Real Humans of the NYU Stern MBA Class of 2025

Noel Garreaud, NYU Stern MBA Class of 2025

Age: 32
Hometown: Lima, Perú
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Universidad de Ciencias Peruanas (UPC) – Administration and Finance
Pre-MBA Work Experience (role, company, years): Senior Business Consultant – Ernst & Young – 1 year; Finance Director – K2 Seguridad y Resguardo – 3 years; Consultant – Falcon Management Partners – 4 years

Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
Earning a master’s degree was something that had always crossed my mind because I believe that it is necessary to compete in a demanding and dynamic job market. Business school not only helps you expand your technical skills but also adds many soft skills to your repertoire. It also invites you to join a community of professionals that helps you forge valuable relationships for your future.

Additionally, for the past few years, Peru has been experiencing a very serious political crisis that hinders the country’s development, and there doesn’t seem to be a short-term solution in sight. Given the circumstances, for me, coming to Stern is a way to continue my professional growth and development.

Why did you choose NYU Stern? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose NYU Stern for its unique combination of factors that align with my career goals. Firstly, the opportunity to study in the heart of New York City — a global business hub — was a compelling draw. This location not only provides access to diverse industry opportunities but also immerses me in a fast-paced, innovative environment where I thrive. Secondly, the academic approach, which integrates theory with practical application, resonated with my belief in the importance of a well-rounded education. Lastly, the program’s diversity and the cosmopolitan nature of NYC itself make it an ideal place for networking and building relationships with individuals from around the world who share similar professional ambitions. Together, these factors make NYU Stern the perfect fit for my educational and career journey.

What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2025?
I believe that being one of the older members of the MBA class will allow me to make some interesting contributions to the Class of 2025. For instance, I have extensive work experience where I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies of all sizes and in various stages of the business cycle, as well as with people from diverse backgrounds. From each of my experiences, I have gained valuable knowledge and I would like to share that with my fellow classmates.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Not too many years ago, I used to be afraid of cats. The few times I had interacted with them hadn’t been the best experiences, but they weren’t entirely bad either. Nonetheless, I couldn’t be near them. Then, I met my girlfriend, who was a cat lover, and she changed my perspective. Nowadays, we have a cat who is like a child to us.

Post-MBA career interests:
I come with a strong background in consulting, and I truly enjoy the work. I would like to continue developing skills that make me an even better consultant, but this time in a more developed market like the American one.

Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
What I would absolutely do again as part of my application process is conduct a thorough self-assessment of what I am looking for in an MBA, as well as conduct extensive research on which programs would meet those requirements. I believe that you’ll create a much stronger application if you genuinely know where you want to go.

–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
One thing I would change or do differently is to have been a bit more consistent in my exam preparation. I believe my preparation was solid, but it took longer than expected to sit for the exams, which, in turn, prolonged the decision-making process and left me with a lot of uncertainty about my future.

–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
Certainly, the part I would have skipped if I could is the period after submitting my application and waiting for the first notification. The support from my girlfriend and my family, who encouraged me throughout and told me to have confidence in myself, was crucial in making this long wait much more bearable.

What is your initial impression of the NYU Stern students/culture/community?
So far, everything has exceeded my expectations, and I must admit that I had high expectations for Stern. But it’s the sense of unity and support from the Stern community, both from current students and alumni, that has impressed me the most. They are always ready to offer help when you need it, which makes you feel like you’re part of a family.

What is one thing you have learned about NYU Stern that has surprised you?
One thing that has surprised me about NYU Stern is the extensive network that exists among students, alumni, professors, and major global companies. I knew I was coming to a place where outstanding professionals graduate and are highly sought after by all kinds of companies, but now I realize it’s so much more than that. NYU Stern is truly a community of excellent professionals.

What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
I’m anxiously looking forward to starting the recruitment process and finding out which company I’ll be interning with during the summer. I can’t wait to show what I can bring to the table.

What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
I’m most excited about getting to know new people from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. People are a great source of knowledge, from those who are earlier in their career to those who have been around for a long time. What you learn from the lives of others is something that no textbook can teach you.