2025 Best 40-Under-40 MBA Professors: Aleksander A. Aleszczyk, NYU Stern School of Business

Aleksander A. Aleszczyk
NYU Stern School of Business

“Professor Aleszczyk (or AAA as we know him) was one of the first professors I had at Stern, but his impact on me was also one of the most long-lasting. His quirky teaching style, his warmth and availability for students made a huge difference for people who were new to the realm of business (and let’s be honest, financial accounting is by far not the easiest part of business to wrap your head around). Midway through our semester together, the Covid pandemic broke out and we all had to shift base to zoom classes – the fact AAA’s course remained ever as engaging and well-explained on zoom as in-person is a testament to his teaching brilliance.” – Yukki Qiu

Aleksander A. Aleszczyk, 34, is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at NYU Stern School of Business.

His research interests lie in the intersection of accounting and finance. In particular, he focuses on debt capital markets, financial institutions, and corporate financial distress and bankruptcy.

Aleszczyk has received grants and funding from the AQR Asset Management Institute, the Economics and Social Research Council (ESRC) and most recently from the NYU Stern Center for Global Economy and Business. In 2020, Poets&Quants named him one of their Top 50 Undergraduate Business Professors and at age 29 at the time, he was the youngest professor on the list. His case study was among the bestselling in finance, accounting and control in The Case Centre in 2017 and 2018.

Prior to his doctoral studies, Aleszczyk gained work experience in investment banking (J.P. Morgan, Santander), central banking (National Bank of Poland) and auditing (Ernst & Young). Outside of academia, he is certified as a lifeguard, senior motorboat helmsman and private pilot.

BACKGROUND

At current institution since what year? 2019

Education: PhD in Accounting (London Business School), MPhil in Finance (University of Cambridge), BA in Economics and Finance, First Class Honors (University of Exeter)

List of MBA courses you currently teach: Financial Accounting and Reporting

TELL US ABOUT LIFE AS A BUSINESS SCHOOL PROFESSOR

I knew I wanted to be a business school professor when…I learned that being a business school professor combines three things. First, I realized early in my career that analyzing corporate issues in great depth and conducting rigorous research are fascinating. Then, I discovered the joy I get from teaching others: from explaining concepts in new ways to observing how students grasp a new idea and even seeing an “aha” realization in the moment. Third, I found that being surrounded by and having the chance to interact with super smart people would always keep me inspired. 

What are you currently researching and what is the most significant discovery you’ve made from it? My research interest focuses on debt capital markets, financial institutions, corporate distress and bankruptcy. For instance, prior research has examined the probability of default and the expected recovery rates in credit risk analysis; however, how the uncertainty in asset recovery rates impact debt contracting remains underexplored. Using Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, we construct a measure for this uncertainty in asset recovery rates and examine how lenders and debt investors incorporate this uncertainty when setting debt contracts and making trading decisions.

If I weren’t a business school professor… I would likely work in finance, as I am genuinely curious about how (debt) capital markets work. Or I would become an actor or a stand-up comedian. 

What do you think makes you stand out as a professor? In truth, it is difficult to stand out with so many accomplished colleagues here at Stern. That said, in the classroom my number one goal is to help my students learn and develop the skills to think independently. I like to focus heavily on real-world applications of the subjects at hand and to sneak in some relevant academic research. And of course, bringing plenty of positive energy into the class helps as well.

One word that describes my first time teaching: Excited! 

Here’s what I wish someone would’ve told me about being a business school professor: This is a life-long learning profession seven days a week. To be relevant and effective, you have to constantly think about new research ideas, reflect on how to show or interpret existing results more convincingly, and wonder how to better address reviewers’ comments.

Professor I most admire and why: I have been lucky to interact with and get inspired by several great professors. My PhD advisor, Professor Florin Vasvari, stands out as one of the most influential. Without his mentorship I would not have achieved half of what I did. He continues to invest tremendous effort and time into teaching his students how to succeed as business school academics. 

TEACHING MBA STUDENTS

What do you enjoy most about teaching business students? Inspiring interest and care in business. 

What is most challenging? At Stern, we have a truly diverse group of bright students from all corners of the globe. So, imagine attempting to create an inspiring learning environment, especially when students have varying degrees of experience (ranging from just a few years to decades!) and different career goals. On top of that, accounting may not strike some as an exciting subject, so I work to overcome and change such perceptions. And all of this happens at 6 pm, when our part-time MBA students join classes after a long day at work.

In one word, describe your favorite type of student: Captivated!!!

In one word, describe your least favorite type of student: Insincere.

When it comes to grading, I think students would describe me as…  Strict but fair (I hope).

LIFE OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

What are your hobbies? I am passionate about food – whether it’s immersing myself in new recipes, trying a different cuisine, or visiting a new restaurant. I am a private pilot too. When not in the air, I like running and swimming.

How will you spend your summer? My summer will be a mix of teaching, research and travelling to academic conferences.

Favorite place(s) to vacation: A sunny beach with gentle lapping waves.

Favorite book(s): Depends on the mood. Primarily history books, often on international relations such as Diplomacy by Kissinger, or American Prometheus about Oppenheimer, or light reading in the adventure spirit of Dumas.

What is currently your favorite movie and/or show and what is it about the film or program that you enjoy so much? The Count of Monte-Cristo (2024) series, as it is a solid adaptation of the classic.

What is your favorite type of music or artist(s) and why? I have been hooked on Latin music for a while now. I admittedly use Google-translate to figure out the lyrics, but the melodies have something magnetizing that helps me concentrate and relax.

THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS

If I had my way, the business school of the future would have much more of this… A community that flourishes because of its independent critical thinkers and leaders who embrace change. They should have a diverse set of opinions, as there is rarely only one way to do something, and new perspectives can bring about even better outcomes. Being located in a business hub or financial center also has natural advantages, creating incredible opportunities for connection, which adds even more depth to the community.   

In my opinion, companies and organizations today need to do a better job at… Communicating and collaborating with business professors. Expanding dialogue would allow us (academics) to better identify and examine corporate issues that need solutions. The world develops at an incredibly rapid pace, and collaboration can help us set our students up for success while simultaneously enabling firms to better embrace changes and attract the talent of tomorrow.

I’m grateful for…  my family, friends, and community. I’ve been lucky to have many fabulous and supportive people in my life.

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