Meet NYU Stern’s MBA Class of 2018

Sohnhwa Lee (Pronounced SON WHA)

New York University Stern School of Business

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: A stubborn but sweet-hearted, independent woman who loves to explore and laugh.

Hometown:  Namhae, South Korea (Pronounced NOM HAH)

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can’t ride a bike and I get teased about it by my friends.

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Washington, Political Science

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: U.S. Navy, Supply Officer (Business Manager)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I was one of the first female Officers to serve on and qualify in submarines. I served on USS OHIO, the lead ship of the OHIO Class submarine for three years. Also, I am one of the few selected to get an MBA degree at a civilian graduate school.

Looking back on your experience, what advice would you give to future business school applicants? The GMAT was a hard test for me. If you are having trouble with the GMAT like I did, my advice is that you truly understand the logic behind the test, and manage your time during the test. In regards to writing essays, know what each school wants from you in your essay. Your essay is not all about bragging about yourself or your accomplishments. You should be able to show the schools who you really are and why you think you are a good candidate for them. Also, contact current students as early as possible and get their insights on the admissions process. Ask them to provide feedback on your essays, as well. Most of them will do that for you.

What led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA? I chose NYU Stern because my first impression of the School and its students was the most positive. Its location is another reason why I chose NYU. I had dreamed of living in NYC since my visit to the Big Apple, and I think it is a truly amazing place. Another important factor is NYU Stern’s outstanding MBA program.

Tell us about your dream job or dream employer at this point in your life?  The Navy has offered me incredible opportunities so far, and I’m very proud of serving my adopted country.  I will go back to the Navy after graduating from NYU Stern. So, my main focus is to learn the business practice in the private sector and apply what I learn at Stern to improve the government business practice. I also want to represent NYU Stern in the Navy and in the Supply Corps because I believe that it is relatively underrepresented in comparison to other military branches.

What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I want them to know that I made positive contributions to my classmates and to the program from  both a personal and professional level by leading from the front because that’s what I do in the Navy and that’s what I am good at. Additionally, I want to help the students and the faculty understand that diversity matters by infusing my ethnicity and gender throughout the program. These are the least things I can do for my peers.