Mounya Sabri, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2019
Age: 29
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School), finance major and consumer psychology minor
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Three years in the legal industry (specifically immigration law); two years in branding/marketing strategy (agency-side); two years in market research focused on social media (social media listening).
Why business school? Why now? I chose business school because I wanted to round up my business skills, deepen my marketing knowledge, and expand my professional and personal networks. I have been working for seven years and acquired enough professional experience to put the lessons learned in the MBA in context.
Why NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend? Location. I’ve been living in New York for 4 years and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It is a city that gives me so much energy, professionally and personally.
People. I met a couple of Sternies prior to applying and had great conversations with them, I felt like they were balanced, down to earth, and that we could be friends.
I am interested in exploring career opportunities in luxury marketing, and Stern offers a specialization in this field.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2019? I bring a mix of qualitative and quantitative skills, many of my classmates come from either quantitative or qualitative backgrounds. I am fluent in three languages (French, Arabic, Spanish) in addition to English. This allows me to connect deeply connect with people from other cultures and advance innovative ideas in a team setting.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application? I collect magnets from places I’ve visited, and I am obsessed with Spanish TV series.
Post-MBA career interests? Luxury marketing, consumer products, technology
Advice to current prospective applicants:
— One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process? First, the main career essay. It was a lengthy, iterative process, sometimes frustrating process but it forced me to take stock of what I’ve achieved so far and really think about what I want to do next in my life. Second, visiting campus ahead of time and attending conferences organized by the different professional clubs as it helps showcase your interest in a specific school, provides talking points during the interview and most importantly allows you to assess whether the school is a good fit for you.
— One thing you would change or do differently? Throughout the year, prior to starting the application process, document your contributions at work and think critically about what you want to do next in your career. Second, reach out to your recommenders early and periodically check-in on the progress of the letter.
— Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it? The personal/creative essay because I felt that the pressure was high to come up with something very creative, but I reminded myself to just have fun with it.
Greatest highlight so far at NYU Stern? The breadth of professional and personal backgrounds I have encountered so far.
One thing about NYU Stern that you didn’t expect before arriving? How jam-packed our schedules become with social activities starting the first week.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year? FOMO (fear of missing out) there are so many interesting events and initiatives I want to get involved in. I need to strive for a good balance between classes, recruiting, and socializing.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year? Being in a classroom again and learning something new every day!
