Aindrilla (Andy) Mukherjee, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024
Aindrilla (Andy) Mukherjee, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024Age: 24
Hometown: Gurgaon, India
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 3 years, Financial Advisory Services
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
I worked in investment banking prior to the MBA, and I spent the last couple years really honing my technical acumen and interpersonal skills. The next step for me is to gain a more holistic understanding of business, in areas beyond finance, so that I can add more value to my clients, forming stronger relationships with them and, ultimately, driving more business for my firm. To do this, I need a broader understanding of business in areas beyond finance, and this knowledge gap is something I want to bridge through an MBA programme, through not just classes, but a combination of experiential learning and the shared experiences of a diverse and incredibly accomplished cohort. I was ready to take this new step in my career, and decided it was the perfect time to apply to business school.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
The very first thing that attracts me to Stern is the strong investment banking (IB) ecosystem. From the Graduate Finance Association (GFA) to the resources offered by the Office of Career Development (OCD), Stern provides unparalleled support in the IB recruiting process. I was also attracted to the distinguished faculty at Stern – some of the professors are leading experts and industry legends, and it would be an honour to study under them. The third factor is the multitude of experiential learning opportunities that Stern offers, which would complement my education and add a practical dimension to my learning, allowing me to truly complement my prior experiences with a holistic business education. Some opportunities that I am keen to explore are Stern’s student run investment funds, the Stern Signature Projects, the EmpowHER program (Stern’s inaugural program for women in sustainable finance) and the global DBIs (Doing Business In…).
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2024?
My experience in finance definitely gives me an edge, but I also think something that would set me apart is that I am a people’s person, I love to get to know people and hear their stories. The MBA curriculum involves a lot of group work and team communication, and I am excited to work with my cohort and get to know them better.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I love adventure sports! I recently tried kayaking, and took a kayaking city tour in Dublin. Definitely my favourite way to get to explore a new city!
Post-MBA career interests:
Investment banking (energy industry group)
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
The most insightful way for me to learn about Stern, or any other programme I applied to, was by talking to current students and/or alumni, and I would absolutely do it again. In my experience, people tend to want to be helpful and are usually more than happy to share their insights and experiences. Reaching out to MBA2s – my current seniors – helped me gain an unfiltered perspective of what it is truly like to be a Sternie, and forge strong bonds even before starting school, which I am excited to strengthen over the coming months.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Nothing really occurs to me, I planned my MBA applications well in advance and the process worked for me, I got into my top choice of school, so I would probably do the same thing over again.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think the entire process is incredibly anxiety inducing, and I would definitely love to skip the stress! That part goes with the territory unfortunately, but if I could go back in time, I would tell myself to worry a bit less and enjoy the process a little more. The entire process is set up in a way to bring out your most authentic self, and is a great chance to reflect on your achievements and the value you bring to the table, so if I did it again, I would definitely take some time to celebrate the wins and approach the process with more trust in myself.
What is your initial impression of the Stern students/culture/community?
The first word that comes to mind when I think of my experiences at Stern so far is ‘structured.’ All the programming has been carefully organized to provide a seamless transition to students and prepare them to get into the MBA mindset. There is a framework and a plan in place for everything, and it is relatively easier to adapt to this environment. Additionally, a lot of the programming is lead by the senior class, and they have been incredibly warm and welcoming with our batch. They have been forthcoming with their experiences and insights, providing us with candid advice and unfiltered feedback, and are a strong pillar of support for our batch to lean on.
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I love how helpful and collaborative Stern’s culture is! MBA programmes are stereotyped to be extremely cutthroat and unhealthily competitive, but that has not been my experience at Stern at all. Everyone is collaborative, they share resources and provide insights, and in general are supportive of each other, and it makes navigating the MBA experience much easier.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I think one of the challenges for any MBA student is trying to figure out a unique brand. We are all motivated, high-performing achievers, and everyone tends to be a little wary of how the dynamics of the next two years will play out. Having said that, Stern has fostered a tight-knit community and a sense of collaboration over the years. All of us feel like we are in this together, which helps to assuage any fears.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I am excited about the many opportunities for learning, and not just in class! Stern’s programme has many avenues to work on real-world problems through experiential learning opportunities, global educational experiences and research centres. I am also looking forward to learning from discourse with my talented cohort, and working with other people who are passionate about solving business problems and creating a positive impact in the world.
