Taylor Rooks

New York University, Stern School of Business

“Just an intellectually curious girl investing in her future.”

Hometown: Jersey City, NJ

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have two Maine Coon cats (one is ~25lbs), and now I can never leave home without a lint roller!

Undergraduate School and Major:

Harvard University – Economics (undergrad)

University of Michigan Ross Business School – Master of Management (Graduate degree)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Rockefeller Capital Management; Equity Analyst

What excites you the most about living in New York City and how do you see it enhancing your learning experience? New York City is an exceptional global hub, a sentiment that even I, as a New Jersey native, have come to acknowledge with great appreciation. The city’s unparalleled array of dining, social events, performances, and sightseeing opportunities is unmatched. Additionally, the high concentration of major corporations with headquarters or satellite offices in New York is a significant advantage as I pursue my MBA and advance my career.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of NYU Stern’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Stern emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone, whether through joining new clubs, enrolling in diverse classes, or engaging in various social activities. This focus reflects the school’s vibrant culture. One of my primary motivations for pursuing business school was to confront my own familiarity bias and explore new personal and professional interests. I firmly believe that NYU Stern embodies this objective, making it an ideal fit for my aspirations.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at NYU Stern? I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join the Entertainment, Media & Sports Association (EMSA) this fall. Drawing on my experience as a credit and equity analyst, I am eager to explore new avenues that integrate my finance background with my passion for the media industry. Additionally, the chance to network and build relationships with individuals who share a deep interest in entertainment and film will also serve as an invaluable aspect of this experience for me.

What does EQ (Emotional Intelligence) mean to you and when have you seen its value in your career?  Emotional Intelligence (EQ) fundamentally encompasses the ability to empathize with others, practice self-awareness, and understand your impact on those around you. NYU Stern’s emphasis on both IQ and EQ distinguishes the school and aligns with the essential qualities of effective leadership. During my tenure as an equity analyst at Rockefeller Capital, I had the privilege of working under a senior management team that prioritized respect and mutual support among colleagues. The high EQ exhibited by my company’s leadership not only facilitated my professional development, but also contributed to the broader success of the team, particularly given the demanding nature of the asset management industry.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I consider my greatest accomplishment to be my steadfast commitment to intellectual curiosity and pushing beyond my comfort zone. My pursuit of exploring new financial asset classes, acquiring knowledge about various companies and industries as an analyst, and deciding to pursue an MBA have all contributed to my confidence and patience, reinforcing the understanding that my own personal and professional growth is rarely linear.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026?  Having been an athlete all my life, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of how to effectively work and succeed as a team. At Stern, I am committed to fostering collaboration by uniting people and discovering innovative ways to showcase my classmates’ strengths, both in academic and extracurricular/club settings.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into NYU Stern’s MBA program? My advice is to remain authentically yourself and also to view the admissions process as a valuable two-way opportunity. Attending webinars and in-person informational events provided me with insight into Stern’s culture and allowed me to connect with potential future classmates, which were invaluable experiences. Given the significant financial and time investment required for business school, it is crucial to ensure that NYU Stern aligns well with your cultural and personal preferences, and there is no better way to explore this than through the admissions process.

DON’T MISS: MEET NYU STERN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026