Below are some of the places where you can highlight your EQ as a candidate.

Pick 6 Essay – Each essay gives you the space to showcase your EQ, but the Pick Six is the most obvious. We can literally see your personality outside of your academic and professional achievements. This is a blank canvas for you to show the Admissions Committee some of the ways you will interact with your peers. Read our blog post for more on the Pick 6.

EQ Endorsements – This is our first opportunity to learn more about you from another source. Recommendations are like a quasi-omniscient narrator’s voiceover that gives us insight into the storyline of your career; how you performed under pressure, showed up for your teammates, or navigated the everyday challenges of professional life. 

 We encourage you to reflect on how you express EQ by reviewing the IQ+EQ specific question (below). 

IQ+EQ is a core value of NYU Stern, and we seek exceptional individuals who possess both intellectual and interpersonal strengths. Emotional intelligence (EQ) skills such as self-awareness, empathy, communication and self-management are at the core of our community of leaders. Please provide one specific and compelling example to demonstrate the applicant’s emotional intelligence.

You can review all the questions we ask endorsers on our websiteGet tips on the EQ Endorsements on our blog.

Interview – This is how we see your EQ in action! If you are invited to interview with us you will meet with someone who has reviewed your entire application. We want to have a conversation and get a sense for how you will spend your time on campus as a Sternie. Take a look at our interview tips.

EQ for you

These are some of the ways EQ is part of the application and where you can highlight your EQ to our team. However, the process of applying is also an opportunity for you to think deeply about how you will engage at NYU and be a lifelong learner of both IQ and EQ.

Applying to Stern with a Nontraditional Background

Gisselle Lankenau is an Assistant Director on the MBA Admissions team at NYU Stern. She joined the team last March, previously working with NYU Stern’s Leadership Accelerator. Hailing originally from Miami, Gisselle enjoys museums, cooking, and coffee shops.

Prospective students typically pursue an MBA to advance within their current industry or to make a career change. Applicants looking to make a career pivot often ask about resources at Stern that facilitate this transition and how they can showcase their current experience, particularly if they are coming from a non-traditional background. 

What is a non-traditional background? Typically, a non-traditional MBA student is someone who has experience other than the standard business to MBA career route, although many of our students do not come from a ‘traditional’ business background. Our students come from a variety of backgrounds, from technology to education to military experience. We view the wide range of backgrounds of our students as an asset, with each individual bringing their own unique perspective to the classroom and enhancing the overall Stern community.

At Stern, there are a number of ways to get involved, contribute, and gain hands-on experience. For those coming from a non-business background, Stern offers several options for career support. 

  • Office of Career Development: One of the best resources for career support is the Office of Career Development. During the summer before the MBA program begins, our Careers team offers the IGNITE program, which consists of resume reviews, mock interviews, networking workshops and industry panels to put you in the best position to meet with recruiters from day one of the program. Career coaches will work with you to align career goals, set up a game plan to tackle the recruiting process, and they will continue to provide support throughout your time at Stern and when you are an alum. 
  • Lean on your peers: Your classmates will be joining the MBA program from a variety of industries. They will become your network and will support you during the recruiting process. Your peers might have worked at a company or industry that you are interested in, so you can lean on their expertise and connections. At Stern, your peers want to see you succeed.
  • Experiential learning: Through Stern Solutions courses, you will be able to learn about your industry of interest, immerse yourself in an environment where you can tackle a real business issue, and reflect on the experience. These experiential learning opportunities allow you to gain real world experience, build your skill set and more broadly provide the space to be curious. You will be able to test out different roles, leadership styles, and to feel free to fail and learn from your mistakes and triumphs through reflection. 
  • Student Clubs: Professional clubs play a vital role in preparing students for the recruiting process and their next career step. At Stern, collaboration is key with MBA 2 students mentoring MBA 1s and guiding them through the recruiting cycle, providing interview prep, working through skills together and organizing events on campus and off-site at companies. So whether you are interested in pivoting to consulting, marketing, finance or technology, our student clubs are ready to help guide you through the process and share their insights.

The Stern community is committed to supporting your future success with several options to build on your current experience, regardless of your professional background. Prospective students often ask us how they can speak to their unique experience in the application and highlight their experience through their resume.

When crafting your resume, put your best foot forward and lean into your experience. As you are looking to make a career change, it is important to take a step back and access your transferable skills while identifying any potential gaps you may need to fill. In your resume, highlight your strengths and quantify your impact in previous roles. If there are potential knowledge gaps, look into resources to leverage at Stern to fill those gaps and highlight these in your essays. The MBA is an opportunity to grow and develop your skill set regardless of previous experience; highlighting these interests in your application indicates you’ve gone the extra step to look into how Stern will help you achieve your future goals. 

Ultimately, the biggest piece of advice for candidates with a non-traditional background is to spend some time reflecting on your career so far. What energizes you at work, what strengths are you bringing to the table, what are areas for growth and what changes would you like to see moving forward? Answering these questions will not only help you craft your story during the application process, but will help guide your overall career transition and help to hold yourself accountable. At Stern there are numerous resources available to support your career change. Plan ahead, determine your strategy, and take advantage of every opportunity. 

Moving Beyond ‘Fit’

Caroline Murphy is an Associate Director of MBA Admissions at Stern. Caroline has worked at Stern for four years and recently completed the Langone Part-time MBA program. Outside of work, Caroline loves watching Texas Longhorn football and playing with her nieces and nephews.

Often, candidates ask our team what would make them the right “fit” for Stern. They are trying to learn what the typical Stern student looks like in terms of career background, passions, or post-MBA goals. But the answer is, there is no “typical Stern student,” and applicants should focus instead on what makes them unique. Rather than thinking about how you can ‘fit’ at Stern, reframe your process to think about if the qualities of NYU Stern’s programs align with you and your goals.

The Ideal Candidate

If you’ve sat in one of our mock application sessions, you have seen a small snippet of how the admissions process works. At Stern, we look at each applicant individually and holistically. There is no specific quality that each student must possess, rather, we want to see how an applicant’s entire story comes together to show who they are individually. There is no one-size fits all when it comes to our student body – each of our students has a different background and their own story to tell. We value all work experiences and paths that have led people to apply for an MBA.

When you are crafting your application, I encourage you to reflect on what makes you you and how that will help you develop into a strong business leader. Are you inclusive in your leadership? Are you able to bring out the best in difficult colleagues with your light hearted humor? Are you efficient and willing to go the extra mile? Are you reserved and thoughtful about your choices? All of these are individual strengths that contribute to who you are and can be leveraged in business school and beyond. It’s up to you to determine how you’ll convey these strengths in your application.

Communicating Your Authentic Self

The Stern application provides many opportunities for you to share your story and showcase your unique qualities and interests. For instance, the “activities and achievements” section on the application communicates how you spend your time and what you choose to be involved in. The “Change” and Pick Six essays  give you the freedom to be creative and share personal experiences or show what makes you tick. All of this helps us understand your story and get to know you better. Through our conversation in the interview stage, we’ll get to see this person come to life as we learn more about what you shared in your application. We want to get to know you as an individual,  rather than assessing  how you might be similar to current Stern students. 

Finding Your Fit at Stern

Rather than focusing on how you fit, focus on how Stern fits for you. There are a lot of ways to determine if the culture at Stern aligns with what you’re looking for in a network and to see if our programs align with your goals. The first step is to attend events – we have a range of events from virtual to in-person, admissions focused to student-led. Events can highlight specific areas of interest (like club office hours) and help you identify what recruiting paths are available, as well as help you get to know students and what they love most about Stern. On that note, you can also chat candidly with current students through coffee chats or by emailing mbaga@stern.nyu.edu to set up a time to chat. They can help you with any concerns that you have and tell you about their experience. Lastly, explore our website! There is a ton of information on our site about the curriculum, post-MBA outcomes, school news, and more. Becoming familiar with the program will help you to envision yourself at Stern and recognize if it’s the right program for you. Don’t be shy in communicating the aspects of Stern that you’re most excited about on your application or in your interview – this helps us learn more about you and why you’re excited to go on this journey at Stern.

As you apply, I hope you’ll remember that the only type of candidate we want to see at Stern is an authentic one. Lean into what makes you YOU and it will shine through in your application. We can’t wait to meet you!

How Stern’s Community Embraces New Students

Gustavo Valverde Rezende is an MBA2, originally from Brazil. He has a Bachelor’s in business administration from Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora and a Master’s in finance from IBMEC. Before joining Stern, Gustavo worked in management consulting, public management, and corporate finance before joining Eureca, a purpose-driven startup, as Chief Financial Officer.  His latest job was as Strategy & Finance Leader at Grupo Anga, Eureca’s parent company, overlooking a portfolio of six purpose-driven companies. This summer, Gustavo worked as an Investment Banking Summer Associate at Credit Suisse in New York.

Moving to NYC

Moving to NYC can be intimidating, especially if you are coming from a small town, like myself. Looking from my childhood home, the city looked chaotic and hostile. I heard about how hard it would be to make friends and was scared I would never feel at home there. 

Fast-forward two years, and I am in love with NYC. I have very good friends, call the city my home, and can’t think of living anywhere else. How did this happen?

The first challenge I overcame was moving to the city. Before setting foot in NYC, I made a few friends at Stern through admitted student events and reaching out to student clubs (like the Latin American Business Association). They have advised me on good neighborhoods to live, the timing and procedures for renting a place, where and how to furnish my house, and even on budgeting. Some of these friends are neighbors and make a great support network.

Making Connections & Friends

The second challenge was making the city my home. I needed basic stuff, like a bank account, and other not-so-trivial things, like a good group of friends. Here’s where Stern’s community was huge. Even before being in NYC, I had spoken to so many people in the program that I felt I didn’t start from zero. So many nice people had reached out to me, introduced me to their friends, and replied to my blind approaches that I felt welcome.

When I got to the city, my new friends were amazing at introducing me to new people and making sure I felt a part of their social circles. My classmates also put together a lot of social outings, which helped make very close friendships. Nowadays, I have a bunch of friends both in the program and in the city – a social life that is more intense than I had back home.

That is when I realized one of the main benefits of living in the most global city in the world: you find anything you may need or want. Do you want to play golf? Or cricket? Maybe soccer? The city’s got you. If you are not into sports, Stern student clubs will help you find wine lovers, culture buffs, or k-popers. Feeling home-sick? Enjoy regional clubs and benefit from the city’s many regional social networks. In my case, I eat feijoada, have açaí, catch every single Cruzeiro game, and speak as much Portuguese as I want with a ton of Brazilian friends I made in the city.

Preparing for Recruiting & Making a Career Change

Finally, to make New York really feel like home, I needed a job. That is one of the most stressful parts of the MBA, but Stern had  me covered. Professional and regional clubs will help you build a professional network, get the coffee chats and interviews you need, and find your internship. In my case, the friends I mentioned above mock-interviewed me and gave me candid feedback – even a few tough ones to hear – ultimately enabling me to get my dream job at Credit Suisse Investment Banking Division, in the M&A team. I can’t stress enough how important fellow Sternies were for my career transition. 

I know first hand it can be intimidating and tough to move to NYC. But with a little help from my friends, I built everything I needed to call NYC my home. It is still crazy to realize how much this place feels like home. And yet, here I am, sitting in my childhood town and feeling homesick. I can’t wait to be back in the city.

Communicating your Work Experience

Matt Bird is a Coordinator on the MBA Admissions team. He joined the team last April after graduating from the NYU Steinhardt Higher Education and Student Affairs Masters program. He enjoys baking, coffee, and helping students. 

 

 

Hi! My name is Matt Bird and I am a member of the Admissions Committee at NYU Stern MBA Admissions. I previously worked in college career centers for years as a resume reviewer, which makes me very passionate about helping people sell their work experience effectively. Your resume is an opportunity to brag about yourself. What amazing internship did you land? What innovative project did you collaborate on? How many deals did you close? Your resume should be a highlight sheet of your professional story. As application readers, we rely on the Resume and Work Experience sections to describe who you are as a working professional. This post should give you some ideas on making the most of your work experience on your MBA application.

Keep it Snappy.

Many times we see sprawling 2-3 page resumes that contain a laundry list of all job responsibilities. Oftentimes people find it hard to narrow down their role to 3-5 bullets. And we get it. Everything we do is important to us. But a resume is not the place for your autobiography. It is a document to communicate your best of the best. Instead of including 10 bullets on your role, pick 2-3 experiences where you made the most impact. Save the memoir for when you’re a successful business leader. 

It is smart to have multiple versions of your resume in order to mix and match experiences tailored to the opportunity. Your resume for Deloitte’s summer internship program may look very different from your resume for a Brand Manager role with L’Oreal. It may even be helpful to have a catch-all resume from which you pick the best experiences to include on the final version. It is important to have the most relevant experiences prominently highlighted. My rule of thumb is if you see yourself talking about an experience in the interview, then include it on the page.

Formatting, formatting, formatting.

In addition to narrowing down your bullet points, formatting can be a very effective way to keep your resume brief. Below are a few tricks to trim the empty space on your page:

  • Reduce your margins.
  • Identify lines taken up by one word. Simplify the language to get that bullet to one line.
  • Play around with format. See if a two column approach eliminates or creates space.
  • Job Title, Name of Organization, Date can be one line.
  • Slightly reduce your font size. A good range is 10-12 point font. 
  • Reduce space between section breaks. Just ensure the page doesn’t look too cramped.

Specificity is key.

It is difficult to imagine a person’s impact when reading:  “Responsible for day-to-day operations of the company.”

Numbers are helpful here. How many team members did you work with? What was your budget? What did this project result in? Quantitative bullet points paint a clear picture of your role and impact. 

It is a bit vague to read a Skills section with words like: Teamwork, Communication, or Management. Anyone can list these as skills. Only you have your specific experiences to showcase them. 

Tell your story.

It may be intimidating to compare resumes with your peers. No matter how much experience we have, insecurities may creep in. Regardless of your job titles, your resume is an opportunity to show your trajectory. Your case becomes much more compelling when you clearly demonstrate your professional journey. Don’t get bogged down in worries about not having the perfect portfolio. Instead, highlight your experiences in their best light. 

Many applicants worry they will be out of the running if they have less than the average years of work experience. NYU Stern does not have a minimum work experience requirement to apply to the MBA program. We evaluate and accept applicants from many stages of their career. Your Resume and Work Experience section is an opportunity to show the Admissions Committee not only who you are as a working professional, but also who you want to become.