Tiffaine Stephens, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2020
Age: 26
Hometown: East Orange, NJ
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Howard University, Marketing
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Lilly / Pharmaceutical Marketing; 4 years
Why business school? Why now?
By my third year at Lilly, I had the opportunity to work on legacy brands and get involved in the changing dynamics of the organization. On the side, I was working on my small business—The Image Republic—and found the most passion in helping small business owners and creatives build their brand strategy. After developing the vision for The Image Republic, I realized that business school could provide foundational support as an aspiring business leader and career-marketer, which would complement my time at Lilly.
The timing was determined based on personal reflection on my long-term goals and the progress I was making. Business school had always been on my mind, but I decided to accelerate the process once I determined my long-term goal to lead a business.
Why Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I had the following criteria in mind: location, a curriculum supportive of my hands-on learning style and interests (especially entrepreneurship), and the overall vibe of the campus and current students. Financial support was also a major factor so I focused mostly on member schools of the Consortium. There was a specific event in August 2017 that left me in complete wonder of NYU. The event hosted a panel of students and, through their stories, I realized that somebody who wanted to ultimately focus on the community in the long run, could benefit from business school. I walked away inspired and encouraged that I could call NYU / Stern home.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
I think my most valuable contribution will be my role as a business owner. Having to work as a consultant has given me the chance to learn about industries outside of pharma and has presented me with challenges I would have never guessed when started The Image Republic. Combined with my roles at Lilly, I’ll be able to contribute my knowledge of managing a brand/business.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I love running! I ran track in high school, and as an adult I’ve turned into a long-distance runner.
Post-MBA career interests?
My goal is to develop strong brands through experience, content, and technology in either CPG or entertainment. I’ll continue to expand The Image Republic.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Attend as many events as you possibly can! A school’s slate of events will reveal the school’s focus and overall energy. It also gives you the chance to meet students, which was so helpful for me. I realized I needed reassurance that I could achieve my goals through business school, and I found that through conversations with current students.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would try to build and maintain meaningful relationships with current and prospective students. Working while applying to business school is most likely the norm, so I would recommend that prospective students intentionally build all things related to business school into their busy schedules.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I’m naturally an introvert so a happy hour after a day of networking was daunting for me, but I knew it was important to experience both the business and social side of business school. The only way to get through it is to dive right in and treat everyone like your future classmate.
What is your initial impression of Stern’s students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that NYU / Stern is a family and extremely inclusive. I can tell it’s a place that I can be my most authentic self and grow at the same time.
One thing you have learned about Stern that has surprised you?
Contrary to what many believe of business school, Sternies are collaborative and supportive. I got to witness that at Consortium OP. We worked hard, but still made time to have fun and let our guards down.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m most anxious about the economic burden of choice. The great thing about Stern is there are so many activities in which to be involved. Not to mention we’re in the city that doesn’t sleep. I tend to say yes too much, so I’ve been constantly reminding myself that less is more.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m so excited to build meaningful relationships with my classmates!
