Peter Sleeper, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2023
Age: 27
Hometown: New Hartford, New York
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Cornell University, Hotel Administration with a Minor in Real Estate
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): Five years, United States Army
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
NYU Stern checked all the boxes during my MBA search; however, the Fertitta Veterans MBA Program truly differentiated Stern from other business schools. The program is designed for U.S. military veterans and active duty students to support their transition to business school. I will be forever grateful for the Fertitta brothers, alumnus Lorenzo Fertitta (MBA ’93) and Frank J. Fertitta III, as their generosity made it possible for me to attend NYU.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2023?
I am proud to be at the intersection of two unique NYU communities: the military veteran and LGBTQ+ communities.
Tell us a fun fact that didn’t get included on your application:
I grew up skiing competitively. The individual sport is highly technical and challenging, which provided a much different aspect/dynamic than the team sports I played in the fall and spring. My love for skiing heavily impacted my “wish list” for duty locations. I am incredibly fortunate to have been stationed in Colorado, home to some of the world’s best skiing.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am capitalizing on Stern’s professional clubs, such as the Management Consulting Association and Stern Technology Association, and resources such as the Office of Career Development to learn as much as possible leading up to the full-time recruiting pipelines.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
– What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Talk to students and alumni of the school you are interested in attending. Applying to business schools is stressful, but just like anything in life, “it takes a village.” The worst thing they might do is not respond, but more likely than not, they will be more than happy to schedule a phone call to share their story and hear yours. This method is the best approach to get the true pulse of what your life could be like in the near future by asking questions that can’t be answered on a school’s website.
– What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have started earlier. As I stated, it is stressful, and time is a finite resource.
– What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I applied to business school while deployed to Afghanistan; however, I made do with what I had and “embraced the suck,” as we say in the Army. Although I was eight and a half hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time, I managed my time appropriately to attend virtual information sessions and talk with current students, even if I had to set an alarm clock for odd hours of the night.
What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
NYU Stern genuinely embraces IQ+EQ, valuing both intellectual and interpersonal strengths. I briefly experienced it when I spoke to current students when I was applying, but I figured they were the nice ones that agreed to schedule a talk. My theory was heavily debunked the moment I started LAUNCH, the school’s MBA orientation. Every student from across the globe is obviously intelligent but also truly emotionally intelligent. My initial conversations weren’t just to pass the time until the next scheduled event. Instead, everyone was sincerely interested in hearing my story and immediately willing and excited to help me reach my goals.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I am not necessarily surprised but more so grateful that NYU Stern practices what it preaches. Most of my responses to these prompts are real examples of how Stern lives up to its values.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
In the spring of 2020, COVID-19 impeded my ability to take the GMAT in preparation for the ongoing business school application rounds. I then deployed to Afghanistan, where, again, due to COVID-19, the base testing center temporarily closed. A few weeks later, due to the drawdown of U.S. forces from Afghanistan, the testing center permanently closed along with other base amenities. Additionally, I did not have the system requirements to support the online version regarding the online exam due to my remote location.
There were many obstacles in my application process, but fortunately, the NYU Stern Admission Committee worked with me one-on-one. It turned out to be a positive experience, which further solidified Stern’s empathetic culture.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
The balancing act, primarily with recruiting. Usually, the trade-off act of “pick two points of the triangle” in business school is between recruiting, school, and social life; however, I joined the Army Reserve after Active Duty, so in reality, my triangle is a quadrilateral. Luckily, the second-year MBAs that manage the professional clubs and the NYU Stern staff are here to help me succeed.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to learn! Learn through Stern’s incredible professors, diverse student body, and city campus living.
