Meet NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2019

Alison Snyder 

New York University, Stern School of Business 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less: Curious and creative, I appreciate efficiency and beauty in the world and enjoy problem solving.

Hometown: I grew up in Charlottesville, VA and Ann Arbor, MI (yeah, college towns)

Fun Fact About Yourself: If I could meet anyone living or dead, it would be Leonardo da Vinci. A true artist, he wove together his studies of nature, anatomy, psychology, history, and philosophy to create works of art and technological innovations.

Undergraduate School and Major: The University of Chicago, Visual Arts

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation: Committee for Economic Development (CED), Research Associate

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Prior to applying to business school, I was a Research Associate at the Committee for Economic Development (CED), a think tank where members—c-suite industry leaders—guide initiatives on fiscal and economic policies. While at CED, I saw that member involvement is essential to the organization’s success, and I spearheaded an effort that doubled member engagement and support, at a time when it was waning. In my role, I took on responsibilities in communications, development and outreach where there was a connection to my work in research. Through those experiences, I developed an understanding of the whole enterprise and came to view CED’s research as the company’s “product” and CED members as a primary segment of the consumer base/audience. I used my understanding of the organization to implement strategies that improved the way members engage in policy initiatives, adding to the members’ experience and the quality of CED’s policy recommendations.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants? Take time to truly self-reflect before starting b-school applications or even drafting a list of programs to which you want to apply. Think about what motivates and fulfills you; what you want to achieve through your business school experience; what type of community/culture you are most comfortable in; what kind of learner you are; and what types of opportunities inside and outside of the classroom will be most useful to you on your journey. This will not only help you create compelling and thoughtful applications, but will also help narrow down the list of programs that you are considering.

When you are at the point of researching schools, look at programs holistically and apply to places that are right for you. Business school, like any experience, is what you make of it and you will be motivated make the most of a program that is a good fit for you.

Overall, be honest and true to yourself in your applications (admissions officers definitely notice).

What was the key factor that led you to choose this program for your full-time MBA and why was it so important to you? I was drawn to NYU Stern for its emphasis on IQ and EQ. Knowledge—or IQ—is an essential part of success; however, an ability to collaborate, adapt, and work thoughtfully and creatively using that knowledge—or EQ—is equally, if not more, important. I’ve always been inspired by Albert Einstein’s quote: “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world, stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution.” Stern recognizes that success for the individual and for the team comes from both IQ and EQ. Centering its academic approach on this idea, Stern ensures that students not only have the knowledge for success, but also the know-how through the program’s rigorous academic curriculum and collaborative culture.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school? In my first year at Stern, I aim to go all in, immersing myself in the program to successfully prepare myself for the next steps in my career. After my first year, I look forward to reflecting back on how I challenged myself in class, established relationships with my fellow classmates, actively engaged in clubs, and connected with Stern’s alumni network. Through these activities I’ll be prepared for a successful summer internship.