Meet NYU Stern’s MBA Class Of 2019

Lisa Ottensmeyer 

New York University, Stern School of Business 

Describe yourself in 15 words or less:  I’m always on the move; I love running, yoga, traveling, and exploring local restaurants.

Hometown:  Chicago, IL

Fun Fact About Yourself:  I’m obsessed with sweet potatoes

Undergraduate School and Major: Wake Forest University, double major in Economics and Psychology

Employers and Job Titles Since Graduation:  GATX Corporation (Corporate Analyst, Operations Finance Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Marketing Manager)

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Two years into my career, I worked for the CEO and CFO on a project for the end-of-year Board of Directors meeting. I compiled a presentation on historic market performance and GATX’s forward looking strategy. At the end of the project, I presented a portion of our results directly to GATX’s Board of Directors. It was an incredible learning experience that allowed me to work with GATX’s leadership team, get a behind-the-scenes look at the issues concerning senior management, and see how they set their strategy.

Looking back on your experience, what one piece of advice would you give to future business school applicants?  Be yourself and look for the school that best fits you and your goals; I would encourage you to visit campuses and reach out to current students to get a full picture of what life as a student is like.

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?  While my decision was influenced by many factors, Stern’s genuine focus on culture and fit was what really sold me on the school. I felt that Stern truly cared about getting to know each and every candidate, which led to a much more personal application process. Stern emphasizes IQ + EQ and that balance really appealed to me. I am confident that Stern will not only provide a core education in business but also the skills to manage and lead in the workplace.

What would success look like to you after your first year of business school?  Success to me means involvement. I know my two years at Stern will fly by so I don’t want to waste any time. I hope to fully immerse myself in everything Stern, and New York City, has to offer by getting involved in student clubs, taking classes outside of my comfort zone, and landing a summer internship in a marketing function.