Community – Page 2 – Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA

December 18, 2023December 18, 2023

Navigating the Tech MBA Experience as an International Student

Amanda Hanggoro Amanda is a current Tech MBA student, specializing in Product Management & Strategy. Before coming to Stern, she worked as a Product Manager in an education technology company with a focus on personalization and gamification. Post-MBA, she plans to continue working in product management as she explores her entrepreneurial interest. At Stern, she is involved in the Stern Technology Association, Gaming & eSports Management Society, Asian Business Society, Stern Women in Business, and Stern Football Club.

Moving across continents as an international student in the Tech MBA program is both exciting and intimidating. With a small cohort of only 51 individuals, I am one of two from Southeast Asia, and the only one from Indonesia. But no matter how daunting it is, the close-knit community and friendly environment here have made adapting to this new chapter much smoother, helping me soak up the learning opportunities at Stern.

Just as we got to share a bit of our story through the “Pick Six” essay during the application (which was definitely my favorite!), I would like to share my experience so far as an international student in the Tech MBA program and how I navigate the journey through six images:

Focused (Tech and Fashion & Luxury) MBA Gathering after orientation

Building a support system within the cohort

The warm and welcoming nature of the Tech MBA cohort shone even from day zero. Before summer classes kicked off, my classmates arranged a get-together for those who just arrived in the city. It was a great opportunity for both out-of-state and international students to connect, especially since most of us couldn’t attend the admitted students events. Despite the differing backgrounds and experiences, it was comforting to meet the people that I am sharing this journey with.

The sense of warmth grew over the summer as the Focused MBA students were the only students on campus. From happy hours to picnics, game nights, and spontaneous trips, every gathering helped us bond more. The Tech MBA cohort turned into a little family I could lean on, even as the courses got tougher and our paths diverged in the Fall semester.

Lunch with Indonesian Stern MBA Class of 2024 and 2025

Building connections beyond the Tech MBA cohort

Fall brought along opportunities to mingle with the broader MBA community at Stern. The program’s structure allows me to participate in student clubs and electives that pave the way for making connections with the Two-Year Full-Time MBAs, Langone Part-Time MBAs, and Executive MBAs.

I chose to actively engage in student clubs as an AVP in the Stern Technology Association and Gaming & eSports Management Society and as a member of the Asian Business Society, Stern Women in Business, and Stern Football Club. The unique range of student clubs allows me to balance my personal and professional interests, getting the best of both worlds.

Beyond the student clubs, I also get to connect with other Indonesian students in the Full-Time MBA program. Although the group is fairly small, they have been a great resource for all things from finding good Indonesian restaurants to curing homesickness and answering specific questions about recruiting as an international student

Eid Al-Adha prayer in Washington Square Park with NYU Islamic Center

Accessing NYU’s diverse communities and support

Being at Stern is like having a key to a vast, diverse community. NYU’s larger ecosystem has many international student events, student clubs, collaboration labs, and other supporting facilities. NYU Entrepreneurial Institute (Leslie eLab), for example, allows you to put up posters to seek potential collaborators for your project or join an existing project. Who knows you may stumble upon future co-founders coming from different schools within NYU!

Among the various facilities that NYU has, Global Spiritual Life has accommodated me to practice my faith. The center provides multifaith support through four major religious centers including The Islamic Center, the Catholic Center, the Hindu Center, and the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life. As a Muslim, I usually celebrate two major holidays, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha, through communal prayer, family gatherings, and feasts. Despite being thousands of miles away from home, I still got to celebrate Eid Al-Adha during the summer with the NYU Islamic Community and feel the warmth of the holiday.

Impromptu public speaking exercise in Communication class

Getting support from the faculty

Navigating the professional landscape in a second language is a unique challenge that extends beyond language; it also requires cultural understanding and strategic individual approaches. Even though I could connect well with my peers and have worked in a cross-cultural team, mastering communication in a professional context in an entirely new country can take a while to crack.

Other than the career office providing resources for international students, the courses and faculty at Stern have shown a commitment to supporting students through this journey. In my Communication course, Professor Brian Hanssen incorporated many practical exercises in the class ranging from planned group presentations to impromptu personal ones. The constructive feedback from both him and my peers throughout this exercise made a huge difference in boosting my communication confidence.

Beyond that, he also sets aside time for office hours where we could discuss specific challenges we face in our academic or professional journey. This offer is extended even after the course ends and allows me to regularly check in to formulate an actionable plan for my strategic communication.

IBM Watson office in Astor Place

Adapting to a global work setting

What stands out in the Tech MBA program is the hands-on learning experience through the experiential learning courses. New York City Immersion, Tech Solutions, and Endless Frontier Labs not only let us apply what we learned in class but also gave us a unique chance to collaborate with big tech companies and emerging start-ups.

While I had prior experience working with regional teams and international partners, working in a US-based company presented a new set of challenges. Through experiential learning, I gained firsthand experience working within New York City’s diverse community, including my classmates, who brought diverse professional and cultural backgrounds to the table.

Working with IBM in the Tech Solutions course was one of my favorite experiences. Every discussion and checkpoint was a learning curve, not only on the business-technology case we were working with but also on collaborating with diverse stakeholders in technology.

Whether you plan to work internationally or stay in the United States, these courses provide invaluable insights into real-world applications of business and tech, ensuring your readiness for any professional environment.

Google Trek with Stern Technology Association

Navigating professional career prospects

The post-MBA recruitment process can be intimidating for an international student, but Stern provides essential support through the career office and professional clubs. I get to regularly check in with a career coach specializing in the tech industry for international students and participate in knowledge management events organized by student clubs. The collaboration between the two gives me access to resources for recruitment, workshops, study groups, alumni talks, company presentations, and company treks.

One of the most recent company treks I joined was the Google Trek to its New York City office which was organized by the Stern Technology Association. During the event, we got to talk with current part-time students and alumni working at Google and had an office tour to better understand the company. The diverse speakers with various roles and backgrounds, including international ones, and the intimate setting made the conversations more engaging and tailored to our interests.

Being an international student in the Tech MBA program sure has its challenges but the community really gives me endless opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive. Pursuing this degree has helped me grow so fast in the last six months and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for me!

November 15, 2023November 15, 2023

Navigating the Andre Koo Tech MBA with a Non-Tech Background

Elizabeth is a current Tech MBA student, specializing in Business Analytics, Tech Product Management, and Strategy. Prior to Stern, she worked at Methods+Mastery as a Business Intelligence Analyst supporting full-scale social intelligence and analytics work streams for Google and YouTube. Post-MBA, she plans to pursue a business analytics or strategy role in the tech industry. At Stern, she is a part of several clubs, including the Graduate Marketing Association (GMA), Stern Management & Strategy Club (SMS), Stern Women in Business (SWIB), and Stern Technology Association (STA). Additionally, Elizabeth is a part of the 2023-2024 Makhoul Family Leadership Fellows Program. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys playing volleyball, collecting rare plants, and spending time with her dog Shelby.

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Venturing into the tech world can seem like an arduous journey, especially if you come from a non-tech background like me. When I first enrolled in the NYU Stern Andre Koo Tech MBA program, I was thrilled and apprehensive. My resume spelled out my strengths in customer experience, analytics, and market research. I have worked with tech clients, but diving deep into tech? That was a different ballgame.

Initial Hesitation

My initial concerns revolved around whether I’d be able to grasp the intricacies of the engineering side of the tech industry and its ever-evolving landscape. The jargon, the coding, and the business models all seemed very distant from my past experiences. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my career, it’s that challenges are opportunities in disguise.

Embracing the Learning Curve

The start was, unsurprisingly, a steep learning curve. Terms like distributed cloud, blockchain, and quantum computing were often thrown around. Long hours were dedicated to online tutorials, intensive reading, and numerous consultations with professors and classmates. Every project became an opportunity, a stepping stone to assimilate and learn more.

One key realization for me was that my non-tech background was not a disadvantage but a unique lens through which I could approach problems. My analytical skills, honed from diving deep into consumer insights or strategizing market research for leading brands, allowed me to approach tech challenges with a distinct perspective.

Leveraging My Unique Perspective

In group discussions and projects, I found that my questions – often rooted in the “why” rather than the “how” – brought new dimensions to the table. It was a reminder that tech, at its core, is about solving human-centric problems. And as the classes unfolded, the parallels between my analytical background and the technical intricacies became evident. Coding, much like marketing analytics, became a methodical dance of logic and creativity. Each algorithm, every line of code, mirrored the systematic approach I’d honed over the years, albeit in a different language.

The real victory, however, wasn’t just about grasping these technical skills but realizing that my background wasn’t a limitation; it was a strength. The skills I had developed over the years were adaptable, relevant, and crucial to my success in this new environment.

Building a Supportive Network

The NYU community was invaluable in my journey. From professors who went the extra mile to explain complex topics to peers who shared their tech expertise, I was surrounded by a supportive network. Study groups became collaborative learning experiences, and late-night discussions often led to eureka moments.

Key Takeaways

Joining the NYU Stern Andre Koo Tech MBA with a non-tech background is not just about acquiring technical knowledge but also about integrating diverse skills to bring fresh perspectives to the tech industry.

For anyone considering a tech MBA with a non-tech background, here’s my advice:

Embrace the Learning Curve: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
Leverage Your Unique Perspective: Your non-tech background can offer invaluable insights.
Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with those who can complement your skills.

In hindsight, my non-tech background was not a hindrance but a strength. It has equipped me with a holistic understanding of tech, blending the technical with the human, and uniquely positioned me in the tech world.

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023

A Week In The Life Of A Tech MBA Student (Summer Semester)

Scott is a current Tech MBA student from South Brunswick, NJ. Prior to Stern, Scott worked in technology risk consulting at KPMG. Outside of school, Scott enjoys basketball, golf, cooking, and technology.

The Summer Semester of the Tech MBA program is both a rewarding, and a challenging experience. The semester kicks off with orientation in mid-May, where you have the opportunity to meet your Tech Cohort and familiarize yourself with Stern’s facilities and staff. After a couple days of orientation, you dive right into classes taking 19.5 credits from mid-May to late August. Throughout the Summer you are basically in class Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm – it is truly a full-time job. Here is a week in the life of a Tech MBA student…

Monday –

Like most days in the summer semester, class starts at 9am. My day kicks off with our Leadership class taught by Professor Nate Pettit. This was one of my favorite courses this summer, and from 9am-12pm you explore topics in leadership, communication, authenticity, and experiential learning. Professor Pettit is an incredible lecturer, and a wonderful storyteller. His lectures are top-notch. During lecture class discussion was extremely lively and students often chimed in with stories of leadership (both good and bad) from their career experience. I always find it interesting to hear about my classmate’s pre-Stern careers. After lecture we usually end each class with an ‘experiential’ learning experience. In this class we often learn by doing, simulating various leadership experiences with our classmates. Through improvisation and fun games, we were able to explore leadership topics in real-time and put our lecture material to practice.

After class you have an hour and a half break to take lunch, go to the gym, do homework, hang out with friends at the park – the time is truly yours. On this day I brought lunch from home and ate it with friends from the Tech-MBA program at Stern. We used the time to catch up on our weekends, eat lunch, and do some studying before afternoon classes.

After lunch we packed up our things and headed to Economics, taught by Professor Joe Foudy. Professor Foudy is another great professor, who makes class fun with lots of one liners and clever economics related jokes. Economics, like many courses, began as a general intro to economics and overtime became more technical and complex. Real world examples such as the dollar pizza market in NYC illustrate topics such as price elasticity, and supply & demand to life.

After Econ I stayed at Stern for a couple of hours to wrap up some homework and catch up on readings assigned for the week. Then I headed home, walking through Washington Square Park to the 9th Street PATH Station where I caught the PATH train back home to Hoboken, New Jersey.

Tuesday –

I hopped on the train and made my way to the West Village for 9am class. One of the best parts of my day is walking through Washington Square Park on my way to school.

The famous Washington Square Park Arch

On this Tuesday, the Tech MBA Students had a full day session (9am-12pm – Lunch – 1:30-4:30pm) of Databases for Business Analytics with Professor Panos Iperiotis. This class is focused on developing the SQL and database skills necessary for a career in technology, specifically geared towards potential use cases in Tech Product Management. As someone with some SQL experience from undergrad and my time at KPMG, this course was a great refresher for me. Starting with basic SELECT queries, by the end of the semester you are writing complex SQL queries to build meaningful data sets.

After the morning session I went to the NYU Student Gym which is a couple of blocks from Stern and got a workout in before grabbing a quick bite to eat and heading back to class for the afternoon session. After 3 hours of SQL coding and database discussion it was good to head to the gym to clear my head. In the summer it feels like you have the gym all to yourself because the rest of the students are on summer vacation.

Wednesday –

On Wednesdays we have our NYC Tech Immersion class which is our Summer Experiential Learning Experience. The course is designed to give Tech MBA students exposure to the unique and vibrant technology ecosystem in NYC. This course is built around a semester-long project in which you are paired with a group of Tech MBA students to help real world clients identify a business problem, and propose a solution and go-to-market strategy to solve the problem you’ve identified. My group was assigned to Salesforce, and we worked with them to explore potential Generative AI solutions to improve their current product offerings. This was an awesome experience, and one of the highlights of the summer.

When we weren’t working on our class projects Tech Immersion was filled with Guest Speakers, many of whom are alums who now work in Tech in NYC. We also had the chance to visit companies and get facetime with employees at companies such as Google, Uber, and Goldman Sachs. This Wednesday we visited Google’s NYC HQ in Chelsea and had the unique opportunity to meet with members of the Google Product Design Team. The Google Design team had a presentation prepared for us where we learned about the world of Design, and Product Storytelling at Google. Getting exposure to NYC’s vibrant Tech scene is one of the best parts of the Tech MBA experience!

After class on Wednesday night, I saw a concert (Noah Kahan – one of my favorite artists) at Radio City Music Hall! There is so much to do in NYC.

Visiting Google HQ

Attending Noah Kahan’s concert at radio city music hall

Thursday –

On Thursday we had another full day of class: Leadership in the morning and Economics in the afternoon. I got to Stern early on Thursday to work on my Econ homework that was due later that afternoon. The summer semester is a rigorous academic experience and I found it best to carve out specific time in my calendar before / after class to work on homework assignments and group projects. After class we had an IGNITE activity led by the Careers Team. In this session we worked in groups and practiced our elevator pitches and behavioral mock interview questions. There are many sessions like this throughout the summer semester, and they are extremely valuable. Tech MBAs and Fashion & Luxury MBAs have the full attention of the Careers Team in the summer, which is such a perk! The Careers Team holds office hours where you can focus on your career path after the MBA, resume review, mock interviews etc. After the session, a couple of my classmates and I headed over to a bar near school to grab a couple of drinks for Happy Hour and hang out before heading home. My favorite spots near Stern to do Happy Hour are Half Pint and Swift Hibernian Lounge, both a couple of blocks from school.

Friday –

On Friday my day started out with taking the PATH to 9th Street from Hoboken. From here it is about a 10 minute walk from school and I stopped at a local bagel store for an iced coffee and a bagel for breakfast. We had a half day of class with our Databases for Business Analytics class from 9am-12pm. We spent the morning discussing database design and architecture, and writing SQL queries on a database of all restaurants in NYC to find out which restaurants in NYC had the best ratings per critic reviews. This class is hands-on and technical – it’s a great experience for students who don’t come from a very technical background. It is challenging, but also very fun when you can build the perfect query.

After class I went to play basketball at the NYU gym with some of my classmates. The NYU Recreation and Athletic facilities (Paulson Center, and Palladium) are accessible to all MBA students. The basketball courts in the athletic facility are really nice, and generally not crowded in the summer. Playing some hoops was a great way to end my week before heading home for the weekend.

Basketball court at the NYU Recreation and Athletic facilities

October 5, 2023October 5, 2023

Building Community in the Early Stages of the Tech MBA Program

Derek Wu is a current Tech MBA student, specializing in Product Management. Prior to Stern, he was working as a Machine Learning Engineer at CapitalOne. Post-MBA, Derek plans to pursue technology strategy at a tech company, and stays involved at Stern through the Stern Technology Association, golfing and traveling.

The days leading up to orientation were full of excitement. I had just moved to New York from Northern Virginia, so I was not only exploring a brand new city, but also looking forward to meeting new people in my cohort. Even before the program started, it was easy to see that my new classmates were eager to make new friends and build a strong community within our cohort.

From my experience in the program, there are two main things that helped our class come together as a community. First, everyone in the program is eager to learn and bought into the one year experience. That energy helped create a strong bond within our cohort as everyone had a similar goal and was invested in the class and each other everyday.

Secondly, the Tech MBA summer is an intensive semester. Students take 19.5 credits and cover many fundamental topics such as accounting, finance, economics, strategy and others. This means we cover complex material very quickly and change classes every few weeks. As a diverse set of individuals, we all lean on each other’s expertise and work together to get through all of the classes. Each course spans about three weeks, so you run through material extremely quickly. It’s a truly unique experience that brings everyone together. Also, during the summer a majority of Stern students in other programs are away from campus, so it feels like you and your classmates have the whole campus to yourselves. In these long days, you’ll get the chance to collaborate closely with all your peers on group projects or problem sets. Soon you’ll be hanging out at the Matto coffee shop in between classes and sending each other the best finance or accounting memes.

Looking back, I was nervous about starting my MBA. As a previous engineer, I was coming in with almost no experience in terms of business curriculum and knew no one in the city. Being together and basically being the only class of students on campus for the whole summer has really helped build community. As a Tech MBA cohort, there’s a strong sense of camaraderie due to our shared experience. During orientation NYU gave us name tags, but we didn’t need them after only a few days. Now, only two short months later, we have weekly basketball games together, happy hours, Central Park picnics, and many more summer memories that tie us together as a community. I am so excited to see the way this community continues to grow even stronger over the rest of the year!

August 30, 2023August 30, 2023

The Summer Semester in the Tech MBA

Barak is a current Tech MBA student, specializing in Tech Product Management, Leadership, and Change Management. Before Stern, Barak led a team of Product Managers at a FinTech firm in Tel Aviv, Israel where he helped the top financial institutions around the world to provide custom financial insights to their customers. At Stern, he is involved in the FinTech Club as the VP of Alumni Relationships and enjoys organizing pickup basketball games and swimming activities with his classmates.

As a new student in NYU Stern’s Tech MBA program, I recently relocated from Israel to New York in May, accompanied by my wife, our 2-year-old son, and our beloved dog. As I approach the end of my summer semester, I find myself eager to share valuable insights and tips that I’ve gathered throughout this semester. The goal of this post is to help future students and prospects make the most out of their time in the program.

A One-Year Tech-Focused MBA Program

The NYU Tech MBA program is exciting and innovative, lasting from May to May. In just half the time of a traditional two-year program, we achieve a full MBA degree through a unique approach. During the summer semester, we complete the core courses of the first year of the general MBA and seamlessly transition to the second year in the fall.

The Summer Semester: A Sprint to Success

The summer semester is divided into three intensive sprints, each lasting four weeks. Picture this: Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM (with a refreshing lunch break from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM), dedicated to immersive learning experiences. With 3-4 courses per sprint, we efficiently cover an expansive range of crucial business concepts, successfully completing the 11 core courses within a single semester.

Tailored courses for Tech leaders

As someone who thrives in high-pressure environments, this program has impressed me thoroughly so far. The opportunity to immerse ourselves in numerous fascinating courses in one semester, while also mastering the foundational principles of each subject, is simply extraordinary. The university’s creation of dedicated courses tailored for tech-enthusiastic business leaders ensures we receive precisely what we need. Additionally, the incorporation of pre-work, in-class practices, and post-class assignments and quizzes enriches our learning experience.

A Cohort of Family

The people in this program are its greatest asset. With an intimate group of approximately 50 students in the Tech MBA and 25 students in Fashion and Luxury, the quiet summer campus provides the ideal setting for us to come together and form strong bonds. Collaborating on group projects and rotating through different groups for each class allows us to truly know our classmates on a personal level. We don’t just feel like classmates; we’ve become one big family.

A short pencil is better than a long memory

The summer semester can be intense and overwhelming with multiple deadlines, but it’s manageable with the right tools. Stay on top of your game by utilizing effective tools like calendars, to-do lists, and time-blocking techniques. These organizational aids will keep you on track and ensure you never miss a deadline.

Prioritize one task at a time

Concentrate on the present importance and avoid getting overwhelmed with future concerns. Trying to handle everything simultaneously leads to accomplishing nothing. Identify high-priority tasks and tackle them first, maintaining control over essential assignments and preventing last-minute rushes.

Embrace the academic opportunities

Take full advantage of the academic opportunities that the program offers. With captivating classes, experienced industry-proficient professors, and motivated teaching fellows, make the most of these opportunities to learn from some of the best educators in the world.

Engage in Active Learning

Take an active role in class discussions, team projects, and case studies, as this will not only enhance your understanding but also enlighten your classmates. The class comprises a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, and the beauty lies in how we enrich one another’s learning journey through shared experiences.

Avoid lagging in the material

As classes build upon previous concepts, make it a priority to keep up, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance if needed. Like a snowball effect, staying ahead ensures a smooth progression without overwhelming yourself

Your friends are your best resource

This is always true, but particularly during learning sessions. Embrace the diversity within your cohort to leverage each other’s prior experiences and enhance your understanding of the material. Never hesitate to seek assistance when needed, as everyone is eager to support one another. It’s also a wonderful chance to deepen your connections and get to know each other better.

Multiple Support Options are available

Bear in mind that you have access to various forms of assistance to aid you along the way. If you require help, don’t hesitate to contact the faculty for support. The university offers a range of resources, such as extra office hours with professors or teaching fellows, additional practice sessions, and personalized accommodations, all designed to ensure your academic success.

Sternies Play Basketball in the John A. Paulson Center

If you only get A’s, it means that you’re doing something wrong

This is the thought-provoking statement that one of our professors began his lecture with. While academic excellence is important, a fulfilling graduate degree encompasses more. Invest time in networking, coffee chats, socializing, sports, and other activities that contribute to your overall growth and enriching experience.

Enjoy!

This year is too short to do anything other than enjoy the opportunity to live in one of the best cities in the world and embrace every aspect and moment of it!

August 21, 2023September 27, 2023

The NYU Stern Orientation Experience

AJ Albanese is a current Tech MBA student, specializing in Strategy and Technology. Prior to Stern, AJ held sales and fundraising roles at for-profit and non-profit companies. Post-MBA, he plans to pursue consulting to help businesses achieve technological transformations. At Stern, he is a Tech MBA Cohort leader and enjoys playing ice hockey and cooking when not in class.

This week, MBA Admissions sat down with new Tech MBA student, AJ Albanese, to chat about the NYU Stern Tech MBA Orientation!

Tell us a little about the experience at Orientation. What did it include, and what was the best part?

Orientation was a great way to get introduced to Stern, my classmates and the community at NYU. It included keynote speakers from Estee Lauder and Microsoft, introductions to our program leads, and provided a lot of time to connect with our cohort. It was really focused on getting to know the MBA program and how the year would be structured for us, as well as answering any questions we had. The best part were the two social events we had after the on-campus sessions. It was amazing to get to talk with so many of my classmates and learn more about their backgrounds. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, so it was really cool to connect with everyone!

What did Orientation teach you about the Stern community?

Orientation taught me about how supportive and welcoming the Stern community is. The staff/faculty members and previous students were all so nice and were willing to help in any way. It felt like I got turned around and lost in the building when I would have to move rooms, and I could always find someone to kindly point me in the right direction! Dean Grennan talked a lot about the strength of the community at Stern – this became more apparent than ever as I got to know my new classmates and students in the graduating class.

What was it like making new friends at Orientation?

Like any first day of school, I was definitely nervous about meeting so many new people and worried about fitting in. Within minutes of getting to Orientation, I had been introduced to people and was immersed in easy conversation – everyone was so open and happy to be there. The social events after the on-campus sessions really helped as well. We went down to One World Trade for an event and were able to get to know my new friends on the train ride down there. Having already lived in the NYC area for 4 years, I found myself giving so many suggestions for things to do, restaurants to try and places to visit around here to the people that had just moved here. I’m excited to take my new friends to some of my favorite spots in the city!

What did Orientation make you most excited for in the coming year?

Orientation made me excited for the experiential learning opportunities at Stern and in our Tech MBA program. I am most looking forward to the experiential course known as “Stern Solutions,” where student teams get to partner with real companies to work on solving real business & technology challenges. I am also really excited to get to know my classmates even more. Everyone is awesome and this year is going to be great!

July 31, 2023

Beyond Borders, Beyond Expectations: Reflections of an International MBA Student

Omotoke is a recent Tech MBA graduate with specializations in Strategy & Business Analytics. Prior to Stern, Omotoke worked with KPMG as a Technology Assurance Consultant and is now looking to pursue Technology Risk & Strategy Consulting. At Stern, she was on the Board of the Association of Hispanic & Black Business Students and a member of the Management Consulting Association. Omotoke enjoys listening to good music and attending dance classes.

It’s graduation week as I write this, and nostalgia has begun to creep up on me. I have really enjoyed a great time since I arrived in New York from Nigeria a year ago to start my MBA. As I think back on the year-long experience that now feels like only a few weeks, these are tips I would give a prospective or newly admitted student.

1. Start your visa application immediately

Backstory– I got my admission offer in January 2022, but as of May 2022, one week from orientation, I was yet to secure a visa interview appointment – let alone a visa. Even though I already resigned from my job for school, it didn’t seem like I was going anywhere 😅.

By divine providence, in that final week, I was called to interview. I finally received the visa, one day behind the official resumption for International Students. I hurriedly packed and made the 20+ hour trip within the next two days. You can imagine the rollercoaster this was, yet the saddest part was having no time to say goodbye to all my loved ones in person.

There are not many things I could have done differently in my case; however, securing my admission in round 1 instead of round 2 probably may have saved me the headache. So, if that is what it will take for you to get your visa ahead of time, by all means apply in round 1.

Along the same lines, if you want your family or other guests present at graduation, start their visa applications very well ahead if they are from countries with long wait times. I started making arrangements for my parents’ graduation trip 3 months ahead and by then it was too late.

2. Ensure you’re capturing all the important expenses in your budget planning

No one forgets rent, food, entertainment, utilities etc. but two expenses I find can be easily omitted are: loan interest repayments and co-curricular/leisure travel expenses.

Private loans are often very helpful for international students to cover some of their cost of attendance; however, a common oversight is to not plan interest repayments into estimated monthly budgets. Some forget this expense and some assume that it would be trivial.

Depending on your loan amount and terms, it may not be trivial, and you may need to start making payments early on. Get your estimates and factor it into your monthly budget and estimated cost of living.

Next, travel! You need to have a budget for travel. There will be lots of travel opportunities for coursework and for leisure with your classmates; planning ahead for this will allow you to take on these great experiences without much pressure.

On a road trip to Stamford with class friends

Additional tip: Request and review the school calendar for the year before starting the program to note the school holidays and make your own holiday plans.

3. Pack the right outfits

I wish someone whispered to me in the middle of my frantic packing, “Toke, you’re packing all the wrong clothes.”

I remember being unsure about how formal I would need to dress for classes and eventually settling for business based on my quick Google search. I brought in work clothes and a number of pumps…haha, but it only took a day or two to know the pumps were going back into the box.

There’s a lot of flexibility around the dress code for classes. You can be as formal as you would like but you’ll find most people dressed in smart casuals. There will be company visits, corporate presentations and interviews, for which you could be required to be more formally dressed.

Pack accordingly and whatever you do, make sure your shoes are “subway and walking friendly” because you can’t miss those.

4. Start preparing for recruiting from Day 1

Depending on your target, recruiting activities may kick off really early in the programme, with applications opening in June/July and interviews rolling in by August.

As part of your early preparation, my recommendation is to make a long list of companies (not three or five) within your target industry that do not have a permanent work authorization hiring requirement (if you are an International student within this category) and get the timing of their recruitment.

While many companies hire on a rolling basis, some have specific times of the year when they do MBA recruitment and missing that window could mean waiting another 6-12 months.

Making this list upfront helps you identify many prospects and pace your interview preparation. Stern has very helpful databases for this research on the Careers Portal gathered from previous years. The Careers team will be ready to help you when you arrive, but it’s nice to begin planning ahead anyway.

5. The communities really want to be helpful, ask for all the help you need

You’ve heard how fantastic the NYU clubs are 99 times already so I’ll try not to make it a hundred. The recommendation I have here is to join at least one, very early, before you travel down, if possible. You would be unable to register as an “official” member until the clubs open up for admissions in Fall but you could join the Whatsapp groups of some affinity clubs anytime after you accept your admission offer. Joining before you travel down will allow you leverage the community for the help you need with onboarding, settling in, temporary accommodation, renting, finding housemates, choosing courses and all the initial hard stuff.

So find a community, join, and ask for whatever help you need. Sternies are always willing.

As a final note, immerse yourself and enjoy the diversity of NYU and New York. You will do great.

All the countries I “visited” at the Stern Passport Day

At the NYU African Graduate Students Association (AGSA) Graduation Gala

July 21, 2023

Embracing the MBA Decision Process

Mariana Ruiz Allende is a current Tech MBA student, specializing in Product Management, FinTech and Strategy. Prior to Stern, Mariana worked in the FinTech industry for more than 4 years in Mexico City. Post-MBA, she plans to continue her professional development as a Product Manager. At Stern, she is involved in the Stern Adventures Club, the Latin American Business Association and the Stern Softball team. She is currently working on a personal project that will use Machine learning Sentiment Analysis to provide help through a mental health approach.

Deciding where to go for your MBA is not an easy decision. In my case, the decision affected not only me, but also my husband.

Before the pandemic started, I knew I wanted an MBA. However, being all settled in Mexico, with my husband and me each thriving in our professional careers, having my family and friends close, and traveling a lot, it seemed like there was no real need for me to go through the MBA application process, which we all know is a lot of work. Everything seemed so well planned in my life, and I was happy living it that way; why would I consider changing it? Unfortunately – or fortunately- I am very ambitious and really wanted to have the experience of an MBA.

I talked to my husband about going for it, considering I wanted to have my experience abroad, and he was very supportive from the beginning. Honestly, we both knew it was a long shot to be accepted into a top school, but I knew I had to go for it. However, there were two considerations I needed to make this work. First, he would have to come with me, which was non-negotiable for me, and second, it would have to be in a place where he could continue to work, and as a barred lawyer, New York was the only option.

So yes, in my decision, there were more variables to consider. Nevertheless, those variables quickly reduced the scope of my options, and fortunately, the narrowed option was the best city in the world.

After narrowing it to New York, I researched all possible programs in the city, which were many more than I imagined; considering each School has multiple MBA programs, my options by then were between 6 and 10 different programs. To narrow this further, I reduced my scope to only 1 year programs – working in tech, I knew being out of the “being employed game” for a long time wouldn’t have worked for me, so this filter narrowed my options to 3. Although applying to three programs might seem like a good number, I soon fell in love with the tech-focused programs. I really liked the syllabus each one had, and coming from another business school, adding the technical courses made a lot more sense to my profile. Although there were some other one-year programs in the city, the tech focus for me was the cherry on top, which narrowed my number to two.

I reached out to people from both business schools. I spoke with at least ten people to get a sense of what their experience was, what they would recommend during the process, and to verify I clicked with their culture. I was shocked to see people actually answered my messages on LinkedIn without even knowing me.

When applying to Stern, I immediately stumbled upon the first challenge, which was a “change” in the application style the school has compared to the rest. The application had a twist since it was basically a mini-essay and a photo collage. The saying “less is more” is very applicable in this case. Less was more work since you need to be yourself, show what you bring to the table, show you are different and delightful, and show you can embrace change, all in two or three short deliverables.

My two cents to anyone in the application process are:

1) Talk to people from the school you are applying to. The insights you get with quick chats not only fuel your motivation but also help you show the qualities you share with the people you talk to.

2) Review your essays after clearing your head for a few days. After having more than 30 drafts on one of my essays, I can assure you the Mariana that started the process was not the same once I finished it. Yes, my last essay was a killer one compared to the classic cliché one I started with.

Lastly, embrace learning through this application and school selection process, be humble and not too harsh with yourself, and reach out to people to mentor you or cheer for you throughout this process. And in case you doubt yourself, I can tell you all the effort is worth it.

July 6, 2023

Things I’m Happiest I Did in my Year at Stern

Steven is a recent Tech MBA graduate, specializing in Financial Instruments & Markets and Management of Technology & Operations. Prior to Stern, Steven was at Deloitte in tech consulting where he was implementing financial software to complete full-cycle digital transformations. At Stern, he was involved in OutClass and enjoys traveling with classmates.

Bringing My Authentic Self

Coming to the end of what I consider the most fulfilling year of my life, there are countless experiences that I am grateful for, and they all fall under the category of “Things I’m happiest I did in my year at Stern.” To begin, I have to give credit to bringing my authentic self to NYU. The community at NYU is exceptionally lively, and it thrives on intelligence and emotional intelligence (IQ/EQ). This was ultimately the reason I chose Stern. One of the defining characteristics of the Stern community is its embrace of diversity. Sternies recognize the value of different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, and it is this openness to diverse ideas and opinions that makes the community so special. For me, it was clear that showing others who I truly was would only enhance my experience at Stern, and this proved to be true. By being authentic and true to myself, I was able to connect with others on a deeper level and build meaningful relationships that will last beyond my time at Stern. Moreover, this experience allowed me to learn from my peers and gain a broader understanding of the world, which has been invaluable. I was able to immerse myself fully in everything that Stern has to offer by being open, honest, and having an open-mind to whatever came my way. By doing so, I have grown both professionally and personally and feel more confident in my abilities.

Worldwide Travel & Relationship Building

In addition to bringing my authentic self to NYU, one of the most enjoyable experiences I had during my time at Stern was taking part in numerous trips. Not only did they offer a welcome break from the rigors of academic life, but they also provided me with an opportunity to connect with my classmates on a more personal level. As a result, I have forged strong bonds with these individuals, and they have become my closest friends, whom I can count on without hesitation. Given my desire to build my network and establish relationships with like-minded individuals, I have made a concerted effort to cultivate and nurture these friendships, recognizing that they are a valuable asset both personally and professionally. By surrounding myself with individuals who share my goals, aspirations, and outlook on life, I have gained invaluable insights and perspectives that have helped me grow as a person and a business professional.

Club Involvement

Another experience that brought me immense joy during my time at Stern was getting involved in professional and affinity clubs. As a VP in OutClass, AVP in Cellar, ally in Stern Women in Business (SWIB), and member of the Management Consulting Association (MCA), Private Equity & Venture Capital Club and Stern Adventures, I had the opportunity to connect with students from all programs, including the Two-year Full-time, Executive, and Part-time programs. This allowed me to broaden my network and make friends with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Among these clubs, my most fulfilling position was as VP of Careers and Conferences for OutClass, where I had the chance to contribute to the queer community and build a network of queer professionals who will be future leaders in the workforce. Through this role, I organized professional events for networking and connected classmates with employers who prioritized diversity, equity, and inclusion. This experience not only allowed me to make a positive impact on the community but also sharpened my leadership and organizational skills, making it an integral part of my time at Stern.

Stern Adventures at Ski Week in Steamboat, Colorado

Connecting with You!

Last, becoming a Graduate Ambassador was one of the most rewarding experiences during my time at Stern. Sharing my personal experiences with future Stern students has been particularly gratifying, and being a trusted source of advice for prospective students has been incredibly fulfilling. Witnessing students who I have mentored successfully gain admission to the program has been the ultimate reward, and knowing that I played a role in their decision to pursue a similar transformative experience as mine was truly exhilarating.

June 20, 2023June 20, 2023

Entrepreneurship in the Tech MBA with J.P. Eggers

J.P. Eggers is a Professor of Management & Organizations, and the Academic Director of the Tech & Entrepreneurship MBA Program at NYU Stern. His research focuses on how organizations often struggle developing new, innovative products, and how they deal with technological change. Prior to academia, he was a strategy and technology consultant working with large and small companies trying to adapt to digitization. He has a PhD from Wharton, an MBA from Emory, and a BA from Amherst College.

How does the Tech MBA prepare students for entrepreneurship?
We’ve built this program with entrepreneurship at its core, on the assumption that everyone here will want to start a business at some point in their career. From hands-on courses designed around the ecosystems in New York (summer) and the west coast (January), to foundational technology and business courses, to a wealth of electives, the program seeks to strike the right balance for future founders to get them the tools they need, and then get them out building.

What resources are available to Tech MBA students interested in pursuing entrepreneurship?
Within the program itself, you will spend time with founders, funders, and advisors to learn about their perspectives and journeys. You will get access to a growing network of deeply committed alums, many of whom have founded and even exited their businesses. More broadly within Stern, you have full access to the resources in the Berkley Center for Entrepreneurship, which hosts pitch competitions and advising network opportunities. You can also take the Endless Frontier Labs course, helping many of the top funders (VC and corporate) in the world shape brand new science and technology based companies. Beyond Stern, you have access to NYU’s Entrepreneurial Institute and the Leslie eLab just down the block, which give you access to the entirety of NYU and hosts events, meetups, competitions, and advising opportunities.

Do students interested in entrepreneurship typically have a business idea prior to the program, or do they come up with ideas through their coursework?

Our first cohort in 2018 had two students who were founders before they came to Stern. They already had companies they could build while in the program – one student started their company as a side hustle, while another was one earlier in the process. Both built their Tech MBA experience around trying to help build and launch their companies. Subsequent founders, however, have come in at virtually every stage – one had a blog post and nothing else, two created the idea together to enter the Berkley Center’s pitch competition. We’ve even had students who came to Stern after founding and exiting companies, with the idea of building new skills and a new network, and getting back out there.

How have you seen the intimate cohort size benefit students interested in entrepreneurship?
The power of the cohort is incredibly strong. Everyone comes in with a deep interest and background in technology and/or entrepreneurship, so the shared experience provides a perfect foundation. Your cohort could easily include your co-founder, your target customer and focus group participant, your connection to funding, and the subject matter expert who can help you solve that crazy challenge you’ll face in three years. The small cohort size and the intense shared experience, especially in the summer, builds exceptional bonds. Entire cohorts have gone on vacation together, and attended each others’ weddings.

What classes do you recommend future entrepreneurs take in the Tech MBA?
Aspiring founders have many options for electives, including (but not limited to) the Endless Frontier Labs course I mentioned earlier. Many students choose to pursue at least some more “traditional” MBA courses, helping them hone their finance skills and become better leaders. Some courses that are particularly appropriate for entrepreneurship include Entrepreneurial Finance, Managing a High Tech Company: The CEO Perspective, Managing the Growing Company, Technology Innovation Strategy, and Emerging Technologies & Business Innovation, just to name a few.

Can you share some success stories from past Tech MBA students?
It’s tough to limit the success stories to a few, but hopefully I can paint the picture of different entrepreneurial paths our Tech MBAs have during their next chapter. One thing that I’m especially proud of is how entrepreneurial our Tech MBAs are regardless of their role, function or company – they’ve shown that you don’t (necessarily) need to be a founder to create real change and flip a traditional process. We’ve had the opportunity to connect with alums who see themselves as “intrapreneurs” guiding new visions through a company to create real change, as well. In our eyes, both paths – intrapreneurship and entrepreneurship – are success stories to demonstrate how our strategic curriculum supports new ideas and new ways of thinking during the program and beyond. Alums like Akanksha and Vera are driving innovation efforts at top global companies, whereas Ethan and David joined companies early on to support the launch of the business. We also have a few success stories that fit the more classic entrepreneurial path like Sam and Jeff who have completely chartered their own courses. Entrepreneurship can take many different forms and paths, and we’re proud of our Tech MBAs that are driving positive change no matter the size or scale.