Kelsey Kuessner, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024
Kelsey Kuessner, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024Age: 28
Hometown: Butler, KY
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Morehead State University, Business Administration-Marketing Focus
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 6 years in commodity trading in the steel sector.
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Business school was something I’ve been considering for a few years. I knew it would be a great way to either transition or enhance my career. Over the past couple years, the pandemic and volatility of the job market inspired me to look deeper into where I wanted my career to go. I ultimately decided I was ready for a new challenge.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My journey to my business school decision was certainly a roller coaster. The one thing I knew I needed out of a grad program was the ability to meet people from many different cultures and backgrounds. I wanted to learn and grow with people from all around the world and get away from my comfortable Midwestern bubble. I was torn between three different schools when I received my offer from NYU Stern. Somehow, it clicked immediately. The thrill of living in the greatest city in the world took over my decision process pretty quickly. I knew Stern would be my best opportunity to breach my comfort zone and accelerate my career.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
Business school is known to be quite rigorous and exhausting. I expect my role in this program will be to bring lighthearted content to high-pressure situations. When we have weeks of non-stop casing and interviews, you’ll often find me in the corner of the study lounge pulling people up for a five-minute dance break.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I grew up on a farm in Kentucky and got my first pony at age four. I know, I’m the kid that actually got a pony for Christmas. I can never ask Santa for anything ever again.
Post-MBA career interests:
Strategy Consulting
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
You absolutely will have moments of imposter syndrome and will feel like you don’t have what it takes to get into or succeed in a top business school. Everyone at some point (or many many points) feels this way. Know it’s a valid feeling, but it’s not reality. You’re going to crush it.
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
One thing I did that was invaluable in the school research process was reaching out to current MBA students at any school that piqued my interest. They are always happy to help prospective students because they remember how tedious the process is. Current students can help shed light on campus culture, career opportunities, and community involvement at their university.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would have spent more time during the summer before my first semester researching potential future employers and attending their pre-MBA events. Some companies, specifically in consulting, offer summer sessions to help future MBA students learn about their workplace culture and job opportunities.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I would have skipped the GMAT/GRE process. I signed up for a prep course and spent hours staring at books, but motivation to study was low when I was so anxious to be working on applications and researching schools rather than studying quant.
What is your initial impression of the Stern students/culture/community?
My initial impression of the Stern community, and I know this sounds corny, is we are truly all in this together. It’s going to be a challenging two years, but every person here is willing to help their classmates any way they can, whether it’s studying, recruiting prep, or socializing.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I was pretty nervous moving to NYC, that it might be difficult to make friends in such a large city, but the reality couldn’t be any different. In just two weeks, we’ve had a class trip to the Hamptons, two boat cruises, a bowling night, and many group team building activities. Stern made it easy to develop countless connections early in our program and I can already tell these friendships will last much longer than two years.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Recruiting and casing! Case studies are a big part of most MBA programs, but especially for those recruiting in consulting. They require a lot of quick critical thinking and mental math. However, Stern offers more ways to prep than I could’ve ever imagined–clubs, study groups, specialized classes, career coaching, online resources, etc.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited to get to know my fellow classmates. I’m surrounded by some of the brightest and most driven people in our generation. These connections and friendships will have the greatest influence in shaping the rest of my career and personal journeys.
Has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your personal application or admissions process in any way? If so, how?
Covid absolutely affected my admissions process, but in a productive way. My time spent at home during the beginning of the pandemic really allowed me to reflect on my current career path versus my ideal career path. When I realized those two paths didn’t align, I was forced to move forward and explore my MBA.
