Alex Never, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2024
Hometown: Munich, Germany
Undergraduate Institution and Major: University of Sussex, BSc Economics
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Consulting at EY; 2 years, Co-Founder of Soccer Agency
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
At EY I was primarily operating within financial planning and analysis teams within the corporate finance function at various companies. Given my narrow professional focus, in addition to coming from an economics background, I thought it crucial that I formalize my business education as well as obtain insights into operations, marketing, and strategy.
Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
My first priority was to go to business school in the US and specifically New York, given the number of opportunities you only get by being in the city.
In addition, moving across the pond required finding people I felt I connected with to make my transition to the US as smooth as possible. I spoke to various alumni across east coast schools and felt comfortable in every conversation I had with Stern alumni and students, which made it easy to narrow down my top choice.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I spent the first three-ish years of my life in Warsaw, Poland, and almost exclusively spoke Polish with my sister. I’ve since forgotten the language entirely.
Post-MBA career interests:
Finance
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Get your GMAT score as soon as possible. Also consider narrowing down the number of schools you apply to.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
Connect with alumni as early as possible from as many schools as possible. Doing so allows you to narrow down the schools you want to focus on early, which can shape your application strategy.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could have?
If it did not affect my application outcomes, it would be writing the essays. I spent the majority of my time overthinking these.
What is your initial impression of the Stern students/culture/community?
Given the small class size and Stern’s emphasis on fostering a tight knit community, its no surprise that everyone has been extremely welcoming (which is great coming in as an international student).
What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
I’ve been impressed by the breadth of the club, academic and recruiting offerings at Stern. There seems to be something for everyone.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Between recruiting, academics and clubs, I want to make sure that I manage my time properly and don’t accidentally overcommit.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m excited to get back to class! I always wish I had emphasized academics more during my undergrad, so I’m excited to get another chance to engage academically at Stern.
