Dana M. Hill, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2022
Age: 33
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Harvard University, English & American Language and Literature, with a minor in Spanish
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 11 years in arts and non-profit management including 9 years in fundraising at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Why business school? Why now?
I joined Ailey as an assistant shortly after graduating from college. At the time, my tentative plan was to stay for two years before attending business school. Of course, plans change.
I worked at Ailey during a period of significant growth and change for the organization, and so there were several opportunities for me to take on additional responsibility and work on new projects. While I was a member of the fundraising department, I worked very closely with Marketing and IT on tickets for Ailey’s performances all over the world. I enjoyed solving the puzzle of seating all of our VIP guests, helping to maximize revenue and attendance for our performances, and making improvements to all of our ticketing systems. I got a taste of business school through Accounting and Statistics classes at NYU’s School of Professional Studies, but I still didn’t see myself having what I thought was a typical business career.
After leaving Ailey in 2019, I pursued opportunities in the arts and nonprofit space, but it became more and more clear that it was the right time for me to get formal business training. Once I finally started to research and visit schools, I realized that I didn’t have to have my dream job completely figured out before applying and that post-MBA jobs and industries were much more varied than I thought.
Why NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
Location was a big part of my decision to attend NYU. I’ve been living in New York since 2011, and it’s no secret that it is not a cheap place to live! I applied to several schools and saw myself trying out a new city like Chicago. As I visited other schools, people often mentioned traveling to New York on Fridays for recruiting activities (pre-pandemic). So I felt being in New York already would be an advantage and give me the ability to meet with companies any time. Beyond recruiting, being close to many top companies means that you can have more meaningful interactions during the year through in-semester internships and experiential learning programs such as Stern Solutions. I definitely wanted a program where I would be able to get hands-on business experience on campus, not just during my internship.
I also liked Stern’s class size. It is big enough to have people from all walks of life and a large alumni community, but still small enough that you can get to know the majority of your classmates and aren’t competing against each other for limited resources.
What truly made Stern my first-choice program amongst the schools to which I was accepted was my experience interviewing at Stern Perspectives Weekend. I met students and alumni who are members of the Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, and they were incredibly welcoming to me and the other applicants from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. At other programs, students said their community was close and supportive, but it came off more as a talking point. At Stern, the students didn’t just say they would help us with career recruiting if we came to Stern—they told us right then and there what to do over the summer to prepare for specific industries. It was clear that a lot of thought and effort that many people put into that weekend.
Because nothing was normal this year, I have to add that when I was accepted to schools in the spring, I could tell that Stern did a great job quickly transitioning to virtual classes. The weekend for admitted students was quickly converted into an online event, and I still had a chance to speak directly with current students and Stern administrators. I was impressed with the programming Stern was able to provide with no technical hiccups. We didn’t know what the fall would be like then, but I knew it was important to choose a program that could handle virtual learning well.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
Working for almost a decade at an organization with many components, I bring an understanding of how a complex organization works. I’ve seen the challenges of unifying staff with wildly different functions, expertise, and sometimes locations, to achieve common goals. I also bring my leadership experience and coming from the arts and philanthropy, my knowledge of those industries.
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I was very involved in the arts in college, which gave me the opportunity to meet or perform for quite a few famous people. One year, I danced on stage with Salma Hayek during an annual arts showcase in college.
Post-MBA career interests?
Consulting, Healthcare
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Really get to know the ins and outs of the programs you are applying to. I learned a lot by visiting programs and hearing what each school had to offer helped me better identify the qualities my ideal program would have. While you can’t visit schools this year, there is a lot of information available online. At Stern, and at most programs, the Admissions office can connect you with current students who are more than happy to answer questions and talk to you about their experience. If you can, do this before you apply, and you can also use everything you learn to make your applications that much stronger.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
I would start working on my applications earlier. You should absolutely follow the advice of admissions officers and submit your application when it is in its best shape, but don’t wait until the last minute either. Each application definitely takes time.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Asking for recommendations. I was nervous about this, especially since my application deadlines came just after the holidays in December. When I actually spoke to each of my recommenders on the phone, they agreed without hesitation and were so supportive. It was a good boost to know that I had these people in my corner advocating for me during a stressful time.
What is your initial impression of Stern’s students/culture/community?
The Stern community has been great. Though we can’t do much in person, we are doing our best to get to know each other and work together. I keep meeting people who are very smart, but also just down to earth, normal people that I enjoy being around. There is definitely a lot of collaboration and sharing so that everyone can be successful, academically, and otherwise.
One thing you have learned about Stern that has surprised you?
The most surprising thing about Stern has been the professors. I guess I had a vision of the professors being academic rock stars who come in and give a lecture and then leave students to sink or swim with the material. But they are very passionate about their areas of focus and actually put a lot of effort into teaching, and this year, dealing with the virtual component. They are much more accessible and flexible than I anticipated.
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Finding time to get everything done. Recruiting for consulting will be a big focus for this fall, but of course, I still have classes and hope to have some sort of social life. It is definitely a lot to juggle, but hopefully, I will get to enjoy myself a little more in the spring.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Getting to know my fellow Sternies! It’s been great to meet some classmates in person in classes and while social distancing. We’re hopeful that we will be able to have more traditional social interactions in the spring.
