Natasha Raskin, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2022
Age: 25
Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ
Undergraduate Institution and Major: I attended Vanderbilt University and majored in Human and Organizational Development & Corporate Strategy
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): I worked for FedEx for the last three years focused on retail and consumer marketing. For the first year, I worked in a rotational program and joined three different teams across marketing before settling into my full-time role.
Why business school? Why now?
When I began my third year at FedEx I started thinking a lot about what I wanted to come next in my career. I realized the parts I loved most about my job were strategic in nature — delving into problem-solving and working with teams to have an impact. I was ready to find a new role where I could focus more on strategic work, which made it the perfect time to pursue my MBA in order to make a career switch into management consulting. I knew that an MBA was essential to reaching my new goals, and the foundation I will gain from NYU Stern will allow me to achieve them.
Why NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I am not sure you can visit NYU Stern and not fall in love with it! That said, several factors influenced my decision in the end. Having attended undergrad in Nashville and then after that living in Dallas for three years, I was incredibly excited with the idea of moving to Manhattan. I knew that any opportunity I could possibly want to go after would be available here in the heart of the business world.
The ability to do an in-semester internship or participate in one of the many consulting-style classes with real clients was hugely impactful for my decision. Although many MBA programs have similar offerings, not many can also provide the types of companies and previous clients that NYU Stern has being local to New York City.
I also loved the IQ + EQ mentality at NYU Stern. As you go through the (often arduous) process of researching schools, applying, and interviewing, I believe you gain a genuine perspective into the inner workings of the School’s culture and its students. It was clear to me that it was not just a motto, but something the School truly emulated every day.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2022?
As one of Stern’s Advancing Women in Business Scholars, I am incredibly excited to get involved on campus and make an impact at NYU Stern and beyond. My fundamental approach when it comes to my education and my career is to give 100 percent to whatever I am doing. So I look forward to bringing my passion into the classroom, clubs, and forming connections at Stern!
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I have a (very minor) celebrity doppelganger. The other Natasha Raskin hosts British Antiques Roadshow. I get a lot of social media requests from British people who are into antiquing!
Post-MBA career interests? 
Management consulting
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Take the GMAT/GRE early! The rest of the application process will take more time than you think, so you definitely do not want to have to worry about the exam too.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Remain confident in myself. Applying can be an incredibly intimidating process and I started to feel like I did not “deserve” to be there. Remember that your story is unique and don’t compare yourself to the other people you meet along the way.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
The stress! I definitely let the process worry me too much and it is easy to get wrapped up in it, but my best advice is to surround yourself with people who will support you through it and remind yourself that everything works out the way it should.
What is your initial impression of Stern’s students/culture/community?
I am already so impressed with the passion and enthusiasm from those I have met from just a few weeks at Stern. This is such a strange year and a hard way to start business school, but every person that I have met whether here in New York or virtually has been 100 percent committed to having an amazing MBA experience despite it all – and because of it. Everyone is making such an effort to meet each other and although this is not how we all would have picked for the year to go, I truly believe that my class is even more dedicated to forming connections and embodying that Stern culture.
One thing you have learned about Stern that has surprised you?
How many different backgrounds there are in my class! Although I knew there would be in theory going in, it is still fascinating to learn about what my peers have done – from working in the ER to teaching to the more traditional business backgrounds. Everyone has great insight to add to the class discussions!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting! The fall is a busy time and it will be completely different this year being virtual. That said, the MBA2s and the Office of Career Development have been working tirelessly to prepare us to be successful. I know it will be a lot of work- but so worth it in the end to find an amazing internship experience.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about building friendships with my class!
