Here’s a talk with Jenna Lee, a soon-to-be graduate of NYU Stern. Jenna talks about her b-school experience, and offers some important advice about planning ahead when applying to b-school. Thank you Jenna for sharing with us!
This interview is the latest in an Accepted.com blog series featuring interviews with current MBA students, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at top MBA programs. We hope to offer you a candid picture of student life, and what you should consider as you prepare your MBA application.
Accepted: First, some basics: Where are you from? What and where did you study as an undergraduate? Do you hold any other degrees?
Jenna: I am originally from Seoul (Gangnam), S. Korea, but was educated and worked mostly in the U.S. I studied engineering in undergrad. Before returning to b-school, I also studied economics and accounting at Harvard.
Accepted: What year are you in your MBA studies?
Jenna: 2.5 year – I began my Stern MBA as a part-time student under employer sponsorship (weekend commutes between Boston and NYC); eventually, I relocated to New York and took courses on a full-time basis. (Note: you cannot formally join the full-time core but can accelerate progress in special circumstances with permission.)
Accepted: Why did you choose NYU Stern? Which other programs had you considered?
Jenna: It was one of the few part-time programs offered by top business schools and within a commute distance from Boston. I also considered Chicago Booth, but the commute option was limited (flight only).
Accepted: Are you currently working? How do you juggle your job with school obligations (not to mention other obligations…)?
Jenna: I finished my coursework in February and am working full-time for TechStars, a premier seed stage Venture Capital/Accelerator. I help our portfolios companies in all facets of early stage company building – strategy, branding, investor pitch, customer acquisition, market research, hiring, and connecting with investors/domain experts/business partners.
Accepted: Can you share some application tips for our NYU Stern applicants (or applicants in general)?
Jenna: Plan ahead – Know where you stand against competition and build additional credentials or experience as necessary. Get the GMAT out of your way ASAP. Reflect deeply on why you want to pursue an MBA, now, and at [Stern]. Your answers should be very specific and personal.
Accepted: What one piece of advice would you give to incoming NYU Stern students?
Jenna: Know what you want to get out of the program beforehand. It will help you focus, prioritize (a.k.a. keep your sanity), and ultimately, reach you post-MBA goal. And make sure to play hard too!
For one-on-one guidance on your b-school application, please see our MBA Application Packages.
Do you want to be featured in Accepted.com’s blog, Accepted Admissions Blog? If you want to share your MBA/EMBA journey with the world (or at least with our readers), email us at mbabloggers@accepted.com.
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