Author: Semina is a second-year MBA/MPA student at NYU Stern School of Business and the Wagner School of Public Service, passionate about the intersection of finance and social impact. Originally from Greece, she is motivated by the belief that business can be a powerful tool for advancing positive change. Before Stern, Semina worked across the public and nonprofit sectors, focusing on building public-private partnerships and leading impact-driven initiatives in both the U.S. and Greece. At Stern, she’s pivoting into investment banking, focusing on the energy, real estate, and infrastructure sectors, where financial tools can drive meaningful, long-term change. Semina is an active member of the Stern community, serving as Vice President of Careers for the Social Impact and Sustainability Association (SISA) and the Vice President of Corporate Relations for the European Business Society (EBS). She’s also involved in clubs like the Graduate Finance Association (GFA), Stern Women in Business (SWIB), and the Stern Real Estate Club (SREC), where she’s found mentorship, friendship, and support throughout the MBA journey. Semina regularly engages with Stern’s admissions efforts, speaking with prospective and admitted students to share her experiences and help carry forward the school’s commitment to peer support and giving back to the community.
Choosing an MBA program is one of the biggest decisions of your professional journey. When I was deciding where to pursue my dual MBA/MPA degree, I wanted a program that would not only offer world-class academics but also provide opportunities to grow, pivot, and make an impact. Stern checked every box – and then some. Here are my top five reasons why Stern’s Full-Time MBA program stands out:
Community: Where Friendships Become Family
What truly sets Stern apart is its people. From orientation week onward, the block activities and shared experiences made me feel an immediate sense of connection. The friendships I’ve built have carried me through the program – whether through late-night study sessions, casual dinners, or spring break trips abroad, we’ve made unforgettable memories together. Across the board, peers, faculty, and administrators, I’ve been surrounded by people who genuinely want each other to succeed. From resume reviews to midweek check-ins, the support here is constant. Stern is a community that feels like home.

The City: New York as Your Campus
Being in the heart of New York City is a game-changer. There’s always something to explore – new restaurants, exhibits, street fairs, or cultural events just around the corner. But beyond the energy, the city is a living classroom and a career hub. Whether it’s attending panels with industry leaders, walking into an office for a coffee chat between classes, or interning during the semester, the access is unparalleled. Stern’s location turns every day into a chance to learn and connect. It’s one thing to study business, and another to live in the heart of it!
The Classes: Learning by Doing
Stern’s focus on experiential learning has been one of the most impactful parts of my MBA experience. Through Stern Consulting Corps, I’ve had the opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to industries I’m passionate about – doing research, building recommendations, and sharpening real-world skills far beyond the classroom. While I haven’t yet been able to do a global program due to my dual degree schedule, I can’t wait to experience the global Doing Business In Australia (DBi) course next year!

Embracing Change: Redefining What’s Possible
Stern is the ideal place to navigate a big career pivot. Coming from the public sector, I wanted to move into investment banking while staying grounded in impact, and Stern made that possible. Career services, alumni support, and peer mentorship all showed up when I needed direction and confidence the most. It’s not just about landing your next job – it’s a place that pushes you to explore, refine, and pursue a career that genuinely aligns with your values, knowing you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Culture: Where EQ Meets Ambition
Stern truly lives its EQ + IQ ethos. Whether in the classroom, collaborating on group projects, or through student organizations like the Social Impact and Sustainability Association (SISA) and European Business Society (EBS), organizing events, I’ve always felt heard and welcomed. During investment banking recruiting, the Graduate Finance Association (GFA) created a space where I could ask candid questions, feel supported, and understood. Even during a competitive recruiting process, we saw Stern not as individuals competing, but as one team working toward collective success. It’s a culture where we challenge each other to grow, show up for one another, and still make time to laugh and have fun along the way.

Stern is a place where you can redefine your career, grow alongside incredible people, and build lifelong friendships. Although one of the biggest things I’ve learned at Stern is to embrace change, I wouldn’t change it for anything!
