Meet NYU’s Incoming Stern Class of 2017

Bryan Coughlin

New York University, Stern School of Business

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Undergraduate School and Major: SUNY Binghamton – BS, Industrial Engineering; George Washington University – MS, Systems Engineering

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:

2007 – 2008 – IBM – Systems Engineer

2008 – 2015 – United States Marine Corps – Infantry Officer

Present – J.P. Morgan – Military Veteran Internship Program – Corporate Derivatives Marketing

Recalling your own experience, what advice do you have for applicants who are preparing for either the GMAT or the GRE? I invested in myself by enrolling in a preparation course, which really helped to keep me on schedule as I approached test day.

Based on your own selection process, what advice do you have for applicants who are trying to draw up a list of target schools to which to apply? The admissions officers are paid to select the appropriate candidates, so do not help them by self-selecting yourself out of a school. Do your research, see which schools are a fit for your goals, and give it your best shot. The worst they can say is “no.”

What advice do you have for applicants in actually applying to a school, writing essays, doing admission interviews, and getting recommenders to write letters on your behalf? Applying to business school is similar to learning a new language – the best way is full immersion. Attend information sessions, talk to as many alumni and current students as possible, and visit campus. This will help you craft your story to how you fit into the school’s culture.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? As a Marine Corps Officer, I needed to attend a quantitatively challenging school with a strong finance network to help me transition into business. NYU Stern will provide me with a world class and experienced faculty as well as full immersion in the finance industry.

What would you ultimately like to achieve before you graduate? I would like to help as many military veterans attend the business school that fits their desired goals during and after my MBA experience.