Surabhi Khanna, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27 years
Hometown: New Delhi, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: BSc. Mathematics from Lady Shriram College, Delhi University
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry):
I’ve been with Google in the Sales & Marketing function for five years. My last role was as an Account Manager for high growth businesses in the India market. Before joining Google, I worked in a boutique consulting firm for a year.
Why business school? Why now?
I want to transition to a strategy role in the technology industry. In order to excel at such a role, it is essential gain a holistic understanding of other business functions. I’m interested in building further expertise in strategy and business analytics as well as in expanding my network. Additionally, I also want to build a better understanding of areas such as finance to which I’ve had limited exposure in the past.
Why Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Located in Downtown New York City, Stern is a stone’s throw away from some of the world’s largest and most innovative companies. This not only leads to greater opportunities to meet leading executives, but also makes unique experiential learning opportunities a possibility. One such course I’m drawn to is ‘Tech in the City,’ which is a semester long course that allows students to experience an early stage technology startup first hand.
Another important factor in my decision was the community and culture at the school. I wanted to attend a school where students are invested in each other. When I connected with students and alumni from the school, each person said that the Stern community felt like family to them. Even in this limited time, I’ve seen that the community is close knit and always looks out for one another.
Lastly, as an international student myself, I wanted to attend a program that valued diversity. Through the program, I am hoping to meet individuals from other communities and learn from their experiences. About 40 percent of Stern’s 2020 class is comprised of international students. I’m looking forward to some interesting discussions in class!
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
Having devised marketing strategies for clients of varying operating scale and maturity across both developed and developing markets, I hope to bring a unique perspective to the classroom.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I’m an avid foodie and love trying out all the different types of food a city has to offer! I’m extremely excited to explore Manhattan’s restaurants, food trucks and halal carts over the next two years.
Post-MBA career interests?
Post MBA, I want to transition to a strategy role in the technology industry.
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I really enjoyed connecting with students and alumni from different schools. I also loved talking to other applicants during the process. I learnt something different from each person I spoke to. The insights they provided helped me every step of the way. The whole process on the whole is stressful so it’s important to ask for help when you need it.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would apply in Round 1. I wasn’t 100% happy about my essays in Round 1 and decided to wait more. Overall, it became a lot more stressful with time. I advise anyone with the same issue to just try to have fun with it instead.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
This would be the essays for sure. I never felt they were perfect and stressed out about them constantly. My family and friends gave me a lot of input and support through the process, which ultimately helped me get through it.
What is your initial impression of Stern’s students/culture/community?
Everyone from the students, alumni, faculty and staff is extremely inclusive and warm.
One thing you have learned about Stern that has surprised you?
I had heard everyone at Stern is very warm, but was surprised by how everyone goes out of their way to help. I received proactive advice from MBA2s on a range of things including recruiting, handling workload, life as an international student and more. One MBA2 even gave me detailed advice on what to carry to NYC from India which made planning a lot easier.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Striking the right balance between classes, recruiting, extracurricular activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I’ve been told the first semester is particularly stressful so it’s important to be organized.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
A number of things! I’m excited to get to know my classmates at NYU / Stern better. I’m also extremely excited to live in NYC which has always been a childhood dream of mine. Lastly, I’m looking forward to being in a classroom after six years.
Clear Admit Resources
Thanks for reading about the Real Humans of NYU Stern’s Class of 2020! As you work on your Stern MBA essays and application, we encourage you to consider all of Clear Admit’s Stern offerings:
- NYU Stern Business School Profile on the Clear Admit website: up-to-date advice and admissions information
- Clear Admit LiveWire: admissions updates submitted in real time by applicants to NYU / Stern
- Clear Admit DecisionWire: school selections in real-time by admits to NYU / Stern
