Real Humans of the NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024

Dionna Rivers, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024

Age: 27
Hometown: Rocky Hill, CT
Undergraduate Institution and Major: New York University, Leonard N. Stern School of Business!
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry) – from most recent: Luxury Marketing, 3 years; Market Research, 2 years

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
My decision to attend business school has been years in the making. I made strategic career decisions to expose myself to a variety of marketing roles. Towards the end of 2021, I felt a natural conclusion to my career exploration phase. I spoke with several of my mentors and, given my personal goals, business school became the clear next step.

Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
NYU Stern is a magical place. My undergraduate experience at Stern gave me a unique perspective when choosing an institution. I explored other schools, but every Venn diagram, pro/con list, and SWOT analysis led me to Stern. The curriculum flexibility, specializations, incredible professors, electives, and the proximity to unique opportunities provided by the unmatched Greenwich Village location in New York City, prominently featured in my decision. The energy of the NYU Stern community is inspiring and motivating.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
I’ve spent the past 5 years trying new things, constantly learning, and working to better myself so that I can show up as the best teammate to my peers, and a mentor for anyone interested in the luxury industry or a marketing function. I have many perspectives to share that can bring value to class discussions, coffee chats, and everywhere in between. Being a returning Sternie helps too.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
In 2020, I committed to a plant-based diet. I spend a lot of my waking hours researching and testing recipes for the best homemade plant-based ice cream.

Post-MBA career interests:
Technology and the positive impact that it can have on retail, luxury, and people processes. Startups and venture capital in the space intrigue me as well. There is a lot of room for growth there.

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Research, with a caveat. I listened to podcasts (Clear Admit MBA Admissions Podcast!), audio chatrooms (Clubhouse), forums, etc. I did as much research as I could to determine if the MBA was the right step for me. The pendulum would swing in either direction on any given day. While I utilized the research, I did ultimately need to decide if the MBA would make me happy and propel me in the direction I wanted. I’d recommend doing a lot of research, accompanied by a lot more soul searching.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would start the applications earlier. I slightly underestimated the amount of time that it would take me to prepare what I felt was a compelling application, despite those many hours of research. I would suggest taking a day to read through the questions early to wrap your mind around some topics you might choose to address. That will serve as a bit of mental preparation for your first draft.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I took the GRE in 2020 and most certainly would have skipped it. Visualizing where that test would allow me to go in the future was helpful. I spent at least 20% of my study time daydreaming about the future to pump myself up.

What is your initial impression of the Stern students/culture/community?
My initial impression is that I am thoroughly impressed! The students are incredibly accomplished, yet humble and supportive. The school mentions the importance of both IQ and EQ, but to see both of those embodied in a community is special. The community genuinely wants to see everyone succeed.

What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
The role that the class of 2023 (MBA2s) plays in the development, growth, and success of the class of 2024 (MBA1s). The culture and community at NYU Stern are largely due to the energy and support that the MBA2s bring to the new school year. They are so excited to meet with the new class, spend time with us, and help us in any way they can from classes to recruiting and everything in between.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Time quickly passing me by! There are so many incredible opportunities at Stern that I look forward to experiencing, but we all have the same 24 hours in a day. I’ll be using every minute of every day to make the most out of my time here at Stern.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to take every opportunity I can to learn from the Stern community. There is no other time in life that I can think of that would allow me to meet hundreds of new people who are all ready and willing to share their knowledge, without ulterior motives. It feels great to make genuine connections with people who truly want the best for you.

Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
The pandemic made me consider what’s important to me. I do feel it impacted how passionate I was about getting an MBA, and it likely showed in my application. Life is short. Today’s the day to do what will bring you the most joy. For me, NYU Stern is one of those things and I’m excited to be back.